representative democracy
- Created by: EmThompson
- Created on: 01-10-18 10:20
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- representative democracy
- What is it?
- people elect a representative to make decisions on their behalf
- political institutions should be a cross section of society
- representative should strike a balance between stated party policies and the interests of their constituents
- as well as thinking independently
- trade unions and newspapers also represent the public
- Newspaper editors claim to represent the views of their readers
- politicians pay more attention now to the media
- Positive Aspects
- practical in a large state where issues are complex and need a rapid response
- e.g. deployment of troops
- different political parties and pressure groups allow for a pluralist democracy
- Reduces chances of minority rights being overridden by 'tyranny of the majority'
- Elections allow people to hold their representative to account
- Politicians are often more informed than the average citizen
- can make more educated decisions
- practical in a large state where issues are complex and need a rapid response
- Negative Aspects
- may lead to reduced participation
- people choose to hand responsibility to politicians
- low participation = legitimacy questioned
- parties and pressure groups often run by elites who have their own agendas
- not truly representing the people
- minorities may still find themselves under represented
- politician more likely to follow views of majority to secure votes
- House of C. still not seen as fully representative of our society
- politicians may be corrupt or incompetent
- e.g. betray election promises or favour their party to the electorate
- House of Lords lack democratic legitimacy
- Only 1/2 of the Lords are elected
- may lead to reduced participation
- What is it?
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