Edexcel Politics: Democracy, Suffrage, Pressure Groups & Rights - Quizlet

What is direct democracy?

A system where citizens make decisions themselves, usually through referendums or initiatives.

What is representative democracy?

A system where citizens elect representatives who make decisions on their behalf.

What are the key features of direct democracy?

High public participation, immediate decision-making, greater legitimacy, no intermediaries.

What are the key features of representative democracy?

Elections, accountability, party competition, elected representatives act on behalf of voters.

What are the similarities between direct and representative democracy?

Both seek legitimacy, participation, and political equality and operate within democratic norms.

What are the differences between direct and representative democracy?

Direct = citizens vote on issues; Representative = elected officials decide.

What are the advantages of direct democracy?

High legitimacy, educates public, reduces elitism, increases participation.

What are the disadvantages of direct democracy?

Can lead to tyranny of majority, uninformed decisions, expensive, impractical for large societies.

What are the advantages of representative democracy?

Practical, efficient, uses expertise, protects minority rights, stable government.

What are the disadvantages of representative democracy?

Potentially unrepresentative, party loyalty over people, lower participation, creation of political class.

What is the case for democratic reform in the UK?

Electoral reform, House of Lords reform, more referendums, digital democracy, compulsory voting.

What did the 1832 Great Reform Act do?

Expanded the franchise to new middle-class men and removed 'rotten boroughs.'

What did the Representation of the People Act 1918 do?

Gave all men over 21 the vote and women over 30 who met property requirements.

What did the Representation of the People Act 1928 do?

Gave women voting rights equal to men at age 21.

What did the Representation of the People Act 1969 do?

Lowered the voting age for everyone from 21 to 18.

How did class affect the franchise historically?

Only wealthy men could vote until 19th-century reforms gradually extended voting rights.

How did gender affect the franchise historically?

Women were excluded until 1918 and gained full equality in 1928.

How did ethnicity historically affect suffrage?

Minority ethnic groups faced barriers but gained equal rights after immigration reforms.

How did age affect suffrage historically?

Voting age reduced from 21 to 18 in 1969 to reflect growing youth political importance.

Who were the suffragists?

NUWSS: peaceful, constitutional campaigners for women's voting rights led by Millicent Fawcett.

Who were the suffragettes?

WSPU: militant campaigners led by Emmeline Pankhurst, using direct action.

What is an example of a current movement to extend the franchise?

Votes at 16 campaign.

How do pressure groups exert influence?

Lobbying, protests, legal challenges, media campaigns, petitions, insider access.

Why does pressure groups' influence vary?

Resources, membership size, media profile, insider status, public support, government ideology.

What is a case study of Greenpeace?

Outsider group using protests, direct action, media campaigns on environmental issues.

What is a case study of the British Medical Association (BMA)?

Insider group using professional expertise and negotiation to influence health policy.

What are think tanks?

Research organisations that create policy ideas to influence government (e.g., Adam Smith Institute).

What are lobbyists?

Paid professionals who seek to influence government on behalf of clients.

What role do corporations play in politics?

Influence policy through donations, lobbying, and threatening to relocate investment.

What is the significance of Magna Carta?

1215 document limiting royal power and establishing the principle that no one is above the law.

What does the Human Rights Act 1998 do?

Incorporates the European Convention on Human Rights into UK law, making rights enforceable in UK courts.

What does the Equality Act 2010 do?

Combines and strengthens anti-discrimination laws, protecting groups from unfair treatment.

What are key debates about rights in the UK?

Balancing security vs liberty, free speech vs hate speech, privacy vs surveillance.

What are limits on rights in the UK?

Rights can be restricted to protect national security, public safety, or to prevent crime.

What is an example of conflict between individual and collective rights?

Anti-terror laws restrict individual freedoms for national security.

What is the civil liberties group Liberty?

Campaigns against intrusive surveillance, defends civil rights, challenges government in courts.

What is the civil liberties group Amnesty International UK?

Campaigns for human rights protections, challenges government over abuses, raises awareness.