individuals express their opinions themselves and not through representatives acting on their behalf
2 of 17
what is an example of direct democracy?
a referendum
3 of 17
what is representative democracy?
Citizens elect a person or party to make decisions on their behalf and represent their views
4 of 17
give an example of representative democracy?
a general election
5 of 17
how did abraham lincoln describe democracy
Government of the people
Government by the people
Government for the people
6 of 17
where was direct democracy used?
ancient athens
7 of 17
how many people populated athens?
250,000
8 of 17
how many populate Britain?
64 million
9 of 17
who could vote in athens?
all adult males
excluding slaves, women and children
10 of 17
who can vote in the uk?
all uk citizens over the age of 18
11 of 17
describe 3 strengths of representative democracy
- Practical for large societies
(such large number of people that it is impossible for them to sit together and make a collective decision)
- Political stability because the population is distanced for impassioned decison-making
- Division of labour - al
12 of 17
describe 3 weaknesses of representative democracy
- the electoral mandate of representatives is flawed, as voters have to accept or reject a whole manifesto, not being able to make clear which parts of it they oppose
- representatives may distort peoples’ demands to suit their political preferences
-The
13 of 17
why are referendums 'frowned upon'?
- they conflict with the polices of parliamentary democracy
- seen to diminish parliament and undermine parliament authority
14 of 17
how can participation be increased?
- Widening direct participation
- Compulsory voting
- Digital democracy (including government e-petitions)
- Lowering the voting age
- Wider use of referendums
15 of 17
what is tyranny of the majority?
majority of an electorate pursues exclusively its own objectives at the expense of minorities
16 of 17
describe 3 different levels of constituencies
1. Parliamentary Constituencies
2. European Parliament
3. Metropolitan Authorities
17 of 17
Other cards in this set
Card 2
Front
define direct democracy?
Back
individuals express their opinions themselves and not through representatives acting on their behalf
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