1.1- Representative + Direct Democracy

Representative democracy: elect parties to represent the people- degree of removal

Direct democracy: referendums + petitions- individual part to play

 

 

Pros

Cons

Representative

  • More likely to be knowledgeable in their fields- have time to develop expertise

 

  • More realistic + practical: people don't have to vote on each issue everyday

 

  • Can be held accountable for their actions

  • MPs can ‘redress a grievance’ - bringing up a constituent who may have been unfairly treated

 

 

  • Politicians are seeking power- so may not have the same priorities as the people.

 

  • 'Metropolitan elite'- sustains the power structure

 

  • Paves the way for extremism due to the necessity of voting for a party- esp. in 2 party states

 

  • Unlikely to represent the concerns of minorities: FPTP, populism

 

  • Reduces the level of public engagement in social issues

 

  • Can't really hold representatives accountable outside of elections.

Direct

  • Directly impactful decisions can be more representative of the total population's opinions

 

  • Purest form of democracy

 

  • Avoids deadlock/delay

 

  • More legitimate

  • People will be uninterested/not show up

 

  • Slower progress as it takes so much longer

 

  • 'Tyranny of the majority'- even if its close, the small majority means the decision is made

 

  • People can be easily swayed by individuals

 

  • Ordinary, uneducated citizens may not be fully understanding of the issues being debated.

 

Liberal Democracy

  • 17th century + Enlightenment thinkers

  • 'Governments should rule by the consent of the governed.'

  • 'Social contract existed between the people and those in power.'

 

  • Radical

    • 'Divine right of kings'- Charles gets ousted, and the fallout of the English Civil War necessitates the discussion of and introduction of an alternative system

    • Trade + flow of ideas + opinions increases

    • Printing press- pamphlets so opinions, organisation + gossip spread faster

    • Society becoming more secular- so less people subscribe to the idea of 'heaven'

 

Pros

Cons

  • People have a choice in who rules them

  • Voter apathy exposes flaws in the system

  • Rulers have to at least attempt to rule for the people as they can be ousted

  • People are not always well educated + easily swayed by candidates

 

Features:

  • Free elections

  • Protection of rights and liberties

  • Fair elections

  • Peaceful transition of power

  • The rule of law

  • An independent judiciary

  • Widespread participation in politics

  • Freedom of expression + information

  • Freedom of association

  • A constitution

 

LEVEL

JURISDICTION

Parish/Town council

Local issues including parks and gardens, parking restrictions, public amenities and small-scale planning permission.

Local Councils

Can cover counties, district or metropolitan areas. Local services including education, public transport, roads, social services and public health.

Combined Authorities

Two or more councils sharing resources and powers devolved from national government. Can be presided over by an elected Mayor as in Greater Manchester.

Metropolitan Authorities

Big city government such as London. Oversees strategic city issues such as policing, public transport, arts funding, environment, large scale planning permission and emergency services. Normally overseen by an elected Mayor and strategic authority.

Devolved Government

Government of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Varying powers but deal with health, social services, education, policing and transport. Overseen by elected bodies (Welsh Senedd, Scottish parliament, Northern Irish Assembly)

 

PROS:

  • At least somebody who is directly concerned for residents -> closest governing body is not too far removed

 

CONS:

  • Cluttered, messy system- waste of money if responsibilities overlap

 

EFFECTIVENESS

LEVELS OF DEDICATION

DEMOCRACY

Standing for public office as an MP, Mayor or councillor

Active pressure group membership including fundraising, campaigning and protesting

Digital activism including use of social media and signing e-petitions.

Active pressure group membership including fundraising, campaigning and protesting

Active party membership including canvassing, campaigning and attending meetings

Voting in local and national elections

Active party membership including canvassing, campaigning and attending meetings

Standing for public office as an MP, Mayor or councillor

Passive party/pressure group membership

Voting in local and national elections

Digital activism including use of social media and signing e-petitions.

Active party membership including canvassing, campaigning and attending meetings

Digital activism including use of social media, and signing e-petitions.

Voting in local and national elections

Active pressure group membership including fundraising campaigning and protesting

Passive party/pressure group membership

Passive party/pressure group membership

Standing for public office as an MP, Mayor or councillor

 

Factors affecting engagement globally:

  • Political education

  • Voting systems- proportional systems vs others.

  • Corruption

  • Things making people be like 'What's the point?'

 

Participation crisis in the UK?

  • Yes- economy has meant politics takes a backfoot in most people's priorities

 

Democratic deficits:

  • FPTP- disproportional results

  • HoL unelected body

  • PM powers are party based on an unelected monarch

  • Groups like prisoners and, often, homeless cannot vote