Politics Democracy and Participation

1.1-1.4De

Democracy

literally - rule by the people

• Includes various politics systems organized on the basis that, the government should serve the interests of the people

Dictatorship

A government formed by a single leader who came to power through force or inheritance and maintains control without consent of the governed. Often characterized by authoritarian power and a lack of political freedom

Constitutional Monarchy

A system of rule where the Monarchy is head of the state but their power is limited by a constitution and shared with the elected government. - can approve laws from parliament 

opposite of absolute

Parliamentary Democracy

Where democratic governance of a state features an executive branch (the elected party/coalition) derives legitimacy from and is held accountable to the legislature (Parliament)

Representative Democracy

When the electorate, elect a representative within their constituencies to make decisions on their behalf

Positives and Negatives of Representative democracy

Positives:

• Quicker

• Can hold representatives accountable

Negatives:

• Tyranny of the majority

• Low participation = poor representation

Direct Democracy

All individuals express their opinion themselves and not through representatives acting on their behald

Positives and Negatives of direct democracy

Positives:

• Proper representatives as everyone voices views

• Increases participation 

Negatives: 

• Can cost a lot of money 

• Tyranny of majority

• Takes a lot of time 

• Quite inconvenient when done regularly

• Less practical

• Populist outcomes - people vote for short term benefits

• Undermines elected representatives -  seen, as less accountable

Tyranny of the majority

Where a majority abuses their large population to influence policies and legislation using their power that benefits them regardless of the welfare of the minority

Totalitarianism

A political system that controls every aspect of one’s life

Importance of democracy

• Establishes and protects freedom

• Protects minorities

• Controls Government power

• Encourages participation

• Upholds accountability

• Government has legitimacy to rule

• Encourages political education

Coalition government

When 2 parties come together to form the government, happens when no party has the majority

What is a referendum?

A form of direct democracy, when the government is asking for public opinion on a matter of significant constitutional change outside of manifesto.

• Is non-binding

• Response is binary

• Usually a single question - has to be unbiased / lack persuasive langauge

• Can be regional or national

Why are referendums used?

• A solution for a split party to come to a conclusion fairly

• To directly address the public

• Improve legitimacy on government decisions, as the public voted for it

• To solve local issues

Examples of referendums 

• 2011 AV referendum - to switch from electoral system to alternate voting system, as it was fairer. 42% turnout, 67.9% opposed. 

• 2014  Scottish Referendum - Should Scotland stay in the UK? 84.6% turnout, 55% opposed. 

• 2016 British Referendum - Should Britain stay in the EU? 72.2% Turnout 52% opposed

Pros and Cons of referendums

Pros

• Increases government legitimacy

• Educates the public on politics

• Purest form of democracy - everyone has a say

• Increases participation and public engagement

• It work - help places function

Cons

• Misinformation can affect accuracy of vote

• Can causes division in regions

What is widening the franchise ? 

Broadening the electorate section - allowing more people to vote

Political suffrage

Being able to vote

Who aren’t allowed to vote atm?

• Prisoners

• People under 18 (except Scotland)

1832 Great Reform Act

People in other classes could vote except women

1867 Second Reform Act

Landowners could now vote - except women and people without land

1872 Ballot Act

Introduced secret ballot, which allowed people to have the freedom to vote whichever party without pressure

1884 third reform act

Extended franchise to working men over 21. Excluded people w/ very low income and people who were renting

45%~ of men could vote

1918 Representation of the people Act

Most men could vote

Women over 30 could vote, married, landowners or uni graduates

1928 Representation of the people act

All adults 21 and over could vote