democracy and participation

What are the three parts of government?

The house of commons, the house of lords and the monarch

How many people are there in a constituency?

70,000

What is direct democracy?

All individuals express their opinions themselves.

What are examples of direct democracy?

• Referendum (in a representative democracy system)

• Recall elections

What are advantages of direct democracy?

• equal weight to all votes

• encourages participation

• removes the need for representatives

• develops a sense of community

• encourages debate

What are the disadvantages of direct democracy?

• impractical in a large, modern state

• people don't feel qualified to partake in desicion making

• open to manipulation by articulate, and clever speakers

• majority is not mediated by parliament so minortiy viewpoints are disregarded

• tyranny of the majority

What is representative democracy?

When individuals select a person or a political party to act on their behalf.

What are the advantages of a representative system?

• only practical system in a modern state

• politicians form parties, giving people choice

• reduces chances of minority rights being overridden

• elections allow individuals to be held to account

• politicians are better informed than the average citizen

What are the disadvantages of a representative democracy?

• May lead to reduced participation

• Parties and pressure groups are run by elites pursuing their own agenda

• Minorities are under-represented as politicians follow majority

• Politicians are skilful in avoiding accountability

• Politicians can be corrupt, and not fufil election promises

What is a 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.

What has the trend in general elections been?

voter turnout has dipped- 2024 general election had joint lowest turnout with 2001 since 1918- 59.4% (2001) & 59.7% (2024)

How could direct democracy improve representation in UK democracy?

Policies would be sure to reflect public views.

How may direct democracy worsen representation in UK democracy?

It would undermine parliament and representative democracy

How may direct democracy improve accountability in the UK democracy?

More referendums would mean more chances for the public to hold the government to account.

How may direct democracy worsen accountability within UK democracy?

The public cannot be held accountable for poor decisions, as well as issues of cost & practicality.

How may direct democracy improve participation within UK democracy?

More opportunities to vote and make decisions, making the public potentially more engaged in politics.

How may direct democracy worsen participation within UK democracy?

Apathy- may reduce turnout as people get tired of politics

How may direct democracy improve distribution of power within UK democracy?

Giving more power to the people stops the government acting like an elective dictatorship.

How may direct democracy worsen distribution of power within UK democracy?

Could lead to 'tyranny of the majority'

How may direct democracy improve legitimacy within UK democracy?

Decisions are guaranteed to have public support

How may direct democracy worsen legitimacy within UK democracy?

Some issues are too difficult for yes/no, and do narrow margins make a clear decision

How may direct democracy improve education within UK democracy?

Taking part would educate the public on political issues.

How may direct democracy worsen education within UK democracy?

People may vote without being fully informed, it is the representatives job to learn the issues.

What was the turnout for 2016 local elections?

33.8%

What was the turnout for the PCC 2012 election turnout?

12%

What was the turnout for the 2024 PCC elections?

24%

What % of the Scottish electorate are part of SNP?

2.5%

What evidence is there that there is a participation crisis in relation to membership of political parties?

Membership in relation to % of the population peaked in 1948 for both the conservatives (2.9%) and labour (1%). It has declined since then.

What was the 2024 votes to seats result for the UK general election?

labour achieved 34% of the vote, 63% of the seats

What is a democratic deficit?

When a democracy is not operating effectively due to a lack of accountability among political bodies and not all citizens can claim equal influence over political decisions and making

When was Brexit legislated?

2020

What does legitimacy mean?

Legitimate authority means power that has been legally acquired and is exercised according to the rule of law.

How may people's referendum help to solve a participation crisis in the UK?

People have the power to trigger referendums in Switzerland: 100,000 signatures demanding a new law triggers a petition, increasing participation and legitimacy.

What evidence suggests peoples' referendums would not help to solve a participation crisis in the UK?

People's referendums can cause a clash between direct democratic elements and longer term plans made by representatives.

• In 2021, Swiss voters rejected government proposals for new green taxes.

• In 2009, Minarets being built in Switzerland were banned via referendum.

How may electronic petitions help to solve a participation crisis in the UK?

Parliamentary debate is more focused on issues important to the public, keeping the public engaged.

Updating traditional citizens' right to redress of greivance.