Current systems of representative and direct democracy

The features of direct democracy and representative democracy. • The similarities and differences between direct democracy and representative democracy. Advantages and disadvantages of direct democracy and representative democracy and consideration of the case for reform

define democracy

* government chosen by the people
* 'demos' = people, 'kratia' = rule
* supports justice, equality and government by consent

Features of democracy

* Free, fair and regular elections to provide legitimacy for the govt and its activities
* Tolerance
* Protection of the rights of citizens
* Govt that is accountable to the people
* Citizens that actively engage in the political process
* Public are politically educated and have access to accurate information from trustworthy sources

define Representative democracy

- system of govt where citizens elect representatives to vote on laws on their behalf

Advantages of representative democracy

* Functions effectively as it promotes acceptance and stability
* Only practical system in a large modern state like the UK
* Expertise of MPs allows them to act as trustees of their constituents interests
* Decisions are taken in the interests of all in society

Disadvantages of representative democracy

* UK representative democracy is in crisis due to a substantial democratic deficit
* Low level of turnout is evidence of widespread disillusionment with the political system
* if citizens refuse to participate in politics, govts cannot claim a democratic mandate and legitimate right to rule
* 'Westminster village' does not effectively represent modern British society (women and BAME are underrepresented)
* too much power and influence is concentrated in too few hands = elitism
* Disengaging

- Disengaging

define Direct democracy

- citizens vote on every issue themselves

Advantages of direct democracy

* Embodies ideal of 'demos kratos' as views of demons are heard and the people make political decisions
* As demos are actively making the decisions that affect them, direct democracy provides clear legitimacy for these decisions
* Arguably create more informed and educated citizenry (potential to promote culture of engagement which is lacking in the UK)
* Pure direct democracy would help change popular attitudes of distrust in politicians

Disadvantages of direct democracy

* Arguably not practical in modern large scale society, with an electorate of 45m
* Can lead to tyranny of the majority, where minority interests are ignored
* Voter fatigue
* Need for expertise to ensure decisions are taken on an informed basis (claimed that decision to leave EU was too complicated for voters to fully understand)

define democratic deficit

* when govt falls short of fulfilling the principles of democracy in their practices/operation
* where political representatives and institutions are discredited in the eyes of the public

Democratic features in UK politics

* free media
* tolerance
* free and fair elections
* civil liberties
* independent judiciary and the rule of law
* assemblies and legislatures
* devolved govt
* wide range of actors
* limited govt

Example of democratic deficit in free media

* parts of the UK media are controlled by wealthy and unaccountable business interests that use their ownership of media outlets to control public debate
* News UK, DMGT and Trinity Mirror all control 71% of the national newspaper market (Media Reform Coalition)

Example of democratic deficit in tolerance

Sharp rise in Islamophobic, antisemitic and xenophobic assaults = UK is becoming a less tolerant society

Example of democratic deficit in free and fair elections

* UK GEs do not produce fair results as votes do not translate proportionally into seats
* scandals such as Conservatives overspending during campaigns suggest corruption is undermining electoral fairness

Example of democratic deficit in civil liberties

* Britain does not have a Bill of Rights unlike USA so rights and liberties are not guaranteed
* 1998 Human Rights Act does not provide accurate protection as govts can suspend articles in emergency

Example of democratic deficit in independent judiciary and rule of law

* politicians openly discussing issues to pressurise judges into making certain decisions
* Home Secretary Theresa May pressured judges to hand out harsh sentences after 2011 London riots

Example of democratic deficit in assemblies and legislatures

- House of Lords is wholly unelected = undemocratic and prevents genuine scrutiny of the govt

Example of democratic deficit in devolved govt

People in Scotland, N Ireland and Wales ahve complained of voter fatigue due to number of elections and referendums = increase in voter apathy and decrease in turnout (dropped to 66% in 2017)

Example of democratic deficit in wide range of actors

* elitism
* MPs have accepted money to represent interests of powerful lobbying groups

Example of democratic deficit in limted govts

UK constitution is unwritten which means limitations on govt power are too vague and weak