Democracy and participation

types of democracy

• liberal

• presidential

• majoritarian

• pluralist

• direct

• parliamentary

• representative

Advantages representative democ

• practical in large country need for quick result

• Reduces tyranny

• Allow representative held to account

• Politicians more expertise less likely sway by emotions

Disadvantages representative democracy

• reduced participation

• Don’t always represent best interest ppl

• Minorities still underrepresented

• Skill to avoid accountability

• Put own and party interests ahead of constituents betray election policies - Lib Dem scrap tuition fees

• FPTP means less than 50% vote

direct democracy

• decisions made directly by the people

representative democracy

• people elect speakers on their behalf

Adv of direct democracy

• purer form

• greater legitimacy

• improves political participation

• increases public engagement

• educate public

• historically it works

disadvantages of direct democracy

• not practical

• people decide emotions

• tyranny of majority

• low turnout

• society doesn’t understand issues

great reform act 1832

gave vote to

• property owners

• wealthy renters

Abolished rotten boroughs

Create standard qualification for voting

second reform act 1867

• doubled size of electorate

third reform act 1887

• all men who were householders

representation of peoples act 1918

• all men 21+

• women 30+ who were householder

equal franchise act 1928

• all men + women 21 +

representation peoples act 1969

• all men + women 18+

Chartists

• 1830’s/40’s

• campaigned for franchise all men 21+

• organised petitions signed by millions

• dealt w harshly by authorities

• Campaigned all men 21+ a secret ballot and annual elections

• became associated with violence

• largely died out by 1850

16 year olds shouldn’t have vote

• lack maturity and life experience

• Fake news and extreme politics

• Relatively few countries allow it

• Already low turnout amongst 18-24 so would be lowers

• Vote with family

16 year old should have vote

• have other legal rights e.g leave school join army etc

• Take part in more politics at young age

• Social media made awareness - Friday for future climate strikes

• Scotland granted vote

• Have a say on issues e.g tuition fees

E petitions good

• increase participation

• Better informed electorate

• Good for marginalised groups

• Communicate directly between gov and governed

• Enhance pluralism by preventing elitism

E petitions bad

• public greater access to extremism groups

• Disinformation

• Gov influenced by populist campaigns which don’t reflect wider opinions

suffragists

• NUWSS

• established in 1897

• led by millicent fawcett

• internally democratic

• open to all

• peaceful

suffragettes

• WSPU

• 1903

• pankhursts

• internally undemocratic

• only women

• violence - arson, chaining, starving, bombing, propaganda

Groups who can’t vote

• under 18’s

• prisoners

• lords/monarchs

• those under mental health act

methods of participation

• vote

• join and campaign for party

• organise strikes, petitions, demonstratiosn

• stand public office

votes 4 prisoners

• 2005

• euro court of human rights ruled hirst vs uk - breach of HRA

• pressure group ‘Howard league’

  HOWEVER

• voting is a privelege

• gov didn’t change rules

• scotland 2019 ruled if serve under 12 months can vote

is participation a crisis YES

• FALLING TURNOUT

• DECLINE IN PARTY MEMBERSHIP

• PARTISAN DEALIGNMENT

• DECLINE IN TRADE UNIONS

is participation a crisis NO

• increase turnout since 2001

• more parties

• labour membership increased

• increased pressure group memberships

• rise of social campaigns

Is a democratic deficit

• FPTP- unrepresentative results

• House of Lords unelected and plays crucial role

• Lack of protection citizens rights

• Control of sections of media by wealthy unaccountable - murdoch

Isn’t a democratic deficit

• devolved gov

• Independent judiciary

• Free media and politically neutral broadcast media

• Free and fair regular elections

• Wide range parties and pressure groups

• Rise of unconventional methods

Explain and analyse 3 features of a democracy

P1- free and fair elections- Elections allow citizens to choose their representatives and hold them accountable- elections must be free from corruption, coercion, and manipulation- For example, the regular elections in the UK and US uphold the democratic principle of government accountability- however can be confusing- Highlights how the process enables citizen participation in decision-making.

P2- rule of law- all individuals are subject to the law- protects citizens' rights and freedoms- judicial independence in countries like India or the US prevents authoritarian overreach- Reinforces checks and balances essential for democracy

P3- protection of rights and freedoms- safeguard fundamental rights- fosters an environment where diverse opinions and beliefs can coexist. For example, freedom of speech in democracies like the UK allows for criticism of government policies without fear- importance of equality and the promotion of a pluralistic society.

Explain and analyse three ways in which democracy could be improved

P1-ELECTORAL REFORM- LESS DISILLUSION- LESS APATHY- MANDATORY VOTING- AISTRALIA- LIB DEM REF- BUT IGNORED

P2- reduce money influence- stricter campaign finance laws and lobbyists- equality of opportunity- NRA influence doesn’t represent ppl- promotes fairness and accountability

P3-enhance civic education- understand democratic principles- informed electorate is better equipped to make decisions- Scandinavian countries' emphasis on civic education has led to highly informed and engaged citizens.- quality of participation

Explain and analyse three movements and reform that has enabled the UK to become a more democratic state

P1- great reform act 1832- gave fairer representation and erradicated rotten boroughs- although only gave to some men- laid groundowrk for further reforms and marked movement

P2-womens suffrage movement/ representation peoples act 1928 granted suffrage all adults - wspu crucial in driving change - expanded electorate - addressed historical imbalance

P3- devolution- established assembly and parls- localised decision making - scot parl over health issues - enhanced accoutnability and representation

Explain and analyse three aspects of the extension of the franchise

P1- great reform act 1832- gave fairer representation and erradicated rotten boroughs- although only gave to some men- laid groundowrk for further reforms and marked movement

P2-womens suffrage movement/ representation peoples act 1928 granted suffrage all adults - wspu crucial in driving change - expanded electorate - addressed historical imbalance

P3- voting age reduction 18 1969- recognise political awareness of youth- 18 year olds can marry or join military therefore could vote- political eqaulity - more preresentative

Explain and analyse the significance of three political groups

P1- cons- focus on free market, tradition, sovereignty- promotes thatcherism, brexit- shaped political direction- Demonstrates the influence of a long-established political group on both domestic and international policy

P2- labour- left, represents workers, advocated social justics, public services, economic equality- introduced welfare state, NHS , post war social reforms under attlee- Shows how a political group can drive systemic reforms to address societal issues.

P3- green- enviornment, justice, sustainability- Despite limited parliamentary representation- shifted discourse on climate change, 2008 climate change act- ability o smaller parties impact

Explain and analyse three issues of electoral participation

P1- low turnout- general elections around 70%, local elections 40%- creates a democratic deficit - due to disillusionment or uneducated- highlights challenge of ensuring representation

P2- voter apathy- youngers feel disconnected - youth turnout lower due to feeling unrepresented as seen in 2019 general elec- reflects need for gov to include systems to engage w youths

P3- inequality in participation- Marginalized groups often face barriers to voting- lang, ability, lack of education- ethnic minorities- weakens democratic process- importance addressing structural barriers

Explain and analyse three advantages of direct democracy

P1-greater participation- actively engage in decision makng- lead to more informed electorate and political awareness- scot indepn 85% turnout- sense of civic duty- strengthens democratic culture

P2-increased legitimacy- reflect majority- reduces public disatisfaction- 2016 ref reflected mandate - hwoever misinformation- line policies w electorate

P3-reduction in elitism- empowers citizens -prevents pursuing personal agendas- Citizen assemblies in countries like Ireland, used to deliberate on issues such as abortion rights, show how inclusive and representative decision-making can be.- promotes equality and reflect interests

Explain and analyse three disadvantages of direct democracy

P1- lack of education- 2016 brexit many lacked knowledge of long term effects- false information- result in decisions with unintended negative consequences.

P2- risk of emotional choice- direct democracy is vulnerable to emotional appeals, populist rhetoric, and media influence, leading to decisions based on sentiment rather than logic or evidence.- Switzerland, referendums on immigration restrictions have at times reflected populist fears- undermine rational governance.

P3-tyranny of majority- california's Proposition 8 initially banned same-sex marriage, reflecting the majority’s views but disregarding the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals- direct democracy can lead to outcomes that fail to protect minority groups, exacerbating social inequalities.

Explain and analyse three problems with referendums

P1- oversimplify- brexit leave or remain- voters unaware of full implications- results in problematic outcomes

P2- misinformation- claim about £350 million being sent to the EU weekly was widely criticized as misleading but had a significant impact on voters- how misinformation can distort outcomes, undermining the democratic process.

P3- lack of accountability- not have mechanisms for accountability, leaving no clear responsibility for implementing results.- lack of a clear plan for leaving the EU led to years of parliamentary deadlock and leadership changes. The public vote provided a mandate but no guidance on implementation, burdening Parliament with resolving the aftermath.- create gov challenges

Explain and analyse three reasons for the decline in 'conventional' participation

P1-disillusionment w politics- lack of trust after scandals- 2009 expenses crisis - contribute voter apathy ad loss of trust reduces engagament

P2- rise of alternative forms partic- social media activism and petitions- change.org and movements like Extinction Rebellion have demonstrated how citizens can influence politics outside of traditional structures, - diverts attention from conventional methods.

P3- generational and cultural shifts- focus on less traditional methods- low turnout young- cultural shift away from institutional politics toward more informal,- Demonstrates how changing attitudes and priorities among younger citizens contribute to the decline in conventional participation.

Explain and analyse three factors affecting voting behaviour

P1- social class- historically labour lower class cons upper- alignment has weakened in recent years- 2019 UK General Election, many traditional Labour voters in "Red Wall" constituencies shifted to the Conservatives, reflecting economic concerns and Brexit.- class identity and economic priorities continue to impact voting behaviour, albeit less rigidly than in the past

P2- age- 2017 and 2019 UK General Elections, younger voters overwhelmingly supported Labour due to policies like abolishing tuition fees, while older voters leaned toward the Conservatives, prioritizing stability and Brexit. This generational divide reflects differences in values, economic concerns, and media consumption.

P3- education- more educated individuals often favoring progressive policies and parties.- higher levels of education were more likely to vote "Remain," reflecting different attitudes toward globalization and economic integration compared to less educated voters who leaned "Leave."-shapes attitudes toward complex issues and voting preferences.

Explain and analyse three arguments in favour of referendums

P1-enhances democratic legitimacy- 2014 Scottish Independence referendum had high voter turnout (85%) and gave legitimacy to the decision to remain in the UK. This demonstrates the public’s role in shaping significant constitutional matters.-

P2- encouraging political participation- can engage citiziens- 2016 Brexit referendum saw an increase in political discourse, with millions of people debating EU membership. This engagement helps to foster a more politically active and informed electorate.

P3- resolve controversial issues- settle divisive issues- 1998 Good Friday Agreement referendum in Northern Ireland helped confirm public support for peace and the power-sharing agreement, reducing long-standing tensions.- provide closure

model of representation

1. Burkean Representation

• Focus: Representatives act in the interests of their constituents but use their own judgment.

• Example: Edmund Burke's belief that MPs are trustees, not mere delegates.

• Strength: Allows representatives to make informed decisions that may benefit society in the long term, even if unpopular.

• Criticism: Risks alienating constituents if their views are ignored.

2. Mandate Model

• Focus: Representatives follow the party’s manifesto or platform they were elected on.

• Example: A party MP voting in line with party policy (e.g., government whip systems).

• Strength: Ensures accountability and clarity, as voters know what they are supporting.

• Criticism: Limits individual MP autonomy and may lead to conflicts with constituency interests.

3. Delegate Model

• Focus: Representatives act strictly in accordance with their constituents’ expressed wishes.

• Example: MPs voting based on constituent feedback or public opinion in their area.

• Strength: Maximizes direct representation of the electorate’s views.

• Criticism: Impractical in complex decision-making and risks short-term populism.