key terms democracy and participation a level politics

Democracy

A political system in which power is exercised either directly or indirectly by the people through participation, competition, and accountability.

Direct Democracy

A form of democracy where citizens make political decisions themselves rather than through representatives, e.g. referendums.

Representative Democracy

A system where citizens elect individuals to make decisions and represent their interests in government.

Liberal Democracy

A democracy that combines free and fair elections with protection of civil liberties, rule of law, and checks on power.

Pluralist Democracy

A democracy where power is dispersed among competing groups, and policy results from bargaining and compromise.

Majoritarian Democracy

A system where the majority’s preferences dominate even if they override minority interests.

Participation Crisis

The idea that declining political engagement threatens the legitimacy of democracy.

Legitimacy

The rightful use of power based on consent and legal authority, usually gained through elections.

Mandate

The authority granted by voters to a government to implement its manifesto promises.

Accountability

The principle that elected officials must be answerable to the public and can be removed through elections.

Turnout

The percentage of eligible voters who cast a ballot in an election.

Political Participation

Any activity aimed at influencing or supporting government or politics, e.g. voting, protesting, joining a party.

Political Apathy

Lack of interest or concern about politics and participation.

E-Democracy (Digital Democracy)

Use of technology and online platforms to increase political participation and engagement.

Pressure Group

An organisation that seeks to influence government policy without standing for election.

Insider Pressure Group

A group with close links to government, regularly consulted on policy matters.

Outsider Pressure Group

A group that operates outside formal political channels, often using protests or direct action.

Think Tank

A research organisation that develops and promotes policy ideas to influence political debate.

Lobbyist / Lobbying

Individuals or firms paid to influence politicians and government officials on behalf of clients.

Social Movement

A large, informal network aiming for broad social or political change, e.g. environmental or equality campaigns.

Civil Liberties

Basic freedoms protecting individuals from government interference, such as freedom of speech and assembly.

Human Rights

Fundamental rights belonging to all people, protected by law.

Rule of Law

Principle that everyone, including government, is subject to and accountable under the law.

Judicial Review

Process by which courts assess whether government decisions or laws are lawful.

Equality Act 2010

Law protecting against discrimination on grounds such as race, gender, or disability.

Human Rights Act 1998

Incorporated the European Convention on Human Rights into UK law.

Franchise (Suffrage)

The right to vote in public elections.

Universal Suffrage

The right of all adult citizens to vote regardless of gender, class, or wealth.

Compulsory Voting

System where citizens are legally required to vote in elections.

Lowering the Voting Age

Proposal to reduce the voting age from 18 to 16 to increase youth participation.

Party Funding Reform

Efforts to make political donations more transparent and limit influence from wealthy donors.

Democratic Deficit

The belief that democratic institutions lack legitimacy, accountability, or effective representation.

Devolution

Transfer of powers from central government to devolved bodies in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Referendum

A vote where citizens express a view on a specific political or constitutional issue.

Recall Act 2015

Allows constituents to trigger a by-election to remove an MP under certain conditions, e.g. misconduct.

2016 EU Referendum (Brexit)

Example of direct democracy; raised debates about sovereignty and informed decision-making.

1998 Good Friday Agreement Referendum

Used direct democracy to confirm a major constitutional settlement in Northern Ireland.

2009 Expenses Scandal

Revealed misuse of MPs’ expenses, reducing public trust and sparking calls for reform.

Petitions & E-Petitions

Mechanisms for citizens to raise issues with Parliament; over 100,000 signatures can trigger debate.

Turnout Decline Trend

Voter participation in general elections fell sharply in the early 2000s before partially recovering.