Representative Democracy

What is representative democracy?

A form of democracy where voters elect representatives to make political decisions on their behalf- representatives then held accountable

Why is representative democracy needed?

The public wouldn’t be able to make complicated political decisions al the time

How are elected representatives held accountable ?

Through regular elections- accountable to the people

What do voters remain even under a representative democracy ?

Sovereign- they decide whether to renew the mandate of their representatives

What should MPs spend a lot of time doing?

In their constituencies listening to the concerns of of their citizens

What should MPs not just act in accordance with?

The wishes of constituents

As a result of representative democracy who is government carried out by?

professional politicians

What are politicians more likely to make?

Politically educated decisions- not swayed by emotion

What do elected representatives have to balance?

Conflicting interests

Who’s rights can politicians better protect?

Rights of minorities

In a direct democracy how does the public vote in contrast?

According to their self interest without needing to consider the affect of others

What type of democracy is direct democracy likely to encourage?

A majoritarian form of democracy where rights and interests of minorities may be neglected

If the people don’t approve the decisions of government what can they do?

Elect another one

What do critics of representative democracy say MPs are disengaged from?

The public- do not adequately represent their interests

What do powerful pressure groups and lobbyists and London based media establish ?

A self perpetuating Westminster “bubble” which disconnects voters from their representatives

What can MP’s also have which leads to a conflict in interests?

Second jobs

Why is parliament unrepresentative ?

FPTP

Who dominate Westminster as a result of FPTP?

Labour/Conservative

Describe the social make up of parliament ?

White, male and middle class

Due to the social make up of parliament who’s interests may be poorly represented?

The interests of poorer voters