POLITICS REVISION WEEK 1 - Democracy and Participation

Week 1 revision topic: Democracy and Participation. 120 questions

1. What is democracy?

Democracy is a system of government where power is vested in the people, allowing them to make decisions either directly or through elected representatives. The core principle is popular sovereignty.

2. What are the two main types of democracy?

Direct democracy and representative democracy.

3. What is direct democracy?

Direct democracy is a form of government where citizens directly participate in decision-making without intermediaries, often through referendums or citizens' assemblies.

4. Give an example of direct democracy in practice.

The Swiss use referendums on various policy issues, allowing citizens to vote directly on laws and proposals.

5. What is representative democracy?

Representative democracy is a system where citizens elect representatives to make decisions and pass laws on their behalf.

6. Name a feature of a liberal democracy.

One key feature is free and fair elections, ensuring all citizens have equal voting rights and opportunities to elect their leaders.

7. What is a constitutional monarchy?

A constitutional monarchy is a political system where a hereditary monarch acts as the head of state, but their powers are largely symbolic and exercised under the guidance of elected officials.

8. What does parliamentary sovereignty mean?

Parliamentary sovereignty means that the UK Parliament holds the ultimate authority to make, amend, or repeal laws. No other institution can override its decisions.

9. Define the rule of law.

The rule of law is the principle that everyone, including government officials, is subject to the same laws and that laws must be applied fairly and consistently.

10. What is a democratic deficit?

A democratic deficit occurs when democratic institutions or processes fail to represent the will of the people adequately. This can be due to low voter turnout, a lack of transparency, or limited accountability in decision-making.

What is political participation?

Political participation refers to the various ways in which individuals engage in the political process, including voting, joining political parties, campaigning, and engaging in protests or petitions.

What is the most common form of political participation?

Voting in elections is the most common form of political participation.

Name two alternative forms of political participation.

• Joining political parties or pressure groups.

• Participating in protests or signing petitions.

What is voter apathy?

Voter apathy refers to a lack of interest or enthusiasm for participating in elections or the political process, often leading to low voter turnout.

What is a participation crisis?

A participation crisis occurs when there is a significant decline in political engagement, such as low voter turnout, shrinking party membership, or general disengagement from democratic processes.

What is party membership?

Party membership is the act of formally joining a political party, often involving paying a membership fee and participating in party activities, such as voting in leadership elections.

How has party membership changed over time?

In the UK, party membership for major political parties has declined significantly since the mid-20th century. However, there have been occasional surges in membership, such as during the leadership campaigns of popular leaders.

What are e-petitions?

E-petitions are online petitions that allow citizens to raise issues or concerns digitally. For example, the UK government’s e-petition platform allows petitions with over 100,000 signatures to be considered for parliamentary debate.

Give an example of digital activism.

Digital activism includes campaigns such as the #BlackLivesMatter movement, which uses social media platforms to promote awareness and organize protests or events.

What is social media’s role in politics?

Social media plays a critical role in politics by allowing candidates and parties to engage directly with voters, promoting activism and awareness, and facilitating the rapid dissemination of political information (or misinformation). It can also be used to mobilize grassroots movements.

What is voter turnout?

Voter turnout is the percentage of eligible voters who cast a ballot in an election.

What is considered a high voter turnout?

A high voter turnout is typically considered to be above 70%, indicating strong engagement in the democratic process.

What was the voter turnout in the 2019 general election?

The voter turnout in the 2019 UK general election was 67.3%.

What factors influence voter turnout?

Factors include age, socioeconomic status, education level, perceived importance of the election, political engagement, and trust in the political system.

How does age affect voter turnout?

Older voters are more likely to vote compared to younger voters. For example, turnout among those aged 65 and over is significantly higher than among 18-24-year-olds.

How does class impact voting behavior?

Historically, working-class voters were less likely to vote compared to middle- or upper-class voters. However, class-based voting has declined due to social mobility and changing political identities.

What are "safe seats"?

Safe seats are constituencies where one political party has a strong majority and is almost guaranteed to win in every election.

What is tactical voting?

Tactical voting occurs when voters choose a candidate who is not their preferred option to prevent another, less desirable candidate from winning.

What is a marginal seat?

A marginal seat is a constituency where the winning candidate won by a small margin in the previous election, making it highly competitive.

What are swing voters?

Swing voters are those who are not loyal to a particular political party and may change their voting choice from one election to the next, often influencing the outcome in key constituencies.

What is First Past the Post (FPTP)?

FPTP is the electoral system where the candidate with the most votes in a constituency wins, regardless of whether they have a majority.

How does FPTP work?

Each voter casts one vote for a candidate in their constituency, and the candidate with the most votes wins. There is no requirement for an absolute majority (50%+).

Name one advantage of FPTP.

Simplicity: It is easy to understand and quick to count, leading to clear results.

Name one disadvantage of FPTP.

Disproportional outcomes: A party can win a majority of seats without a majority of the national vote, and smaller parties are often underrepresented.

What is the Additional Member System (AMS)?

AMS is a hybrid electoral system that combines First Past the Post with proportional representation. Voters cast two votes: one for a constituency representative and one for a party list.

What elections use AMS in the UK?

AMS is used for the Scottish Parliament, Welsh Senedd (Welsh Parliament), and the London Assembly elections.

What is the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system?

STV is a proportional electoral system where voters rank candidates in order of preference. Candidates must reach a vote quota to be elected, and surplus votes are transferred to other candidates.

What are the advantages of STV?

STV reduces wasted votes, ensures proportional representation, and allows voters to express multiple preferences.

What is the Supplementary Vote (SV) system?

SV is used in single-winner elections where voters rank their top two candidates. If no candidate receives a majority, the top two candidates proceed to a second round where second-choice votes are counted.

What are the disadvantages of SV?

SV can still encourage tactical voting, and votes for candidates who do not make it to the second round may be wasted.

What is proportional representation?

Proportional representation (PR) is an electoral system where seats are allocated to parties in proportion to the number of votes they receive.

What is the main argument for proportional representation?

It ensures fairer representation, as parties gain seats that more accurately reflect their share of the vote.

What is compulsory voting?

Compulsory voting is a system where eligible citizens are legally required to vote in elections.

Name a country that uses compulsory voting.

Australia is a notable example of a country with compulsory voting.

What are the arguments for compulsory voting?

• Increases voter turnout and strengthens democratic legitimacy.

• Ensures a more representative electorate.

• Encourages political engagement and education.

What are the arguments against compulsory voting?

• It may violate personal freedom by forcing participation.

• Leads to uninformed or random voting.

• Does not address the root causes of political disengagement.

What is digital voting?

Digital voting refers to using electronic or online systems to cast votes in elections.

How could digital voting improve participation?

• Provides convenience, making it easier for people to vote.

• Increases accessibility for those with physical disabilities or mobility issues.

• Could encourage younger, tech-savvy voters to participate.

What are the risks of digital voting?

• Vulnerability to hacking and fraud.

• Potential for technical failures or system errors.

• Concerns about voter privacy and anonymity.

What is political education?

Political education is the process of teaching citizens, especially students, about the democratic system, political institutions, and how to participate in political life effectively. It helps foster informed and active citizenship.

What is the franchise?

The franchise refers to the right to vote in elections.

What did the 1832 Great Reform Act achieve?

It extended the right to vote to middle-class men by lowering property qualifications, expanding the electorate and marking the start of modern electoral reforms.

What did the 1918 Representation of the People Act do?

It granted the vote to all men over 21 and women over 30 who met property qualifications, significantly expanding the electorate after World War I.

What did the 1928 Representation of the People Act achieve?

It extended voting rights to all women over 21, achieving electoral equality with men.

When was the voting age lowered to 18?

The voting age was lowered from 21 to 18 in 1969 under the Representation of the People Act.

What is the current voting age in the UK?

The current voting age in the UK is 18 for general elections, although some devolved elections in Scotland and Wales allow voting at 16.

What is the "Votes at 16" campaign?

A movement advocating to lower the voting age to 16 for all elections in the UK, arguing that young people should have a say in decisions affecting their future.

What are arguments for votes at 16?

• Increases youth engagement in politics.

• Many 16-year-olds are politically aware and educated.

• Youth are affected by political decisions and should have a voice.

• Can help foster lifelong voting habits.

What are arguments against votes at 16?

• Some argue 16-year-olds lack political maturity and life experience.

• Concerns about low turnout among young voters.

• Critics believe other forms of participation should be prioritized for young people.

What is universal suffrage?

Universal suffrage means the right to vote is granted to all adult citizens regardless of gender, race, class, or other characteristics, as long as they meet the minimum age requirement.

What is a pressure group?

A pressure group is an organization that seeks to influence government policy or public opinion without seeking to hold political office.

What is a sectional (interest) group?

A sectional group represents the interests of a specific group in society, such as professionals or workers.

What is a cause (promotional) group?

A cause group campaigns for a specific cause or issue, often focused on social, environmental, or human rights issues.

Give an example of a sectional group.

The British Medical Association (BMA), which represents doctors' interests.

Give an example of a cause group.

Greenpeace, which campaigns on environmental and climate issues.

What is an insider group?

An insider group has close access to policymakers and is often consulted by the government on policy matters. For example, the Confederation of British Industry (CBI).

What is an outsider group?

An outsider group is not consulted by the government and often resorts to public campaigns to gain attention and influence. For example, Extinction Rebellion.

What are the methods used by pressure groups?

• Lobbying

• Petitions

• Protests and demonstrations

• Social media campaigns

• Public relations campaigns

• Legal challenges

What is lobbying?

Lobbying is the process of meeting with and attempting to persuade policymakers or politicians to adopt or support specific policies.

What is direct action?

Direct action refers to taking immediate, often public, action to achieve political goals. This can include strikes, sit-ins, protests, or civil disobedience to raise awareness and pressure the government.

What factors affect the success of pressure groups?

Success is influenced by public support, media coverage, financial resources, insider status, leadership, and the political climate.

How does public support affect pressure group success?

Widespread public support can increase political pressure and legitimacy, making it harder for policymakers to ignore the group’s demands.

What is media influence in pressure group campaigns?

Media coverage can amplify a group’s message, raise public awareness, and increase political pressure on decision-makers.

What role does financial power play for pressure groups?

Financial resources allow pressure groups to fund campaigns, hire professional lobbyists, produce advertisements, and organize events to influence policy.

What is the significance of insider status?

Insider groups have direct access to policymakers, allowing them to influence legislation or regulations more effectively behind closed doors.

What is the role of think tanks?

Think tanks are research organizations that develop policy ideas and recommendations. They often collaborate with pressure groups or political parties to shape public policy.

What is a lobbyist?

A lobbyist is a professional advocate hired to influence lawmakers or government officials on behalf of pressure groups, corporations, or other organizations.

How do corporations influence politics?

Corporations may use lobbying, political donations, sponsorship of events, or partnerships with pressure groups to influence public policy in their favour.

What is the revolving door phenomenon?

The revolving door refers to the movement of individuals between government roles and private lobbying or corporate positions, potentially leading to conflicts of interest.

What is elitism in the context of pressure groups?

Elitism refers to the idea that certain wealthy or well-connected pressure groups have disproportionate influence over policy, often at the expense of broader public interest or less-resourced groups.

What is the Human Rights Act 1998?

The Human Rights Act 1998 incorporates the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) into UK law, allowing individuals to defend their rights in UK courts.

What rights are protected under the Human Rights Act?

Rights include the right to life, freedom from torture, freedom of speech, the right to a fair trial, the right to privacy, and freedom of religion.

What is judicial review?

Judicial review is a legal process where courts assess whether a public authority's actions or decisions are lawful or violate individual rights.

What is the Freedom of Information Act 2000?

This act grants the public the right to access information held by public authorities, promoting transparency and accountability in government.

How does the Equality Act 2010 protect rights?

The Equality Act protects individuals from discrimination based on characteristics like race, gender, disability, age, sexual orientation, and religion.

What is the difference between individual and collective rights?

Individual rights protect personal freedoms (e.g., freedom of speech), while collective rights protect groups or communities (e.g., workers’ union rights or cultural rights).

What is freedom of speech?

Freedom of speech is the right to express opinions and ideas without government interference, subject to legal limitations (e.g., hate speech laws).

What is freedom of association?

Freedom of association is the right to form, join, or leave groups or organizations (e.g., political parties, trade unions) without government interference.

What is the right to privacy?

The right to privacy protects individuals from unjustified intrusion into their personal lives, including family, correspondence, and personal information.

What is the right to protest?

The right to protest allows individuals or groups to demonstrate or express dissent, typically through peaceful public gatherings or marches. It may be subject to lawful restrictions for public safety.

What is the tension between freedom of speech and hate speech laws?

Freedom of speech allows individuals to express their views, but hate speech laws limit speech that incites hatred or violence against protected groups. The challenge is balancing free expression with protecting vulnerable groups from harm.

What are public safety concerns in relation to civil liberties?

Public safety measures, such as surveillance or curfews, may restrict civil liberties like privacy or freedom of movement. The challenge is ensuring public safety without infringing on fundamental rights.

How do anti-terrorism laws affect individual rights?

Anti-terrorism laws may increase surveillance, detention without charge, and restrictions on association, raising concerns about potential abuse and the erosion of rights like privacy and due process.

What is the role of the judiciary in protecting rights?

The judiciary ensures that laws and government actions comply with human rights standards. Courts can strike down unlawful actions or policies that violate individual rights.

What is judicial activism?

Judicial activism refers to when judges interpret laws or the constitution in ways that expand or protect rights, often seen as stepping beyond strict legal interpretation to promote social or political changes.

What is a rights-based culture?

A rights-based culture prioritizes and emphasizes the protection and promotion of individual rights and freedoms in law, policy, and societal norms.

What are civil liberties pressure groups?

These groups advocate for the protection and expansion of civil liberties, often campaigning against government policies perceived to infringe on individual rights.

Give an example of a civil liberties group.

Liberty (formerly the National Council for Civil Liberties) is a prominent UK organization that advocates for civil rights and freedoms.

How has Brexit affected human rights debates?

Brexit has raised concerns about losing the protections provided by EU laws, such as workers’ rights and anti-discrimination measures. Some fear a weakening of human rights standards post-Brexit.

What is the role of international law in protecting rights?

International law, such as the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and United Nations treaties, sets global standards for human rights. Countries that are signatories must adhere to these protections or face international scrutiny.