1 - Democracy and participation (unfinished)

Define democracy

A form of government in which political power is vested in the people of the state

Define direct democracy

Citizens make political decisions themselves

Define representative democracy

Citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalves

Define legitimacy*

The idea that a government has a democratic right to hold political power

Define pluralist democracy

Democracy in which many groups and individuals can have political influence

Name two forms of direct democracy

• Referendums

• E-petitions

How many referendums have been held on constitutional issues between 1997 and 2016?

9

How many signatures does a petition need to get to be considered for debate in Parliament?

Over 100,000

Give three advantages of direct democracy

• Gives the people the most power

• Can boost education

• Can boost participation

Give the turnout of the 2016 Brexit referendum

72%

Give the turnout of the 2014 Scottish independence referendum

85%

Give three disadvantages of direct democracy (as expressed through referendums)

• Can oversimplify complex issues

• Can lead to tyranny of the majority

• Can only be held via An Act of Parliament, so are unlikely to happen unless supported by the PM

Give three advantages of representative democracy

• Political decisions are made by educated specialists who can be held accountable

• Representatives have time to consider impact of legislation

• Representatives can take minority views into account

Give three disadvantages of representative democracy

• Relies on the good conduct and performance of those in power

• Low turnout can call the mandate of representatives into question

• Representatives may avoid making unpopular but necessary reforms

What was the turnout at the 2024 general election?

59.8%

What has turnout at general elections been between 2001 and 2019?

59 to 69%