politics

Define legitimacy and accountability

Legitimacy - rightful use of power; government has the right to rule

Accountability - elected representatives are responsible to the people for their actions, policies and decisions

What’s the difference between direct and representative democracy? + example

Direct democracy - citizens vote on decisions themselves e.g 2016 EU referendum + high legitimacy gives people a say

Representative democracy - people elect others and make e.g uk parliament and us congress

Arguments for and against the majority rule

For:

• Fair - everyone’s vote counts equally

• Majority - most people’s choice

• Elections give government a mandate to lead

Against:

• Minorities can be ignored/left behind

• 51% could oppress 49%

• Should people vote on fundamental rights

• Majority could make an unfair decision

List the main features of democracy

Free and fair elections

Universal right to vote

More than one political party

Freedom of speech

Independent media

Independent judiciary (separate part of the government system of courts responsible for interpreting the law, settling legal disputes e.t.c)

Majority rule

Protection of minority right

Political opposition exists

Government accountable to the people

What is direct democracy?

A form of democracy where citizens make decisions directly rather than elected representatives

What are the key features of direct democracy

Underwater clownfish beat eels

Unmediated - no one in between citizens and decisions

Continuous - people involved on an ongoing basis

Based on popular sovereignty - power belongs to the people

Equal weight - every vote counts equally

Give an example of direct democracy

2016 EU referendum (Brexit)

Advantages of direct democracy

High legitimacy - directly from the people

Reduces elite control - power is spread out, not held by a small group

What are the disadvantages of direct democracy?

Tyranny of the majority - minority rights can be ignored

Voter fatigue - too many voters mean people stop caring

What was the 2016 UK referendum result

52% voted to leave

48% voted to remain

What is an e-petition?

An online petition for the public to sign to show that they support a cause or suggest a change

Example - petition to revoke Article 50 and stay in the EU

Advantages of e-petitions

Encourages public engagement

Quick and easy to use

Builds pressure for Pariliament to take action

Disadvantages of e-petitions

Limited real power - government doesn’t have to do what they say

May only reflect the views of a small but loud group

What is a referendum?

A system of voting where the public can vote on one single issue

What is a poll?

Another term for elections

What is meant by National interest?

What is best for the nation as a whole.

What is meant by Redress of Greivances?

The right to make a complaint about to the government to get it fixed / addressed without fear of punishment.

What is delegate?

When the representative does what the constituency wants

What is trustee?

When representatives make the decision themselves

What is party representative?

Representative generally follows the policies of the party