✅strengths + weaknesses of DD

what does DD allow for?

the widest possible representation of the population, as it would be hard for elected representatives to reflect the full spectrum of electorates' views

what does DD ensure?

• legitimacy + that people are more likely to accept decisions- as they made them themselves

what is DD the only genuine form of?

self governance/ govt by the people + that empowers population at large to take direct responsibility for policy decision making

what does DD prevent?

• representatives from taking decisions out of self interest

what are people arguably increasingly becoming + how does this support DD?

 politically literate + educated so can take informed + balanced political decisions

what about referendums support DD?

• have been increasingly used in the UK with generally positive uptake

evidence that shows referendums have been increasingly used in the UK with generally positive uptake

• 97% of eligible Scots registered to vote in the 2014 referendum

• 84.6% turn out for Scottish referendum

• 71% of eligible 16+17 yos voted in the 2014 ref

• June 2016 EU ref= 72.2% turnout - 6% higher than 2015 GE

• 64% of eligible 18-24 yos voted in the EU referendum

what do decisions have due to DD?

• greater democratic legitimacy as they have the support of the majority of people

what does DD increase?

• public engagement, regular public debates + discussion help improve engagement

what does DD improve?

• Improves political education as people need to be informed in order to make decisions

where has DD worked?

• Countries like Switzerland regularly use DD to make decisions + are seen to function effectively

would genuine DD be practical?

• no, it would be logistically challenging and even unworkable

what question can be asked about society’s competency et al regarding DD?

• Would the majority of any society have the competency, time + perseverance to understand the detail + complexity of multi layered issues

what type of tyranny could DD lead to?

• Tyranny of the majority- minority groups + interests may have detrimental decisions imposed on them when decisions are based on a majority vote

what does low turnout at referendums mean?

 only a small group of people make decisions which affect everyone

what may people vote on the basis of?

emotion rather than practical considerations

what may populism cause people to vote on ?

• popular short-term measures that will benefit them, rather than consider what will be in the national interest + good for everyone