Politics- democracy

How does pluralism work in practice in the UK?

In 2017, the Article 50 decision on Brexit involved Parliament, judges, and the public (referendum), showing power is spread.

What are barriers to pluralism working effectively in the UK?

Critics argue power is concentrated in few hands, e.g. think tanks like the IEA gaining influence through donations.

How do free and fair elections work in the UK?

All adults can vote, and results are generally trusted and accepted.

What are problems with free and fair elections in the UK?

16-17-year-olds and prisoners can't vote; first-past-the-post is seen as unfair ('elected dictatorship' - Lord Hailsham).

How is corruption punished in the UK?

MPs Fiona Onasanya and Chris Davies were recalled in 2019, showing wrongdoing can lead to consequences.

What barriers exist to punishing corruption in the UK?

Scandals like cash for peerages and Boris Johnson's undisclosed holiday suggest some corruption goes unchecked.

How are citizens' rights protected in the UK?

The Human Rights Act (HRA) lets people use UK courts under the European Convention on Human Rights.

What weakens protection of rights in the UK?

The HRA is not entrenched, so it could be repealed by Parliament.

How does devolved decision-making work in the UK?

Powers have been transferred to bodies like the Scottish and Welsh Parliaments.

What are the limitations of devolution in the UK?

Devolution is limited — 85% of English local council budgets still come from central government.

Is there a crisis in voting in general elections?

Yes - turnout was only 67.3% in 2019 (down from 2017), far below 78.8% in 1974.

Why might there not be a crisis in voting in general elections?

Turnout rose from 2001 to 2017. 2019's low turnout may be due to the December election date.

Is there a crisis in joining political parties?

Yes - only 1.7% of the UK population are party members.

Why might party membership not indicate a crisis?

Labour Party membership surged after 2015 when Jeremy Corbyn became leader.

Is there a crisis in union membership?

Private sector union membership is only 13%.

Why might union membership not indicate a crisis?

Overall union membership rose four years in a row to 2020.

Is signing petitions meaningful participation?

It can be seen as too easy to be meaningful - just 3 minutes online.

Why is signing petitions still valid participation?

38 Degrees says 40 million people signed e-petitions on over 10,000 campaigns.

Are pressure group members actively involved?

Many are 'chequebook' members who only pay fees.

How do pressure groups still show strong participation?

Groups like Fair Funding for Schools involved teachers and parents in real campaigns.

What is lobbying and who uses it?

Direct persuasion of decision makers by insider groups like the NFU or CBI. Age UK lobbies MPs for pensioners.

What is public campaigning?

Large demonstrations to influence opinion — e.g. pro- and anti-Brexit protests.

How are donations to political parties used?

Legal if declared. Example: £11 million donated to the Conservatives from developers in Boris Johnson's first year.

What are media campaigns?

Celebrities mobilise support — e.g. Marcus Rashford's free school meals campaign.

What is civil disobedience?

Illegal methods like blocking roads or chaining to railings (used by Extinction Rebellion, suffragettes).

How is social media used by pressure groups?

To raise awareness and organise action — e.g. e-petition to scrap tampon tax (460,000 signatures).

What is legal action in pressure group activity?

Judicial reviews challenge government actions — e.g. Save Lewisham Hospital case, Liberty vs. facial recognition.

Arguments for lowering the voting age

16-17s already vote in Scotland and Wales; 80% turnout in Scottish independence vote.

Arguments against lowering the voting age

Many young people don't vote — only 43% of 18-24s voted in 2015.

Arguments for compulsory voting

Could raise turnout to 100%; used in countries like Australia.

Arguments against compulsory voting

Voting is a right, not a duty; people may spoil ballots.

Arguments against online voting

Cybersecurity risks; in-person voting is already easy.

How do parties and pressure groups differ in terms of power?

Parties seek to gain power or a share of it. Pressure groups do not aim to govern.

How do parties and pressure groups differ in terms of accountability?

Parties are accountable to voters. Pressure groups are only accountable to their members.

How do parties and pressure groups differ in policy focus?

Parties develop policies across all areas. Pressure groups focus on narrower or single issues.

How do parties and pressure groups differ in membership?

Parties have formal members and organisation. Pressure groups often have informal supporters.