representative democracy

what is representative democracy?

when citizens elect individuals to make decisions on their behalf

how is representative democracy exercised?

general elections, PMQs, select committees, recall of MPs act

example of an mp being removed after being suspended for his behaviour

peter bone

advantages of representative democracy

efficient decision making

allows citizens to hold officials to account

MPs act in national interest while also protecting minority rights

constituency

example of efficient decision making under RD

coronavirus act 2020 that granted the government emergency powers to control COVID, and other emergency legislation

example of citizens holding officials to account

scott benton stood down after lobbying scandal

example of MPs protecting minority interests

debates over Illegal Migration Act - arguing against treatment of asylum seekers

disadvantages of representative democracy

low political engagement leading to a lack of legitimacy

dominance of political parties over MPs

FPTP produces results that often do not reflect the overall vote share

corruption and misconduct of elected officials

example of low political engagement

59% turnout in 2024 election

blackpool south by-election turnout 32.5%

example of how political parties exert dominance over their MPs

chief whips act as enforcers - MPs expected to vote on the party line

in 2014 it was revealed that gavin williamson sent out a list of ‘free hits’ to ask in pmqs

example of how FPTP results in disproportionate results

in 2024 labour won 290 more seats with only 3 million more votes

reform won less that 1% of the seats (5) with 14.3% of the vote

example of corruption of elected officials

scott benton - lobbying scandal

chris pincher - sexual misconduct

election betting scandal

tulip siddiq - misconduct in bangladesh