Democracy and Participation

Representative Democracy

A system in which people elect representatives to act on their behalf and in their best interests.

Direct Democracy

A system in which people decide on policy issues themselves via referendums and incentives rather them indirectly through elected representatives.

Democracy

Power is held by 'the people.'

How is democracy seen in the modern world?

The purest and most effective way of ruling a state.

Which nation is seen as the oldest modern democracy in the world?

The United Kingdom

Enfranchised

Given the right to vote.

Suffarage

The right to vote.

What was the Great Reform Act of 1832?

This act redistributed seats in the House of Commons and gave representative to larger towns and cities which eliminated rotten borough. They also enlarged the electorate (number of male citizens who could vote). This act still required that voters own property.

When were women enfranchised in the UK?

1918 = Over 30, with property.

1928 = 21, equal to men.

Factors for a participation crisis

Voting

Party membership

Ending corporatism

Factors against a participation crisis

Increased turnout

More parties

Pressure group membership

Social Campaigners

Democratic Deficit

Term used to describe the undemocratic elements/nature of an institution that are supposed to support and promote democracy.

9 features of democracy

Elections

Representation

Legitimacy

Participation

Accountability

Rule of Law

Smooth transition of power

Civil Rights

Education and Information

Elections

These should be free, fair, and secret. Everyone has an equal say in the selection of their elected representative irrespective of gender, class, ethnicity, wealth, etc.

Representation

Those elected must act in the best interests of their constituents representing views effectively.

Legitimacy

Governments and legislatures have legitimacy or legal authority as they have been chosen by the people in elections.

Participation

People can get involved and contribute to politics and policy-making in a number of ways.

Accountability

Those elected to government or local councils are held accountable for their actions, which should be transparent, open and free from corruption.

Rule of Law

Principle that the law applies to everyone, even those who govern.

Smooth transition of power

There is a formal process for handing power from one government to the next and this takes place peacefully.

Civil Rights

The rights of the people are protected and defended by the law and throughout the courts.

Education and Information

The public are politically educated and have access to accurate information from trustworthy sources.