Feautures of UK democracy Outlines and discusses features of democracy. 1.5 / 5 based on 2 ratings ? Government & PoliticsUK pressure groups and protest movementsASAll boards Created by: Econ123Created on: 26-12-10 12:00 Features of UK democracy. Features: Elections Free and fair, universal suffrage + electoral choice. Parliament Pressure Groups Referendums Devolution 1 of 6 Elections 1. Elections: a) Free and Fair: + One person, one vote. + Electoral Commission (protects public confidence). - FPTP is unfair; plurality rule, wasted votes & tactical voting. b) Universal suffrage: - Prisoners/mentall incapable/House of Lords members can't vote. c) Electoral choice: - 2 party system in Westmister elections between Lab and Cons. 2 of 6 Parliament 2. Parliament + Links govt to people. + MPs represent constituencies. + House of Commons - debating chamber of nation. + Deliberative democracy (pulicinterest decided through debates). - House of Lords unelected. 3 of 6 Pressure Groups 3. Pressure Groups + Political voice to minorities. + Citizens can exert influence between elections. - Power lies with wealthy, large PGs and business groups. - Ignore parliament and go straight to govt (weakens role of elected MPs). - Unelected, unaccountable leaders. 4 of 6 Referendums 4. Referendums. + Form of direct democracy. + Vote on specific issue. Important: 1975 referendum on continued membership of European Community (aka EU). - Irresponsible govt (hand decisions over to electorate but govt are elected to make policy decisions). - Strengthens govt (they decide when & where its held). 5 of 6 Devolution 5. Devolution created in 1998 (Scottish Parliament, Welsh Assembly & Northern Ireland Assembly). + Constituent nations given own political voice. + Increase political participation and education. - Major economic and foreign policy decisions still made at Westminster. - Devolution not advanced democracy in England where 84% of UK population live. 6 of 6
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