Edexcel UK Politics Terminology: Democracy and participation

Edexcel

Legitimacy

The rightful use of power according to pre-set criteria or rules.

e.g. Starmer being pm after winning the general election.

Direct democracy

When the people express their opinions themselves and not through elected officials.

Representative democracy

When an individual selects a person and/or a party to act on their behalf to represent political choice.

Pluralist democracy

When a government makes decisions due to contrasting ideas and arguments from competing groups and organisations.

Democratic deficit

A flaw where illegitimate people are appointed to power due to insufficient democratic input or avoidance of accountability.

Participation crisis

A significant lack of citizens engaging with political processes.
(e.g. choosing not to vote, join public office or join political parties)

Franchise/suffrage

One’s right to vote in public elections.

Think tanks

A body of experts made to collectively focus on certain topics and offer solutions based on their investigations.

Lobbyists

People who are paid by clients to influence the government/MPs/House of Lords’ members to act in their client’s interests.