UK Politics - Democracy and Participation (Key Terms)

Legitimacy

The legal right to exercise power, for example, a government’s right to rule following an election

Can also be derived from law, tradition or consent

Direct Democracy

A form of democracy in which citizens make decisions directly, rather than through elected representatives, such as Referendums

Originates from ancient Athens

Representative Democracy

A form of democracy in which citizens elect representatives to make decisions and pass laws on their behalf

Most common form in modern democracies

Based on accountability, elections and constituency representation

Pluralist Democracy

A type of democracy in which power is dispersed among a variety of competing interest groups that influence decision-making

Assumes that diverse political viewpoints and pressure groups compete freely

Government listens to multiple sources, preventing dominance by a single elite

Democratic Deficit

A perceived or actual deficiency in the way democratic bodies operate, especially in terms of accountability and transparency

Often used to criticise institutions like the EU or House of Lords

Suggests that decisions are made by bodies not fully elected or representative

Participation Crisis

A situation where there is a decline in political engagement and participation by the public

Example indicators: Low voter turnout, falling party membership, political apathy

Seen as a threat to the health and legitimacy of a democracy

Franchise/suffrage

The right to vote in public elections

Historically restricted, but now universal suffrage applies to all adults over 18 in the UK

Key historical moments: Great Reform Acts, Representation of the People Acts

Think Tanks

Organisations that conduct research and develop policy ideas to influence government decision-making

Usually independent but can have political leanings

Examples: The Adam Smith Institute (right-leaning), The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) (left-leaning)

Lobbyists

Individuals or organisations paid to influence politicians or public officials on behalf of particular interests

Aim to persuade ministers or civil servants to adopt or reject policies

Raises concerns about transparency and unequal access to power