Democracy and participation

what is democracy?

the answer to who rules? 'by the people for the people' - a system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state, typically through elected representatives.

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what is direct democracy?

When the citizens engage in politics without a representative. (eg a referendum)

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What are the features direct democracy?

The popular participation is direct in that the people 'make the policies. the popular participation is unmediated in that the people 'are' the government. The popular participation is continuous in that they engage in politics on an ongoing basis.

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what is representative democracy?

When the citizens elect or a representative or leader with political training to express their views for them.

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what are the features of representative democracy?

popular participation is indirect. popular participation is mediated. popular participation in government is limited

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What are pressure groups?

an association that may be formal or informal whose purpose is to further the interests of a particular section of society or promote a cause

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what is a democratic deficit?

when people become disenchant with politics and so decide not to vote.

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1903-18

suffragettes - campaigned to extend the franchise to women lead by Emmeline Pankhurst, her daughters and others. unlike suffragists they were more militant

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1918

representation of the people act - abolished almost all property qualifications for men and enfranchised women over 30

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1928

equal franchise act - abolished all property qualifications and lowered the voting age for women to 21 equal to that of men

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1215

magna carta - requirement that the king should rule justly and in accordance with a body of defined law and custom. Established habeas corpus

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1689

Bill of rights - aserted that james II had abdicated to be sucsseded by william III. Bill introdiuced a range of rights including the freedom to petition a monarch.

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1951

European convention on human rights

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1975

sex discrimination act - protected women from gender discrimination and discrimination based on marital status.

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1976

race relations act - protected people from discrimination on the grounds of race, nationality etc (later amended by the race relations amendment act in 2000)

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1998

human rights act - widened the capacity of the judiciary to protect civil liberties

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2010

equality act - brought together 9 major pieces of legislation to provide a legal framework on protecting the rights of individuals

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What is a referendum

A form of direct democray. when the government poses a question on legislation to the public

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lowing voting age (for)

responsibilities w/o rights (eg you can work and pay taxes but you can't vote). youth interests ignored. stronger political engagement. irrational cut off age (eg 16-17 year olds are capable due to the educational system)

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lowering voting age (against)

immature voters. preserving 'childhood'. deferred representation(ie young people are not barred from voting forever). undermning turnout

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compulsory voting (for)

increased participation. greater legitimacy. civil duty. stringer social justice

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compulsory voting (against)

abuse of freedom. cosmetic democracy (ie it would simply mask the real problems). worthless votes. Distorted political focus

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E-democracy (for)

easier participation. access to information. ease of organisation. power to the people

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E-democracy (against)

electoral malpractise. 'virtual' democracy (ie it would erode the public dimension of political participation). digital divide. anti-democratic forces

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Democracy and participation

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