ND Democracy and Participation 1.1.1 - 1.1.4

Legitimacy

The authority of an entire government has the authority to hold power and make rules. Legitimate if they have won an election.  

Direct democracy

A form of democracy where citizens make political decisions.

Representative democracy

Elected officials chosen to represent the public’s views.

Pluralist democracy

A type of democracy in which a government makes decisions as a

result of the interplay of various ideas and contrasting arguments

from competing groups and organisations

Democratic deficit

A flaw in the democratic process where decisions are taken by

people who lack legitimacy, not having been appointed with

sufficient democratic input or subject to accountability.

Participation crisis

A lack of engagement by a significant number of citizens to relate to the political process either by choosing not to vote or to join or become members of political parties.

Franchise/suffrage

Franchise and suffrage both refer to the ability/right to vote in public elections. Suffragettes were women campaigning for the right to vote on the same terms as men.

Think tanks

Franchise and suffrage both refer to the ability/right to vote in public elections. Suffragettes were women campaigning for the right to vote on the same terms as men.

Lobbyists

A lobbyist is paid by clients to try to influence the government

and/or MPs and members of the House of Lords to act in their

clients’ interests, particularly when legislation is under consideration.

Features of a healthy democracy

Representation, accountability, participation, pluralism, legitimacy, education

RAPPLE

Features of direct democracy

Citizens vote on polices and laws which are made by the government as opposed to acting through others.

Referendums - citizens vote on issues and the government creates a policy based on the response.

Online petitions

Rallies and protests

Features of representative democracy

Voters elected their officials which will represent their views. MP’s will be held accountable if the public does not like their decisions.

Advantages of a direct democracy

Genuine people power 

No need for elected officials 

Encourages participation 

People are responsible for their position 

Prevents power form being concentrated

Disadvantages of a direct democracy

Could be expensive 

Public might not have the time of the interest 

Public might not be willing to make needed decisions 

Tyranny of the majority – could take away the rights of minority groups 

Advantages of a representative democracy

More practical 

Can be held accountable 

Can implement necessary policies 

Have expertise and experience

Disadvantages of a representative democracy

They might not respond to the voters 

Parties have an influence over the actions of representatives 

Low public interest as leave decisions to small elite 

Elections make it difficult for small parties to win