Democracy flashcards

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Define parliamentary democracy
Parliament is sovereign, therefore voters elect parliament as a legal representative of the popular will+has the legal sovereignty to pass any bill that has parliamentary support. Parliament is held accountable to public, govt given a mandate to rule
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Define liberal democracy
Democracy is carried out according to the rule of law, meaning that the govt acts according to the rule of law+the rights of the minority are not surpassed by the tyranny of the majority. i.e. through our free press, separation of powers+Magna Carta.
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Define legitimacy
The govt is given by the voters a democratic mandate in an General Election+therefore they legally exercise power in the interests of all the people. Its held accountable for its policies+govern according to the rule of law.
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Define a pluralist democracy
A pluralist d is a liberal democracy in which the rights of everyone are protected by the separation of powers+the maintenance of the rule of law. Ensures that powers will be widely dispersed which is essential for a pluralist democracy.
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What are the main features of UK democracy? (1)
1) Britain's a liberal democracy due to regular elections (every 5 years). 2) Govt made accountable for everything that it has done+can be democratically replaced. 3) Voters also elect reps to local govt, as well as devolved assemblies+mayors.
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What are the main features of UK democracy? (2)
4) Voting is carried out in FPTP on the basis of one person/one vote, once over the age of 18. 5) Citizens protected by rule of law+sep of powers from arbitrary government. 6) Press Groups are an integral part of the democratic process+.
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What is representative democracy?
Public vote for representatives to govern the country on their behalf. Chosen in reg elections+they are professional politicians who are made accountable to the public in a GE. They sit in Westminster with 650 MPs.
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What are the advantages of representative democracy?
Govt is carried out by professional+responsible politicians who understand how govt operates+are more likely to make informed decisions with specialist knowledge. Involves accountability, unlike direct d. Relive the public of the burden of governing.
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What are the criticism of representative democracy?
Can be influenced by both elitist p groups+party whips ensuring that the interests of constituents are not fully represented (creates political apathy). Too disengaged to represent publics views effectively. Elitist nature of cab+lack of minority rep
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What is direct democracy?
A form of consultative democracy as govt consults public for their opinions without their representatives. i.e. referendum+e petitions.
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What are the advantages of direct democracy?
People have the opportunity to directly state their views. No need for elected politicians. People must take responsibility for their own actions, so may think about their decision better.
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What are the disadvantages of direct democracy?
Elitist groups can distort the debate. Population size makes it expensive+difficult to hold. Public may not have the time or interest+may not understand may issues, leading to poor decisions.
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Are referendum results binding on Parliament, or are they only advisory?
Parliament has sovereignty so legally is not bound to follow the result of a ref. HOWEVER, politically Parliament does not have ultimate pol power, i.e. they cannot ignore the public vote.
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How much influence does Parliament + the government have over referendums?
Parliament+govt decide whether a ref will be held. They can influence the time that the ref is held (+they can word the q). Determines the threshold of success, i.e. 1979 Scott Parlia Ref (40% of electorate voted YES).
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What are initiatives?
Citizens collect a required number of signatures to trigger a vote on a new bill, or an amendment to the state constitution (used in 24 USA states).
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Why can referendums be argued to provide a stronger mandate for important reforms than elections?
No elected representatives as people either state yes or no - giving a clear mandate for reformation or not.
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What is the Electoral Commission, and what influence does it have on UK referendums?
Helps to ensure that refs are conducted more fairly. 1) Advises changes when its question seems to be biased. 2) Designates an official 'lead campaign' group for each side of the debate+gives them a 600,000 p grant. 4) Posts info to all voters.
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Define voter fatigue
Where voters lack the interest with participating in voting for upcoming elections+referendums. Can occur when citizens are required to vote too often.
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Why are 'yes' or 'no' referendums often more complicated than they appear?
Not a simple yes or no answer. Hard for the public to fully understand the details. Refs overlook the grey areas surrounding many debates. i.e. Scot independence q very simple, but most the public didn't understand what independence would look like.
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Why have some critics joked that the issue of Scottish independence is a 'neverendum'?
In 2014 55% voted against+45% voted for independence, they are unlikely to stop campaigning for it even though Cameron said there can be no re-runs. Sine Brexit 2016 Scot has demanded another ref.
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State some examples of participation crises
Membership of political parties in 1980 is over 1.5 mill (4.12% of electorate), but in 2010 its lower than 400,000 (0.80% of electorate). Turnout in 1992 (77.7%), 2001 (59.4%) BUT, increased to 65% in 2010. Partisan dealignment has also occurred.
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What are some of the reasons for a decline in enthusiasm for traditional party politics?
Growing consensus between the parties has discouraged people from voting=as lack of real change. Expenses scandal 2009 undermined our faith+trust. Claims that the govt misled public over its justification for Iraq + Clegg uni fees increase.
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Why do some critics argue that referendums can become opinion polls for some voters?
Can become opinion polls on the govt's performance rather than a key issue. i.e. 2011 AV Ref saw NO campaign successful, possibly due to Clegg's raised Uni fees.
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Why can it be argued that political issues should be left to elected representatives, rather than self-interest voters?
Citizens may vote on their own self interest+how it affects them. Whereas, reps consider the national interest+whats good for the country. i.e. 2001 Bristol Council Tax Ref- vas majority voted for no increase in council tax (led to education cut).
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Why is the cost of running, and campaigning in, referendums an issue?
Expensive, i.e. AV Ref costed 75 mill pounds to hold. Also, if 2 sides are unequally resourced for the campaign this can lead to one side having a larger voice, i.e. 1975 European Communities Membership Ref, 'yes' camp vastly outspent 'no' campaign.
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What is differential turnout?
Varying levels of turnout across the country (or through age, social classes or ethnicity). i.e. 2015 GE turnout was 66% overall. In Dumbarton East it was 82% but in Stoke-on-Trent it was 51%.
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What evidence is there of partisan dealignment in the UK?
2015 Audit of Political engagement polls suggest that only 30% of the public claims to be a strong supporter of a party.
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What was the POWER INQUIRY and what were its conclusions?
Investigated the causes+possibly solutions for the participation decline. Believes that political system has not transformed but society has (not enough voter choice+not enough ways to vote).
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What is e-democracy and what examples of it can be found in the UK?
Allows political participations+opportunities on the internet. i.e. 2011 e-peitions (from 2011-15 over 150 of them collected 100,000 signatures+received formal responses from Parliament. i.e. 38 Degrees raises political issues (climate change).
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How many seats need to be won in a General Election to form government?
326 seats, i.e. in 2015 GE Conservatives won 331 seats, but now they are holding another GE in 2017 to gain greater legitimacy+more seats due to May not being voted in as Brexit saw Cameron resign.
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What are the different theories for how MPs should represent their constituents?
Trustee (Burkean) Representation - Believes that MP's should consider constituent views but exercise their own judgement in Parliament. Party/Mandate model of Representation - MP's should vote in line with their party's manifesto.
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How could participation be improved in the UK?
Popular/Veto Refs (allow public to block unpopular laws)+initiatives (avoid broken promises by govt). Lower voting age (2014 Scot Ref was 16). Compulsory (Aus 2013 fine=$170, turnout was 93%). Digital democracy (voting online+e-peitions).
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How has political participation increased in other ways and give examples?
No+size of cause pressure groups has increased, i.e. 2003 1 mill people marched through London against the Iraq War+2004 300,000 joined the Countryside Alliance march in London. E-petitions (Govt site+38 Degrees). Politicians using Twitter.
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In what ways has democracy in the UK been criticised?
HoL lacks legitimacy (appointed). Low turnout (only 65% in 2010). HoC elected by FPTP which leads to wasted votes, safe seats+discriminates against small parties. Elitist PG wield too much illegitimate influence. Devolution = West Lothian Q).
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How can the UK become more democratic?
Reform FPTP at Westminster (exaggerates importance of marginal constituencies+penalises minority parties). Make HoL an elected chamber. Codify the constitution. Reduction in prerogative powers of the PM. Equalisation of the size of constituencies.
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Card 2

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Define liberal democracy

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Democracy is carried out according to the rule of law, meaning that the govt acts according to the rule of law+the rights of the minority are not surpassed by the tyranny of the majority. i.e. through our free press, separation of powers+Magna Carta.

Card 3

Front

Define legitimacy

Back

Preview of the front of card 3

Card 4

Front

Define a pluralist democracy

Back

Preview of the front of card 4

Card 5

Front

What are the main features of UK democracy? (1)

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Preview of the front of card 5
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