Politics: UK Politics: Democracy: Introduction

Features of Democracy

- Freedom of Speech
- Right to Vote
- Right to Protest and Campaign

Where does the word Politics come from?

Polis = "Of the city" or "Of the state"

Democracy definition

A political system organised on the basis that the government serves the interest of the people

Liberal Democracy

People have a say, directly or indirectly. Government is accountable for the people

Two Types of Democracy

Direct and Representative

Direct Democracy Definition

People represent their own opinions themselves and not through someone acting on their behalf
Examples: Ancient Greece and Today's Referendums

Representative Democracy

Modern form of democracy where individuals elect a person or party to act on their behalf

Advantages of direct democracy

- Ensures all citizens take part on law making in their states
- Encourages Political Participation and education on political issues
- Some say it's the "purest form of democracy"
- Doesn't make laws with political interest
- A true representation of what the people want
- Equal to all votes
- Community and Debate

Disadvantages of Direct Democracy

- Only suitable for very small states where all citizens can gather together
- Modern states need quick decisions, this takes too long
- Professional representatives devote more time to political issues more than the general public = likely they have more of the facts
- Mass audience can be swayed just by passionate speakers
- Minority views disregarded
- Costly
- Reduces Sovereignty (power) of the Parliament
- Problematic for complex issues when there is only "Yes" or "No" votes
- Close decisions divide the nation
- Low turnouts could be less convincing

Advantages of Representative Democracy

- Representative is accountable to the electorate
- Most people over the age of 18 can stand to represent and vote
- Representatives devote a lot of time to politics and are in a strong position to make decisions on founded facts
- Easier to gather representatives to make decisions
- A compromise - the only "workable form of democracy"
- Likely to make rational than emotional decisions
- Mediate between different interest of different sections of society avoiding tyranny of majority

Disadvantages of Representative Democracy

- Less political thinking = only during election times
- Representatives aren't truly help accountable
- Representative government is inseparable from political parties rather than individuals and need to toe the party line
- Lose touch with voters after elections are finished and follow own interests
- Cover up mistakes
- Relies on fair elections.

Nature of Representative Democracy in the UK

1. Levels of Representation
2. Forms of Representation

What are the Levels?

- National Government - Parliament, West Minister (HoL and HoC), UK Government
- Devolved Government - Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland
- Metropolitan Authorities - Big City Governments (London)
- Combined Authorities - 2 or more local councils joined together (Greater Manchester)
- Local Council - County Council, District Council
- Parish or Town Councils - Lowest form, deals with very local issues.

What is legitimacy?

The principal that the regime, institution or individual has an actual right to exercise power. Legitimacy is usually (but not always) bestowed through election.