✅Strengths and weaknesses of representational democracy

in what is RD the only practical system?

a large modern state, where issues are complex + often need rapid response (e.g. deployment of troops)

what are politicians doing that supports RD?

forming parties, which is bringing coherence + giving people a real choice of representatives. Pressure groups form to represent different interests, promoting debate + encouraging a pluralist democracy

what does RD reduce the chances of?

minority rights being overridden by the tyranny of the majority

what do elections allow?

 people to hold representatives to account

what are politicians (in theory)

better informed than the average citizen about the many issues on which they must take a view

what may RD lead to regarding participation?

reduced participation as people choose to hand responsibility to politicians

what are parties + pressure groups often run by?

elites pursuing their own agendas, not truly representing the people

why may minorities still find themselves underrepresented ?

as politicians are more likely to follow the views of the majority to secure elections

what are politicians skilful in?

avoiding accountability, especially as general elections are years apart

what may politicians be?

• corrupt + incompetent, may betray election promises or put loyalty to their party before responsibility to the electorate