Mods (democracy in the UK)

Revision

Proportional

Two things change at the same rate, keeping a balanced consistent relationship with each other.

Reserved powers

Political authorities and responsibilities kept specially by central or high level of government rather than being given to a lower regional authority

Currently, leader of the opposition to government

Kemi badenoch

Who is in charge of the government presently ?

The labour party

How many members are in the House of Lords?

754 members

What are three things MPS do in a parliament?

They debate and pass laws, represent local continents and scrutinise or question government work

Features of a democracy

Joining the pressure group, unbiased media, freedom of speech, voting representatives.

Joining a pressure group

People in democracy have the right to join pressure groups to pressure the government about a certain issue by protest or March.

For example, people may join groups like extension rebellion who have staged demonstrations about the government response to climate change.

Unbiased media

The media should not be in favour of one political side. The media should provide people with factual information that would help in their decision on who they will vote for in an election.

Freedom of speech

Individuals in the UK are allowed to voice our opinions and criticise the government without worry of being prosecuted arrested or killed

For example, people in the UK are able to join pressure groups of voice are their opinions about issues they want to raise with the government.

Voting for a representatives

Democracy citizen should be able to vote regularly for people who make decisions on their behalf and are called political representatives MPs

For example in the UK general election has been held every five years to elect members of Parliament to represent the individuals in the 650 constituencies in the UK

Reserved powers in the UK

Benefits and Social Security, broadcasting, constitution, defence, employment, equal opportunities, foreign policy, immigration, trade and industry.

Immigration

The UK government decides whether asylum seeker are allowed to remain within the UK. They also control the number of people coming into the country and the Scottish Parliament has no say on this.

For example, in 2022 the conservative government announced plans to send asylum seeker who arrived in the UK illegally to Rwanda.

Nuclear weapons

The UK government is in charge of the UK’s nuclear submarine base Trident even though it’s in Scotland. The Scottish government has opposed this but in 2016 the UK government voted to renew the bas.

For example the labour government announced in 2025 they had planned to make 15 years nuclear submarines these would be stored in Scotland.

Foreign policy

The UK government is in charge of how the UK deals with other nations and international issues. The war between Russia and Ukraine is an example of this and evolved nations had little say in the impose sanctions on Russia.

The UK pledge to give £6.5 billion and support to Ukraine. This includes £2.3 billion in military support.

Drug laws

Drug laws are resolved power of the UK parliament

For example, In 2023 the conservative government made it illegal to possess laughing or nitrous oxide

Right and responsibilities in a democracy

Right to vote, right to have a fair trial, right to join a political party to stand for election, right to criticise the government, right to protest.

Right to vote

People over 18 have the right to vote in UK elections and our responsibility is to use this vote. For example, people aged 18 and over could cast of a friend in 2016 on whether they felt the United Kingdom should remain a part of the European Union.

Right to a fair trial

We have the responsibility to tell the truth and cooperate with the police. For example, the longest we can be held in jail is for 24 hours without charge.

Right to join a political party stand for an election

We have the responsibility to campaign responsibly and to tell the truth while campaigning. For example 75,000 Scotts joined SNP in the six months after the Scottish independence referendum.

Right to criticise the government

We have the right to criticise the government and make our feelings known and the responsibility to tell the truth and not print lies. For example the government was heavily criticised in 2011 about its decision to raise tuition fees in England and Wales.

Right to protest

We have the right to protest and make our feelings known and our responsibilities to obey law and not restrict rights of others. For example extension rebellion pressure group protest the government investments plan fossil falls in April 2022 in a seat in the demonstration at Oxford Circus in London.

Rules of the Prime Minister

Answer questions at the PMQT, represent the UK abroad and lead the country.

ROLE ONE: Answer questions at Prime Minister’s question time

The Prime Minister meets the members of Parliament every Wednesday at 12 pm in the House of Commons the MP council me questions to ask the prime minister about issues affecting their consistency. These questions are picked randomly however the leader of the opposition can ask six questions.

For example, the leader of the conservative Kim Badenoch gets to ask six questions

RULE TWO:Represent the UK abroad

The Prime Minister is in regular contact with the international leaders and would meet to discuss global issues.

In October 2024 attended UN climate change conference (COP 29) in Azerbaijan on behalf of the UK to discuss the world’s response to climate change.

RULE THREE: Lead the country

The PM must lead the country to the benefits of the entire UK population. I must make decisions that in the interest and safety of all citizens of the UK.

For example, customer has also been in charge of leading the UK through the Trump imposed tariffs

Powers of the Prime Minister

Charing cabinet meetings, appointing MPs to cabinet, leading the largest party in parliament.

Chairing cabinet meetings

The PM decides to focus of the meetings with senior MPs

For example in 2025 Starmer has created a focus within cabinet and government to tackle issues with immigration into the UK and riots across the country

Appointing MPs to cabinet

The PM decides who gets to be an MP and this means they would be loyal and he can take the cabinet away which is called patronisation and this also means that people will be loyal to the prime minister to get promoted to cabinet.

For example, Boris Johnson’s priorities when appointed p.m. was to get Brexit done and so appointed many ‘leave, voting MPS

Leading the largest party in parliament

He leads the largest party in the parliament so he can pass laws he wants and the people will agree with him.

For example currently the lab party have 412 seats in parliament a major majority in the p.m. would be able to pass bills as he wants to be low more easily.

How can individual individuals take part in politics?

Join a political party, stand as a candidate in an election, voting an election, join a pressure group and protest.

Join a political party

This means that people can pay small feet to a political party to be kept up-to-date with the work of the party .

For example, there are around 400,000 members of the labour party

Stand as a candidate in an election

This means that people can put themselves forward to campaign during an election to represent a constituency as an MP.

For example, Christian Jordan put herself forward as a candidate during the 2019 general election for Edinburgh West

Vote in an election

This means that people can vote for a person support an issue in an election or a referendum to express the political opinions

For example you have to be over 18 to vote in a general election and around 31 million people voted in the 2019 general election

Join a pressure group

This means that people can join a group which will pressure the government to try and change the policy or discuss an issue important to them

For example, people might join group groups like extension rebellion or just the oil to pressure the government about climate change

Protest

This means that people can take action to show the disapprove of government action or policy. This could be true market or public demonstrations.

For example around 20,000 people protesters gathered in central London as part of the black lives matter movement in July 2020.

Why should individuals participate in a democracy?

Because they know how important it is, because they know they could make a difference, because it’s a way they can protect their own rights.

People know how important it is

Many people get involved in politics to make sure the UK Parliament does a good job, this could be done by pressuring the government to make positive change or vote for political parties you think would benefit people the most.

For example, benefits and welfare decisions for the whole of the UK are made in the UK parliament as well as many policies impact and climate change and social reform. These affect everyone.

People know they can make a difference or influence politics

People in the UK have joined parties. Press group stood in election and voted because they can see difference in mixed to the UK as a whole one vote could make a big difference.

For example in cork Hall and Hamilton East in 2017 only 360 votes separated first and third place

It’s a where people can protect their own rights

Many countries around the world are dictatorships and somewhere democracy that then allowed people participate to help gain and then protect their rights.

For example, in recent years people have voted for parties who have increased the rights of people gay marriage was legalised in the UK in 2014 under the conservative government and in 2024 and 2025 and assistant I built has been supported in Parliament after campaigns pushed for this.

Why do people not vote?

The feel under represented, some feel like they are vote wouldn’t matter, they don’t know how to vote.

How do political parties convince voters to vote for them (campaign methods)

PPB, social media campaigns, televised debates, conversing, posters and leaflets, public meetings

PPB (party political broadcast)

These are the one time we’re television is allowed to be biased in the weeks leading up an election. Political parties are given the opportunity to put their opinions across to vote on TV.

Social media campaigns

This means parties use social media apps to target ads. This created ads on Facebook used data collected by social network including people‘s education of political views and these are sometimes worked out by looking at their“likes”.

Televised debates

Political parties would take part in the televised debate where there would be asked questions and given the opportunity to criticise all the parties there against. This can help convince people to vote for parties

Canvassing

These are well local candidates visit the homes of waters in the constituency and try to persuade them to vote for the candidates as well as finding out who they’re planning to vote for.

posters and leaflets

Posters in the party colour and names of the constituency would be put up around the area. Supporters were organise as sending out of milk shots or leaflets to Home explain explaining why it candidate deserves their support.

Public meetings

Candidates and their supporters will be out and about meeting as many voters as possible. They’ll visit shopping centres factories or supermarkets.

Reasons a political party might be successful than another

Popular leader, favoured by media, popular policies, unstable party, more money, mistrust of the government

Popular leader

People vote for parties with leaders they like so that they can be in charge

For example, 71% of Scott said they had confidence in Nicola Sturgeon in 2021 and the SNP won 64 seats

Favoured by media

Some parties get a better report from certain newspapers or medias, readers will be more likely to support

For example, The daily mirror is very pro labour

Popular policies

People vote for their party because they want their policy to happen

For example conservative “get Brexit done” in 2019 and then they won the election

Unstable party

People won’t vote for these parties because they don’t feel trustworthy or stable

For example, conservative party leaders since 2019 had lots of MPS defecting to reform

More money

Some parties will get more attention from people seeing flyers and adverts which they could do with enough money

For example in 2019 conservatives got £19.4 million donated to them during their campaign

Voting systems (first past the post)

Vaulting system used to decide who wins the seat in a constituency and the candidate needs to get more than any other party in the FPTP to win the seat

Advantages of FPTP

Increases voter turnout, usually FPTP results in a major majority government, usually FPTP prevents extremist parties from winning any seats

It increases voters turnout

Because it is easy to understand which encourages more people to vote and therefore increases turnout.

For example in the 2019 UK general election the turnout was 67.3% using the FPTP in the 2021 Scottish Parliament election elections. The turnout was only 63.5% using AMS.

Usually FPTP results in a majority government

With a majority government decisions can be made quicker and manifesto promises can be actioned

For example, they have only been two coalition government and two minority government since 1945

Usually FPTP prevent extremist parties from winning any seats

These parties have extreme views and can become very disruptive in a democratic Parliament as they represents the tiny minority

For example British national party achieved over 500,000 votes in the 2010 election gained no seats. (Under a proportional representation system, the British national party 12 seats in the European parliament in 2009 )

Disadvantages of FPTP

More voters are unhappy with the results than happy, there is not fair representation of the votes cast, smaller parties are not fairly represented

More Voltas are unhappy with the results than happy

Because there is no reward for receiving second largest number of votes with a constituency this makes it a winner take it all system

For example, Christine Jordan won the seat for Edinburgh North in 2019 with 39.9% which means that more than 60% of the people did not want her to win

There is not fair representation of the votes cast

This is because under FPTP the number of votes one does not matter the number of seats gained due to the way votes are counted

For example in 2019 conservatives won 43.63% of the votes, but we’re given 56% of the seats

Smaller parties are not fairly represented

This is due to the winner takes the whole system and the fact that they don’t win the constituency they don’t gain any representation in the parliament.

For example in 2024 reform UK won 14.3% of the vote but 0. 07% of the seats

What is a manifesto?

Things that a party brings, their policy to bring to pass when they get into government

What are mailshots?

Leaflet sent to people as way of campaigning

What is a cabinet?

Cabinet consist of MPS promoted by the Prime Minister

Roles of an MP

Holding surgeries, ask questions at Prime Minister question time, introduce private member bills, attend debts or vote at the end of debates, work on select committees

Holding surgeries

MP can discuss and find out the issues directly affecting their constituents that they can bring to Parliament potentially solve. This could be a way to advertise them locally or online.

For example, Christie Gerard, MP for Edinburgh West, organise a surgery to discuss the cost of living crisis in June 2020 with her constituent to find out how she could support them

Ask questions at PMQS

MPs will submit questions to be answered by the prime minister. The MP selected at random and this is an opportunity to get answers to things. They are not happy about this is called scrutiny of the government.

For example in June 2017 Jeremy Corbin leader of the position at the time and MP for Islington North used PMQS to highlight the perceived fallings of the government leading to the grenfell tower disaster

Introduce private members bills

You can introduce a lot that will help a direct issuing your constituency.

For example, the homeless reduction at 2017 which was introduced by conservative MP for harrow East Bob Blackman. This act made local housing authorities responsible for the needs of all people who were homeless or at serious risk of homelessness regardless of whether they are involuntary or intentionally homeless.

Attend debates or votes at the end of debates

Debates in the House of Commons allows MPs to discuss important matters affecting the UK as well as current government policies. They also allow MPS to talk about the concerns of ordinary citizens in the constituency.

For example in June 2016 Justin matters MP for Ellesmere Port and neston to part and debate around the management of cockle beds in his constituency

Work on select committees

Made up of Lords as well as MPs. They consider government policy, scrutinise the work and expenditure of the government policy, and examine proposals for legislation (there are select committees and general committees)

For example, a commons committee was created to criticise the proposed counterterrorism and sentencing bill 2020

How representative is the UK parliament?

1. There are 226 women in the UK House of Commons making up about 41% of all members of Parliament (650)

2. There are an estimated nighty ethnic minority MPs in the House of Commons making up about 14% of the total

3. There are 12 women among the 23 full members of Andy Burnham’s cabinets

4. There are four ministers of minority ethnic backgrounds in Andy Burnham‘s cabinet

Why do some women find it difficult to be involved in politics?

1. Expectations of caring role

2. Sexism in politics

3. Lack of role models

Expectations of caring role

Women are expected to take on most scary responsibilities within a family, including looking after children. However, many female MPs have comments that the timings of the Parliamentary schedule and demands of being an MP are not family friendly.

For example in 2020 1MP still are crazy was critical of the HOC after being told she was not allowed to bring her three months old baby with her she said he has “has to be possible for politics and parenting to mix ” to increase female representation in parliament

Sexism in politics

Sexism means that women are treated differently or less than because of their sex. For this reason some people may be biased when vote and will not vote for a female candidate.

In the 2019 general election only 33.8% of all candidates standing with female

What does the House of Lords do?

Make laws, in-depth consideration of public policy (analysing the laws regulation and priority set on by government to deal with issues in the UK), holding the government to account.

Making laws

Members examine each bill line by line before it becomes an act of parliament (actual laws).

For example, making a new office for photographing breastfeeding in public without permission

In-depth consideration of public policy

Member members user individual experience to investigate public policy. Much of this work is done in select committees.

For example, there are 603 committee meetings in 2023 to 2024 and over 2800 people from outside the Lords have their seat in inquiries

Holding the government account

Members risk concerns pressure of the government for actions and questions decisions with debates

For example between November 2023 and May 2024, the House of Lords considered 2377 changes to 67 bills

What are crossbenchers?

These are members who don’t belong to a political party

What is the most time in the world spent doing?

Check in detail details and suggest actions to bills

What do they do when they’re checking bills?

They go through each bill line by line and suggest changes

After they agree on their changes, what happens to the bills?

They go back to the house of Commons

Type of Lord is in the House of Lords

Label life peer, conservative life peer, cross bench peer, Lord spiritual (Bishop), hereditary peer, Liberal Democrats peer

Why do ethnic minorities find it difficult to become an MP?

Racism, lack of role models, lack of engagement in politics

Racism

This means that people are treated differently because of the skin colour. This coming parties are reluctant to put forward at the minority people as candidates for their party because they know prejudice could affect their chance of winning.

For example, in 20 2084% of EM Britons said they still experienced racism in UK meaning it will have an impact on politics

Lack of role models

This means that ethnic minority aspiring MP find it difficult to believe that they are able to be selected to the House of Commons because there has been so little opportunity for it in the past

For example, only in 2022 there was an ethnic minority choosing Prime Minister and there are less than 70 MPs who are from ethnic minority backgrounds in the HOC

Lack of engagement in politics

This means that in areas in the UK where higher amount of EMF there are also less likely to be conversed by candidates during an election. This can have blood impact as they are less likely to start for themselves and an election.

For example it was found in 2019 the ethnic minorities were 50% less likely to go cause they vote at a polling station

Influence: the media

Media is how the public gets information about different things

Main purposes of media

1. To entertain

2. To educate

3. To inform

Types of media in the UK

1. Print media (newspapers and magazines)

2. Broadcast media (television and radio)

3. Electronic media (Internet and social media))

Print media (newspapers and magazines)

Broadsheet: more serious newspapers with lots of details and formal language. These stories are useful as they can give Rita details information about political situations and issues in the UK and abroad.

For example, the most widely red broadsheets papers are the telegraph and the times

Tabloids: read more, lots of stories which are informal, like human interest stories and celebrity gossip. This trying to be made to draw as attention. They use pictures and big bold headlines to also grab attention.

For example, in the UK, the most popular newspapers at the Sun and the daily mail

How newspaper is positively influence politics

1. Inexpensive therefore easy for people to get information

2. Provide provides in-depth political, and policy information

3. Provides a comment and analysis on government policy

4. Can help undecided voters make a decision

How newspapers negatively influenced politics

1. Shows bias and support of a particular party or side of argument

2. Could influence less informed voters views

3. Owners can control what stories their newspapers print

4. Some newspapers can be irresponsible when printing “facts” about stories

Broadcast media (television and radio)

PPB; this is the only time the television is allowed to be biased and a favour of political party. These are done before an election to express for its views criticise parties and encourage people to vote for them.

For example, the average person in the UK watch 2.5 hours of television every week and therefore it is a useful resource for PPB to be used on

Leadership debates; doing this debate leaders can expose their political opinions to voters tell them the policy proposals and cross criticism of them as well as they try to convince them to vote for them. This could be done before an election only.

For example, 6,700,000 people watch the leaders debate between Corbyn and Boris Johnson and the lead up to the 2019 general election.

News ‘sound bites’; short clips often extracted from longer piece of audio to summarise the ideas of the speaker to give the public indirect and quick way of understanding could be used to draw water as attention to certain aspects of policy I can give a clear message of water party politician is promising.

For example, a soundbite of care Starmer saying all ‘change’ has influenced lots of voters to vote for his party

How television positively influences politics

1. Information provided must be unbiased

2. Most people use the TV together political information (51%) so it is a word for parties to encourage people to engage in politics

Television negatively influences politics

1. Politicians employee “Spin Doctors” who have extensive media training and income manipulate the media

2. Many people believe that although the media has to portray both sides of the story, there is always a favourable slant towards one side

Electronic media (Internet and social media)

This is sometimes known as “new media “close. This is a form of communication that involves digital technology like the Internet. It is an estimated that over 70% of the UK access Internet on a daily basis and 16 to 24-year-olds have reported a social media is main source of news.

How social media positively influences politics

1. Easier and cheaper access than newspapers

2. Engages younger people in politics

3. Provides another way for parties to conduct with public→ Facebook pages, Twitter account

4. Politicians can connect directly with public through their own account