Democracy + Monarchy

What is a democracy?

It is a system of government where the power in a country lies with the people who can vote for representatives or directly influence decisions/laws about the running of a country.

What are the two types of democracy?

Direct and representative

What is meant by the term direct democracy? + example of a country with many referendums, a local referendum and a national one.

A form of democracy where citizens vote directly on decisions about the running of a country. It often involves referendums (votes in a ballot) where all eligible voters can directly express their opinion on specific issues. The votes can be legally binding for a government or advisory.

A form of direct democracy are referendums

Examples:

• In Switzerland citizens vote regularly in referendums, with an average of ~15 federal proposals annually (per year) on any kinds of topics/issues (environmental, social, etc)

• National referendum: in 2016 UK voted to leave the EU in the 'Brexit' referendum (decide to stay or leave EU).

• Local referendum: London Congestions Charge Extension referendum. Should the fee for driving in central London be expanded to cover more areas? Majority voted no.

What is meant by the term representative democracy? + examples

It is a form of democracy where citizens (electorates) vote their representatives in elections who then make decisions and laws on the people's behalf. The representatives can be voted out in the next elections.

Many countries use this system: India, Australia, countries in the EU, USA…

Democratic republic

A form of representative democracy whereby power lies with the people and elected officials.

The Republic of Maldives. The nation is a democratic republic with a president as head of government.

Vocab: electorate, parliament (congreso), referendum.

People who are eligible to vote in elections.
Group of elected people who make laws for their country.
A vote directly by the citizens in a specific topic/issue.

Case study: example of a referendum

Brexit: 2016 UK electorate voted in a referendum to leave the EU.
Divided many people.
Tyranny of the majority → 52% to leave, 48% stay. Not huge difference.

What are the features of democracy? Not in the gcse spec

• Elections are free and fair (power given to elected representatives and power is transferred in a peaceful manner)

• Multiple parties (appeal different groups)

• Rule of Law (No one is above the law. Politicians can change the law but must follow it. There is (almost always) a constitution)

• Important rights are upheld (human rights, fair trial of minorities, freedom of expression…)

What are some strengths of direct democracy?

Everyone's vote is equal: the outcome of the decisions are more likely to be accepted by the public, as people feel they had an equal stake in the process. This means there are more likely to comply with laws and policies they helped shape. Also decisions reflect the majority not only the powerful/elite.

Greater citizen participation: when citizens have direct participation, they become more engaged and are more willing to protect/sacrifice for their country during times of crises (e.g wars = more people sign up for the army)

More accurate reflection of the public's will: ensures that laws align closely with the majority's opinions, rather than from representatives who may have their own political pressures, reducing the influence of elites (wealthy individuals, corporations) to dominate decision making.

Transparency in decision making = less chance of corruption

In general people feel more connected and heightens a sense of national identity meaning that citizens are willing to work together in times of peace and crises (e.g quarantine).
Also people donate more and contribute to their country's economy

What are some weaknesses of direct democracy?

Direct democracy is difficult in large communities (e.g countries) because it is too much of a hassle to organize everything with every decision it has to be made. = decision making takes a long time since everyone's views must be heard (not ideal in urgent situations).

Voters could make misinformed decisions due to lack of knowledge on certain topics, leading to inefficient/unsustainable policies.

The majority wins, therefore policies might discriminate against minorities' views.

Protests when the people feel like their voices are not heard.

What are some strengths of representative democracy?

Elections allow voters to change who is in power if they are not happy.

The representatives have the knowledge and skills to make decisions effectively = more efficient decisions.

Power changes fairly and peacefully = reduce risk of political conflict + demonstrates the system respects the will of the people.

What are the weaknesses of representative democracy?

Leaders might not always act in the best interest of citizens. They act of the majority, so minorities might feel ignored.

Politicians may focus on short term gains to win elections which can lead to inefficient/unsustainable decisions.

Also more likely for corruption, which breaks citizen's trust.

Voters must accept all the policies of the party they vote for (elective dictatorship, particularly in the UK)

Weak government = parties don't collaborate if there is no clear majority.

Governments don't always fulfill the promises they make during elections.

Look at democracy-strengths and weaknesses Mon 16 sept: Vocab and other notes.

What are the two types of monarchy?

Absolute and constitutional

What is a constitutional monarchy?

It is a system of government that is ruled by a constitutional monarch (king or queen) whose power is limited by its country’s constitution.

Political power is shared between the morning and a constitutional body such as parliament.

Examples: UK, Spain, Japan

What is an absolute monarchy?

It is a system of government where a single monarch possesses absolute and unlimited power over the running of a state as there are no constitutional or legal checks

Examples: Brunei, Saudi Arabia

Are the main differences between absolute and constitutional monarchy?

Power distribution: in a constitutional monarchy, a constitution exists to limit the monarchs power and power is shared with elected bodies (e.g parliament). In an absolute monarchy, there may be a constitution, but the monarch still holds absolute power, making decisions without the need for consent from other bodies

Rule of law: In a constitutional monarchy, the monarch must follow the constitution well in an absolute monarchy. The monarchs decisions can override laws and constitution as they are the supreme authority.

What would stop the constitutional monarch from taking over complete power?

Laws: The constitution clearly defines and restricts the modest power, and it is difficult for one person to take complete authority.

Separation of powers (government): political power is divided among branches, preventing any single person from taking over.

Traditions and popular opinion: constitutional monarchies often rely on the support of the people, so any attempt would likely face strong resistance from the public (protests)

If they were to try would probably fail and have to go into exile

Arguments for monarchy

• Tradition

• Good for tourism

• Non-partisan > perfect head of state

• Replacing monarchy is complicated (written constitution + president)

Arguments to support absolute monarchy

• With one ruler holding all power, decisions can be made swiftly without the delays of the debates and other processes.

• A monarch’s reign often lasts for life, providing long-term stability = can pursue long-term goals and policies without the pressure of achieving short-term ones for public opinion + system is more predictable and stable, which can be comforting for citizens

• In times of crisis, an absolute monarch can provide decisive leadership without having to negotiate with other branches of government

Arguments against absolute monarchy

• The monarch’s power may lead to abuses corruption, their power.

• Suppresses rights of citizens (human rights) including the freedom of expression (and therefore, may lead to a slower economic growth due to a lack of innovation?)

• Inflexibility since the absence of difficult to adapt to changing conditions, such as economic changes

• Disparities/inequalities

Arguments for constitutional monarchy

Royals can highlight important issues and bring awareness through their charitable works

• Princess Diana of Wales raised global awareness about land mines through her visit to HALO Trust minefield. Her advocacy led to an increased pressure for a ban on land mines, ultimately contributing to the Ottawa Mine Ban Treaty — managed to ban land mines internationally)

• Prince William United for Wildlife.

Monarchs are ceremonial and represents the people, hence they feel more united = a monarch can steer them through times of crisis (Queen Elizabeth II during WWII, her presence enabled Londoners to deal with the Blitz.)

Monarchs provide a unifying non-partisan (non biased) representative of the state

Power is shared between the monarch and elected representatives, ensuring that no single person has absolute control, which helps prevent tyranny

Constitutional monarchies preserve the symbolic role of the monarchy while ensuring that laws and policies reflect the will of the people through elections.

Arguments against constitutional monarchy

Since constitutional monarchs often have little real power, critics may question the need for a monarchy at all.

Maintaining a monarchy can be expensive for taxpayers

See ‘Different political systems’ next