Representative Democracy

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  • Created by: Toby J
  • Created on: 09-09-23 13:38

Representative Democracy

Advantages

  • The only practical system in a large modern state, where issues are complex and often need rapid response (for example, the deployment of troops).
  • Politicians form parties, bringing coherence and giving people a real choice of representative. Pressure groups form to represent different interests, promoting debate and encouraging pluralist democracy.
  • Reduces chances of minority rights being overridden by 'tyranny of the majority'.
  • Elections allow people to hold representatives to account.
  • Politicians are (in theory) better informed than the average citizen about the many issues on which they must take a view.

Disadvantages

  • May lead to reduced participation as people choose to hand responsibility to politicians.
  • Parties and pressure groups are often run by elites pursuing their own agendas, not truly representing the people.
  • Minorities may still find themselves under-represented as politicians are more likely to follow the views of the majority to secure election.
  • Politicians are skilful in avoiding accountability, especially as general elections are usually 5 years apart in the UK.
  • Politicians may be corrupt and incompetent, may betray election promises or put loyalty to their party before responsibility to the electorate.

Evaluation

The only practical system in a large modern state as it allows for representatives to be held accountable and includes many safeguards for minorities.

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