Democracy and participation: Current systems of representative democracy and direct democracy

Democracy

A system where power is held by the people.

Direct democracy

A system where the people are able to make decisions directly on an issue, usually in the form of a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ response.

Representative democracy

A system where the people elect a person or group of people to represent their interests and make decisions on their behalf. 

Liberal democracy

A system where the right to vote will be widespread and representatives will act in the interests of everyone in society. 

Parliamentary democracy

A system where Parliament stands as the highest form of authority. The executive branch is drawn from and accountable to the people’s representatives. 

Presidential democracy

A system where the executive is elected separately from the legislative body and is therefore chosen and directly accountable to the people. 

Pluralist democracy

A system of government where there is competition between different groups who represent popular concerns to the government of the day. 

Majoritarian democracy

A system where the will or desires of the majority of the population are the prime considerations of the government. 

What are the functions of democracy?

(RAPPLE)

Representation

Accountability

Participation

Power dispersal

Legitimacy

Education

Give three features of direct democracy.

Citizens make political decisions without operating through anyone else.

Decisions are made by a majority vote on a simple for or against basis.

The most common form is the use of referendums and petitions. 

Give three features of representative democracy

There are regular and fair elections.

There are elected representative assemblies at every level.

There are political parties.

Give three advantages of direct democracy.

Encourages popular participation in politics by expecting people to take their duties as citizens seriously.

Removes the need for trusted representatives, as people can take responsibility for their own decisions.

Develops a sense of community and encourages genuine debate.

Give three disadvantages of direct democracy.

Impractical in a large, heavily populated modern state where decision-making is complicated.

Open to manipulation by the cleverest and most articulate speakers, who will persuade people to support their viewpoint.

Will of the majority is not mediated by parliamentary institutions, so minority viewpoints are disregarded.

In what three ways can direct democracy be used within a representative democracy?

Referendums

2015 Recall of MPs Act

Petitions

2015 Recall of MPs Act

Allows a petition to be triggered if an MP is sentenced to be imprisoned or is suspended from the House of Commons for more than 21 days. If 10% of eligible voters in the constituency sign the petition a by-election is called.

What was the largest e-petition to be signed by 6.1 million people?

For Article 50 to be revoked and for Britain to remain in the European Union.

The petition to prevent Donald Trump from making a state visit to the UK gained how many million signatures?

1.8 million signatures.

Give two examples of rejected e-petitions.

The speaker to mandate the PM answers questions during PMQ.

To end compulsory homework in schools.

Democratic deficit

A term used to describe the undemocratic nature of institutions or procedures that are supposed to promote democracy.

Participation crisis

A failure of the public to participate in the political process, which can undermine democratic legitimacy.

Give three advantages of representative democracy

The only practical system in a large modern state, where issues are complex and often need rapid response.

Elections allow people to hold representatives to account.

Politicians are (in theory) better informed than the average citizen about the many issues on which they must take a view.

Give three disadvantages of representative democracy

May lead to reduced participation as people choose to give responsibility to politicians.

Politicians are skilful in avoiding accountability, especially as general elections are usually 5 years apart in the UK.

Politicians may be corrupt and incompetent, many betray election promises or put loyalty to their party before responsibility to the electorate.

What was the turnout in the 2001 general election?

59%

What was the turnout in the 2017 general election?

69%

What was the turnout in the 2019 general election?

67%

What was the turnout in the Scottish Independence Referendum?

84.6%

What was the turnout in the EU referendum?

72%

What was the turnout in the 2021 metro mayors election?

34%

What was the turnout in the 2021 Scottish Parliament election?

63.4%

What was the turnout in the 2021 Welsh Assembly election?

46.6%

What was the turnout in the 2021 London Mayoral election?

42.2%

What was the turnout in the 2021 Police and Crime Commissioners election?

33%

Give three advantages of the Westminster Model.

Government is representative and responsible.

Government is strong and effective.

The rule of law defends basic civil liberties and ensures that power is not exercised arbitrarily.

Give three disadvantages of the Westminster Model.

There are insufficient checks and balances.

The concentration of power at the centre means that decisions are not taken close to the people.

There is not a strong rights culture: governments can use ordinary legislation or executive powers to restrict the rights of citizens.

What could be done to improve the UK system?

Digital elections

Removing party whips on key votes or votes in general within the UK

More frequent elections

Give three advantages of compulsory voting

Voting is a social duty as well as a right; people should be engaged in the processes that affect their lives.

It would produce a Parliament that is more representative of the population as a whole.

Politicians would have to run better quality campaigns, and the governments would have to frame their policies with the whole electorate in mind.

Give three disadvantages of compulsory voting.

It may lead to ‘donkey voting’.

It is undemocratic to force people to take part in something that should be a matter of choice.

It would not stop politicians focusing their campaign on marginal seats, and neglecting safe seats where the outcome is predictable.