Democracy & Participation

What is a direct democracy?

A form of government in which citizens rule directly and not through representatives

What is a referendum?

A general vote by the electorate on a single political question that has been referred to them for a direct decision, usually on a constitutional issue

Name two examples of referendums in the UK

* Brexit 2016
* AV Referendum 2011

What is the issue with e-petitions being a form of direct democracy?

Even if it gains over 100,000 signatures, the backbench business committee must sponsor it for it to be discussed in parliament, taking away the full control of the electorate.

Name three examples of direct democracy

* Referendums
* Petitions
* Rallies/protests

What type of democracy is the UK?

Representative democracy

Strengths of direct democracy

* Purest form of democracy
* Avoids delay/deadlock
* Has great legitimacy

Weaknesses of direct democracy

* Can lead to ‘tyranny of the majority’
* People are easily swayed by short-term appeals
* Some issues may be too complex for ordinary citizens

What is a representative democracy?

A government in which citizens choose a smaller group to represent them and govern on their behalf.

How many constituencies in the UK?

650

How often are general elections held? Why?

* Every 5 years
* Because of the Fixed-term Parliaments Act in 2011

How can an election be held before the 5 year term is up?

By parliament supporting a vote of no confidence e.g. Bojo in 2022 - narrowly survived & Callaghan 1979 - lost and triggered a GE

Strengths of representative democracy

* Representatives can develop expertise
* Representatives can be held to account
* The only practical way to translate opinion into action

Weaknesses of representative democracy

* Representatives may not act in the best interests of the electorate
* Difficult to hold representatives to account between elections
* Representative bodies can be unrepresentative of the electorate

What is a mandate?

When a person or party has the authority to make decisions or make policies given by the electorate through voting.

What are the potential electoral reforms for the UK?

* Replace the House of Lords with an elected chamber
* Replace FPTP with PR
* Codify the constitution
* Create a devolved English parliament
* Introduce state party funding
* Introduce compulsory voting
* Replace the monarch with an elected head of state

What is sufferage/the franchise?

The right and ability to engage in politics and vote in elections

What is a pressure group?

A group that tries to influence public policy in the interest of a particular cause.

What is an insider pressure group?

Have regular contact with government and influence on decision makers.

What is an outsider pressure group?

Have no links or affiliations with the government, they aim the influence the public to support their cause and therefore influence policy

Name two examples of insider pressure groups

* National Farmers Union
* Institute of Directors

Name two examples of outsider pressure groups

* Fathers4Justice
* GreenPeace

What is a sectional pressure group?

A pressure group that represents a specific section of society.

Name two examples of sectional pressure groups

* Age UK
* Taxpayers’ Alliance

What is a promotional pressure group?

Promote ideas that will benefit wider public rather than only its members

What are the 4 functions of pressure groups?

* To represent/promote the interests of under-represented groups
* To promote causes not taken on by the parties
* To inform/educate the public
* To hold the govt to account

What is insider PG influence?

Direct access to decision makers

What is outsider PG influence?

Protests

* e.g. Just Stop Oil & throwing soup onto Van Gogh’s ‘Sunflowers’

What are factors that can affect a pressure group's success?

* Access to decision makers
* Funding
* Size of membership
* Public opinion
* Attitude of govt

What is a ThinkTank?

A collection of experts who provide advice and solutions to specific political, social or economic problems. They can research policy and influence policy makers.

How do ThinkTanks influence?

Having direct access to political decision makers, through use of media and using other policy organisations to distribute their work more widely.

What is a lobbyist?

Paid to influence decision makers in the government, including MPs and Lords, to create policies and act in the interests of their clients

How do lobbyists influence politics? Example?

Political donations, gifts and meals

* e.g. Francis Maude (former MP & Minister of Industry) works as an advisor for OakNorth Bank

How do corporations influence politics?

Certain corporations are consulted by the government on policies to gain insight to practicality of proposals

Example of corporation influence over politics?

Starbucks/Microsoft/Google over raised profit tax

What is the Human Rights Act (1998)?

Bought the European Conventions of Human Rights into UK law

What is the Freedom of Information Act (2000)?

Allowed UK citizens to access some information held by UK public institutions

What was the Equality Act (2010)?

Outlaws discrimination against protected characteristics in society e.g. race, gender, marital status

Strengths of rights protection in the UK

* Strong common law tradition
* Judiciary traditionally uphold the rule of law
* The principle of equal rights is clearly established

Weaknesses of rights protection in the UK

* Common law = vague and can be put aside in favour of statutes
* Parl can ignore the HRA or even repeal it
* War on terror = increased surveillance

Name an example of ThinkTank influence on policy

Ian Duncan Smith = founder of the Center for Social Justice

* Became Works and Pensions secretary in 2004

Name an example of the use of the Freedom of Information Act

Black Spider Memos 2015

* Charles III sent correspondence to MPs, mainly in 2004/05
* Also shows high-level lobbying