Democracy and Participation

Question 1

All individuals express their options themselves and not through representatives acting on their behalf. E.g. Referendum

Answer 1

Direct democracy

Question 2

A form of democracy in which an individual selects a person (or political party) to act on behalf to exercise political choice.

Answer 2

Representative democracy

Question 3

A Direct democracy: (3things)

Answer 3

1) Individuals express opinions themselves
2) Citizens are more active in decision making
3) Not elective

Question 4

A Representative democracy: (4things)

Answer 4

1) Citizens elect representatives from to make decisions on their behalf
2) All adult citizens have the right to vote for representatives
3) Citizens pass their authority to representatives
4) Elections for representatives are free and fair

Question 5

A type of democracy in which a government makes decisions as a result of the interplay or various ideas and contrasting arguments from competing groups and organisations.

Answer 5

Pluralist democracy

Question 6

A direct vote on a single issue, usually requiring a yes or no response.

Answer 6

Referendum

Question 7

3 UK referendums (examples of direct democracy)

Answer 7

1975 Vote on membership of EU

2011 Vote on change of voting system for Westminster parliament

2016 Vote on membership of EU

Question 8

The Recall of MP’s Act 2015 (example of direct democracy holding representative to account)

Answer 8

Allows a petition to be triggered if an MP is sentenced to be imprisoned or suspended from the HOC for more than 21 days. If 10% of the eligible voters sign then a by election is called.

Question 9

Who does the government derive its legitimacy from?

Answer 9

Consent of the people

Question 10

5 positive democratic features in the UK political system

Answer 10

1) Free media
2) Independent judiciary
3) Devolved governments
4) Free and fair elections
5) Wide range of political parties and pressure groups

Question 11

4 reasons why the UK political system is undemocratic and is causing a democratic deficit.

Answer 11

1) Under-representation of the minority viewpoints due to FPTP
2) House of Lords lacks democratic legitimacy
3) Lack of protection for citizens rights
4) Control of sections of the media by wealthy, unaccountable business interests

Question 12

A lack of engagement with the political systems for example where a large number of people choose not to vote, join a political party or stand for office.

Answer 12

Participation crisis

Question 13

Reasons why there may be a participation crisis:

Answer 13

Voter turnout

Party membership

Question 14

The ability or right to to vote in public elections

Answer 14

Franchise/ suffrage

Question 15

3 main types of pressure groups

Answer 15

Sectional
Cause
Social movements

Question 16

2 broad kinds of pressure groups

Answer 16

Insider

Outsider

Question 17

Factors relevant in deciding in deciding effectiveness of pressure group activity

Answer 17

Resources
Tactics and leadership
Public support
Government attitudes

Question 18

A group of experts from different backgrounds who are brought together to investigate particular topics and to offer solutions to complicated economic, social or political issues.

Answer 18

Think tanks

Question 19

Members of progressional organisations who are paid by clients seeking access to government, or to MP’s and members of the HOL.

Answer 19

Lobbyists

Question 20

Major milestones in the development of rights in the UK

Answer 20

Manga Carta 1215
The European Convention of Human Rights 1950
The Human Rights Act 1998
The Equality Act 2010

Question 21

The ultimate political power; in the UK’s democracy, the electorate holds this power which it delegates to parliament.

Answer 21

Political sovereignty

Question 22

Deportation case study on Human Rights Act

Answer 22

Abu Qatada