Politis paper 1- Democracy and participation

What is the definition of democracy?

Defined as ‘rule by the people’ or ‘people power’. A system of government where power is vested in the people allowing them to choose representatives or make laws

What are the main features of UK democracy?

The existence of multi level government where policies can be developed and implemented by those best placed to needs of people

What are the 2 main types of democracy?

Direct-individuals express opinions themselves not elective citizens active in decision making process

Representative-citizens elect representatives to take decisions on their behalf, all adults have the right to vote for their representatives,elections are free and fair and citizens delegate their authority to their representatives

What are the positives features of direct democracy?

Gives equal eight to all votes unlike representatives systems where the varying size of constituencies mean that voters do not have equal value

What are the advantages of representative democracy?

-gov is carried out by professional politicians who are require to be well informed about political issues. They are more likely to make political educated decisions than most members of the pubic who may be swayed by emotions and may not fully understand the complexity of a question

What is an example of how representative democracy works?

Before a parliamentary bill is enacted it will have been drawn up by ministers and civil servants, then debated in both the HOL and the HOC and further analysed in the committee stage when amendments are added to it

What is another advantage of representative democracy when it comes to the protection of the rights of all citizens?

Elected politicians balance conflicting interests when reaching decisions. This is important in protecting the rights of all citizens, especially minorities and ensuring that the implication of a decision for all members of the community have been thoroughly examined.over controversial issues, parliament balances the benefits to the majority with the more negative impact on the minority, this sort of balancing is one key elements of representative democracy

What are the disadvantages of representative democracy?

Arguments that MP’S represent the metropolitan elite that does not represent the more traditional values of the population. This can mean that MP’s can be disengaged from the public and so do not adequately represent their interests.

What is an example of why representative democracy can be a disadvantage?

In the 2016 EU membership referendum 52% of the public voted to leave the EU whereas 74% of MP’s had been in favour of remaining

What other groups disconnect the representatives from issues that are important for their constituents?

Powerful pressure groups (lobbyists) and the London based media also establish a self perpetuating Westminster ‘bubble’