democracy and participation

direct democracy

citizens make political decisions themselves

what are two forms of direct democracy

referendums

e-petitions

what is the meaning of an elitist political system

elitist political systems allow those with wealth and connections to exercise disproportionate amounts of power

why do critics believe the UK is becoming increasingly elitist

• wealthy party donors achieving significant political influence

• influence of corporations and lobbyists

representative democracy

indirect democracy operated through the ability of representatives to speak on behalf of the people

what are the three main advantages of representative democracy

1. political decisions made by specialists who understand the complexity of the issues theyre voting on-they can be held accountable

2. representatives have time to consider the impacts of legislation

3. representatives can take minority interests into account when making decisions

three main disadvantages of representative democracy

1. relies on the performance and conduct of those in power (have been MPs suspended from their party due to accusations of misconduct)

2. if election turnout is low, the mandate of representatives can be questioned

3. representatives need to main popular amongst the electorates, also avoiding necessary reforms that are unpopular amongst influential voter groups

cons of referendums and e-peitions

can only be held in the UK via an Act of Parliament, meaning referendums are highly unlikely to happen unless supported by the PM.

outcomes of referendums only take into the account of the majority.

e-petitions can create the illusion of democracy without offering meaningful influence.

arguments for and against referendums?

for:

• can help legitimise constitutional changes.

• allow the public to express their views on subjects that politicians are turning a blind eye to.

against:

• outcomes can cause divisions in society

• take attendance away from other important issues

• can create voter fatigue when holding more public votes

why do some people support the lowering of voting age

could be a solution to participation crisis.

undemocratic for 16-17 to be able to vote in scotland and wales but not in the england or northern Ireland.

why are some people against the lowering of voting age

younger people more likely to be swayed by political views of their guardians.

limited compulsory political education in uk.

dont pay taxes- have less to gain/lose from their vote than adults who do pay taxes.

why are some people for electronic voting

can help engage reluctant voters by making voting more accessible.

turnout among 18-24 yr olds is low compared to older generation-electronic voting may increase turnout.

many aspects of society are conducted digitally- in person voting can be seen as outdated.

why are some people against electronic voting

concerns over the safety/security of online systems- vulnerable to hacking and fraud.

compromises the democratic principle of voters’ secrecy.

reasons people are for compulsory voting

would strengthen politicians’ mandates and increase political engagement.

turnout increases, and would make Parliament more representative of UK society.

reasons people are against compulsory voting

would make deeper issues with political systems.

can create the illusion that the electorate is engaging with politics when many wouldn’t choose to if they could.

fears that those who vote only because they have to wouldn’t take their vote seriously- may distort the result.

reasons votes FOR prisoners

The Howard League(pressure group) believes extending the right to vote to all prisoners would improve UK’s democracy and society. Voting offers a chance of rehabilitation.

civil prisoners are already able to vote- there is a hierarchy of offences that is deemed unfair.

reasons AGAINST votes for prisoners

voting is a privilege that prisoners forfeit when committing a crime.

casual pressure groups

pressure groups that unite around a part scene e.g just stop oil

sectional pressure groups

pressure groups that represent a particular section of society e.g. british medical association

insider pressure groups

have close relationships with those in government and other influential positions.

e.g. ASH

outsider pressure groups

dont have close relationships with political decision makers as their agendas go against the government’s policies.

e.g. just stop oil

what are two ways that pressure groups use to achieve their aims?

Direct action:

• pressure groups attempt to raise awareness of their campaigns directly

• protests, marches, demonstrations

• outsider groups rely on direct action

Lobbying:

• a group or individual tries to persuade politicians to support their campaign

• wealthy insider groups are more likely to be able to offer incentives

• insider groups often use lobbying as their main method