Democracy and participation general knowledge

What is democracy?

Democracy is rule by the people, where citizens have a say in decision-making, directly or via elected representatives.

What are the two main types of democracy?

Direct democracy (people vote on issues directly) and representative democracy (people elect representatives to make decisions).

What are the core features of UK representative democracy?

Free and fair elections, universal suffrage, elected representatives, political parties, pressure groups, rule of law, and civil liberties.

What are the strengths of representative democracy in the UK?

Elected officials are (in theory) accountable, political parties offer choice, elections are regular, free and fair, and rights are protected.

What are the weaknesses of UK democracy?

FPTP is disproportional, unelected Lords, low turnout, lack of political education, party whips reduce MP independence.

What is direct democracy?

A form of democracy where citizens make decisions directly, without elected representatives (e.g. referendums).

What are the pros of direct democracy?

High legitimacy, pure expression of public will, increases political engagement, and educates voters.

What are the cons of direct democracy?

Uninformed voters, tyranny of the majority, impractical on a large scale, and oversimplification of complex issues.

What are UK referendums and give an example?

A public vote on a specific issue; e.g. 2016 EU referendum on Brexit (52% Leave, 48% Remain).

What is political participation?

Any activity through which people seek to influence decisions – voting, joining parties, protests, pressure groups.

What evidence supports a participation crisis?

Falling turnout (59% in 2001), declining party membership, low trust in politicians, lack of engagement with traditional politics.

What evidence challenges the participation crisis idea?

Increase in petitions (e.g. 2019 Revoke Article 50), protest participation, social media activism, and growth in non-party campaigns.

How has suffrage expanded in the UK?

Via the Representation of the People Acts: from wealthy men to all adults aged 18+.

What did the Great Reform Act 1832 do?

Gave the vote to more property-owning men, expanded the electorate by ~50%.

What did the Representation of the People Act 1918 do?

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

What did the Representation of the People Act 1928 do?

Gave women the vote on the same terms as men – full voting equality.

What did the Representation of the People Act 1969 do?

Lowered the voting age from 21 to 18 for all adults.

What are arguments for Votes at 16?

Young people are politically aware, have other responsibilities (e.g. taxes, marriage), and should be represented.

What are arguments against Votes at 16?

Too young to make informed decisions, low turnout from young people, could be influenced by parents or teachers.

What are pressure groups?

Organisations that seek to influence government policy but don’t stand for election.

What are sectional groups?

Pressure groups that represent a specific group in society (e.g. trade unions, British Medical Association).

What are cause groups?

Groups that promote a particular cause or value (e.g. Greenpeace, Extinction Rebellion).

What are insider and outsider groups?

Insider groups have close access to decision-makers (e.g. NFU), outsider groups do not and often use public campaigns (e.g. XR).

How do pressure groups enhance democracy?

They increase participation, represent minority views, hold government accountable, and educate the public.

How do pressure groups threaten democracy?

Some have disproportionate influence, lack internal democracy, are not elected, or use disruptive tactics.

What is lobbying?

Attempting to influence policymakers, often done by paid professionals or corporations.

What are think tanks?

Research organisations that develop policy ideas (e.g. Adam Smith Institute, Fabian Society).

How do corporations influence democracy?

They fund parties, lobby for favorable policies, and may exert too much economic and political influence.

What is the Human Rights Act 1998?

A law that incorporated the European Convention on Human Rights into UK law, protecting civil liberties.

What is the Freedom of Information Act 2000?

Gives public access to data held by public authorities, increasing government transparency.

What are collective vs individual rights?

Collective rights protect the wider community (e.g. public safety), individual rights protect personal freedoms – sometimes they conflict (e.g. freedom of speech vs hate speech).

What are the main electoral systems used in the UK?

FPTP (general elections), AMS (Scotland/Wales), STV (NI), SV (mayors), and PR (European Parliament – previously).

What are the pros of FPTP?

Simple, fast, clear outcomes, strong MP-constituency link, usually delivers stable majority governments.

What are the cons of FPTP?

Disproportional, encourages tactical voting, safe seats, marginalizes smaller parties.

What are arguments for electoral reform?

PR systems are fairer, more votes matter, and it encourages multi-party politics and compromise.

What are arguments against electoral reform?

PR can lead to coalition governments, more complexity, weaker MP-constituency links.

How can UK democracy be improved?

Reform electoral system, compulsory voting, Votes at 16, House of Lords reform, digital voting, political education.

What is political apathy?

Lack of interest in politics, often shown through low turnout or disengagement.

What role does political education play?

It informs citizens of their rights and responsibilities, improves engagement, and strengthens democracy.