essay plan: evaluate the view that there is a democratic deficit in the UK?

introduction

- democratic deficit = state where democratic processes and systems are not functioning effectively

- strong democracy should have high levels of participation, effective social and political representation, gov have legitimacy, clear mandate and held accountable, rights should be protected and upheld.

- although elements of democracy improved still significant issue and a democratic deficit

political representation - FPTP for

- FPTP used for both Westminster and local elections in England and Wales

- undermines democracy as it under-represents minorities (despite having widespread support) and results are disproportionate to votes e.g. 2015 UKIP, 3.8 mill votes but 1 seat yet SNP 1.5 mill but 56 seats

- this brings legitimacy of MP's and gov into question as they can receive fewer votes but more seats. most gov's elected between 35-40% so most end up with party they didn't vote for

- millions of votes wasted and caused voters to become disillusioned with process

- deficit as many underrepresented and lack of legitimacy

political representation - FPTP - against

- it improves democracy as it is a simple system which is fair to give each voter one vote which encourages people to vote in comparison to a more complex system

- democracy more stable as it doesn't allow minority parties to have significant representation

- accountability improved since recall of MP's act (explain but only 2/3 success)

- but these are weak arguments people's voices and votes should be fairly heard

- undemocratic to deny parties representation if they're being voted for

participation crisis for

- in conventional methods

- election turnout declining in all elections (2017 - 68%)

- democracy only strong if people engage in process

- local election turnout low (2015 P+C 15%)

- signifies complete apathy or choice not to engage, many people feel votes are wasted in FPTP and the domination of Lab and Con

- party membership low (Con dropped by over 1m member since 1970's) members are no longer involved in policy making process

participation crisis against

- it's shifted as many grown weary of electoral system so sought to be heard in other ways

- pressure group membership has rocketed

- high turnout in some elections and referendum e.g. 2014 Scottish independence referendum turnout over 80%

- increased participation in e-petitions and protests e.g. 2003 Iraq war had over 1 million participants

- shift largely due result of electoral system that is outdated and ineffective

lack of social representation for

- in executive and legislative branch

- only 34% of MP's are female compared to 51% of population

- only 10% of commons are BAME compared to 20% of population

- whilst not essential to be a part of one demographic to represent them it will likely increase empathy and understanding of issues

- the gov have clearly lacked on issues of domestic violence and racial inequality

- out of touch with electorate, 20& privately educated compared to 7% of population - people disengaging and they feel they cant be represented by people who have never experienced same challenges.

lack of social representation against

- UK improved

- parliament no longer a 'boys club'

- current cabinet more ethnically diverse than any other conservative cabinet with an Asian-British Chancellor of the Exchequer

- LGBTQIA+ representation in parliament positive statistically and more MP's who attended state schools than private