Democracy, Participation, And Suffrage

Edexcel A Level Politics (Paper 1) Flashcards

Define Democracy

A system where political power is exercised either directly or indirectly by the people

Core Principles of Democracy

Participation

Representation

Accountability

Legitimacy

Direct Democracy

Citizens make decisions themselves rather than through representatives

Mechanisms of Direct Democracy

Referendums

Petitions

Local Referendums/Consultations

Advantages of Direct Democracy

Involves the public directly

Boosts popular participation

Creates clearer, stronger mandates

Disadvantages of Direct Democracy

Public can be manipulated

Risks tyranny of the majority

Complex issues need expert knowledge

2016 Brexit Referendum

72% Turnout, 52-48 Leave

(No major party supported leave)

Representative Democracy

Citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf

Advantages of Representative Democracy

Practical at scale

Uses expert decision‑making

Protects minority rights

Disadvantages of Representative Democracy

Creates distance from the public

Politicians may be unresponsive

Lower participation weakens legitimacy

Accountability

Representatives must justify actions and face consequences

Mechanisms of Accountability

Elections

Ministerial responsibility

Media

Legislation for Accountability

Recall of MPs Act 2015

Constituents can recall their member of Parliament and trigger a by-election

Example of Ministerial Responsibility

Priti Patel - International Development Secretary (2017)

Resigned after holding unauthorised meetings with Israeli officials.

Legitimacy

The rightful use of power, accepted by the public

Examples of High Legitimacy

Direct mandate from 33 million during Brexit

Boris Johnson's 80‑seat majority (67% turnout GE)

Examples of Low Legitimacy

2001 General Election - 59% turnout

Unelected HoLs

Protective democracy

Believes in popular sovereignty through representatives

Developmental democracy

Believes mass citizen participation is needed for a healthy democracy

Low turnout = Participation Crisis?

Yes: weak mandate, disengagement

No: rise in other forms of participation

Example of Low Turnout

2024 General Election

~60% turnout, one of the lowest in modern history

Example of High Turnout

Scottish Independence Referendum

85% Turnout

Scotland voted to remain in the UK

Voter Apathy

When people can participate in politics but don't care enough to engage or vote

Voter Hapathy

When people feel content with the status quo and therefore see no need to participate

Decline of Party Membership

Disengagement, alternative routes, social changes

Only 1.6% of the electorate now belong to a party

Increased Party Membership

Ed Miliband introduced £3 registered supporters

540 000 surge in members

Other Methods of Political Participation

Pressure group membership has been on the increase

E-politics (Social media, E-petitions)

Example of E-petitions

Revoke Article 50 petition had 5.5M signatures

Suffragists

Peaceful campaigners who used legal methods to win women the vote

Suffragettes

Militant activists who used direct action to force progress on women’s suffrage, led by Emmeline Pankhurst

Advantages of Votes at 16

16 year olds would take more part in politics

Voting becomes a habit and starting it early is a good thing

Disadvantages of Votes at 16

16 year olds lack the necessary life experience and maturity to vote

Better political education is needed first