Politics - PARTICIPATION&DEMOCRACY

contains current systems of representative & direct democracy + suffrage + pressure groups & influences + rights in context.

Definition of direct democracy

where policies and laws are decided by a majority of all those eligible rather than by a body of elected representatives.

Definition of representative democracy

limited an indirect form of democracy operated by representatives.

Some advantages of direct democracy?

• purest form of democracy

• Majority of UK have good education, allowing them to make thought-out political decisions

• stops representatives acting only to further their own interests.

Some disadvantages of direct democracy?

• minority groups are easily outvoted and ignored

• requires the participation of everybody, this is impractical in large populated areas as there would be too much movement

• have to make important, political decisions on their own(unrealistic expectation)

Advantages of representative democracy?

• protects minorities

• rational as decisions are made by people who have extensive knowledge of the situation

• fair election

• level playing field between parties

What are they 6 key functions of democracy?

Representation, accountability, participation, power dispersal, legitimacy & education.

What is the ‘Redress of Grievances’?

the right of individuals/groups to complain about something wrong/an injustice, and to seek resolution from the Government or authoritative body

what is a manifesto?

public declaration of policy aims. these are issued before an election by the political parties / candidates.

What key changes did the ‘Elections act-2022’ bring around?

• compulsory ID for in-person voting

• gave gov new power over independent elections regulator

• help voters to vote with confidence regardless of access needs.

What are some positive aspects of democracy?

• free & fair elections

• good turnout

• universal suffrage (equal vote)

• lots of choice (11+ parties to pick from)

• pressure groups to speak for the minority

• Parliamentary sovereignty - power to make, amend and repeal laws

• Devolution - decisions made on local AND national basis for better representation

What are some negative aspects of democracy?

• Unelected elements (HoL and monarchy)

• Low turnout - not enough public engagement

• First past the post voting system - votes aren’t proportionate to seats.

• Lack of meaningful choice - 2 party system usually dominates

What was the Salisbury Convention?

means the House of Lords should not oppose the second or third reading of any government legislation promised in its election manifesto.

Positives of e-democracy

• minimal effort to vote online

• pure form of democracy

• aimed at smaller, more local issues

• opportunity for younger gen to be involved

• takes political debates outside of parliament

Negatives of e-democracy

• minimal effort - clicktivism

• fraud can take place

• wordings can be misleading

• format is too simple - issues are complex and need proper discussion

Positive impact of social media & democracy

• widespread opportunity to participate in politics

• politicise younger gen

• smaller groups can be heard

• encourage self-issue politics

Negative impacts of social media & politics

• undemocratic views can be spread

• gives illusion of majority opinion

• complex issues are simplified

• difficult to know what’s true or false

What is a promotional/cause pressure group?

group dedicated to a specific cause. they rely on mass activism instead of mass membership to advance their cause. OXFAME, shelters, child poverty action group, RSPCA

What is a sectional/functional pressure group?

a group dedicated to a sub-section of society. British medical association , trade unions

1928 equal franchise act - what did it do?

• lowered woman’s voting age from 30 to 21

• abolished property qualification

• equal voting rights for women and men

• UK established universal adult suffrage

arguments for compulsory voting

• increased participation - still have the option to spoil their paper if they really didn’t want to vote

• would give the elected gov more legitimacy & probably over 50% of support, this has never happened in UK. for eg, in 2005, Lab was elected with 22% support from electorates

• genuine political equality requires all to vote - the current system disadvantages the most vulnerable 

Arguments against compulsory voting

• the right not to vote is just as important

• wouldn’t address deeper problems regarding political engagement

• increases number of ‘random’ and ‘unthinking’ votes

• reinforces negative attitudes towards democracy

what are Insider pressure groups?

• regularly consulted by gov

• law abiding to maintain good image

• employ expert lobbyists to gain access to decision makers + represent their case

• provide expert advice to the gov

What are outsider pressure groups?

• not consulted by gov, have to influence them from outside gov

• aim to show gov that public is on their side

• some use extreme tactics to gain publicity

What is think tank?

• group of experts who provide expert knowledge and ideas on political, economic, and social problems.

• are privately funded ; do not have to declare funders so can be see as a hidden channel

Why are corporations important?

• work closely with gov to check policies & implement key proposals

• don’t vote in elections but have big impact on democratic societies

• may lobby the gov to influence them

• may pressurise the gov my threatening to relocate, might lead to unemployment and supporting industries

What are lobbyists?

• aim to influence gov or advise others how to influence gov

• can be firms or individuals

• can be abuse of power - the rich have the money to spend on lobbying

What is the extinction rebellion?

a politically non-partisan international movement that uses non-violent direct action to persuade gov to act justly on Climate and Ecological emergency.

What are the Extinction rebellions objectives (3)?

1- gov must tell the truth by declaring climate emergency

2- gov must act to reduce greenhouse gasses to net 0 by 2025

3- gov must create and be led by a citizens’ assembly on climate justice