Characteristics of a Liberal Deocracy

Liberal Democracy is the most comon modern form of representive democracy., and most Western States like the US and UK can be classified as Liberal Democracies. But what makes a Liberal Democracy, and to what extent is the UK a Liberal Democracy?

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  • Created by: Megan K
  • Created on: 28-12-15 13:32

Elections

Democratic states must have regular and fair elections that have a meaningful impact on the political system and agenda

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Competition

There is some competiton for power and a real choice betwen individuals, groups and parties in elections, as to offer some alternative and therefore accontability.

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Franchise

Popular franchise is given to a wide demographic in a democracy, and in many cases this is percieved to be the adult population with no exclusion of any groups.

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Pluralism

The existence of diverse centres of economic and political power, intertwined with choice between political parties and pressure groups . 

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Limited Government

Liberalism requires a limited government that does not interene with more than what is neccesary and therefore place certain checks and limitations to prevent this and secure essential liberties.

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Civil Rights

The important existence of freedoms, such as freedom of speech, are established by codifing it into law.

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Open Government

Government is non secretive and actions are clear to citizens. it is seen to be fair and acountable

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Independent Judicary

the judicial system has to be an impartial and independent legal sytem based on equality of access to law.

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Free Media

Newspapers and broadcasters being allowed to operate free of Governmental pressure. They can publish with little restriiction.

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Rule of Law

The Rule of Law, which requires total obigation from its citizens, also sees the Government be bound to it, and therefore the Government has a legal restriction to it.  

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