Democracy and Political Participation

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What is consent?
Consent refers to evidence that the people consent to be governed in a particular way and/or by a particular government.
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How can consent be conferred/evidenced?
by free elections, by good turnouts to free elections, by a distinct lack of popular dissent, by clear demonstrations of support by government, by an explicit referendum to adopt a particular constitution
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What is citizenship?
The status of being a citizen grants a person the enjoyment of certain rights like voting and a fair trial, enjoyment of civil liberties (freedom of speech) and carry certain obligations (obey the law, pay taxes)
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What is 'active citizenship?'
The modern idea of 'active citizenship', developed by Labour in the 1990s and followed by the conservatives after 2010 in their 'big society' programme, is that we have a duty to be politically active (volunteer, protecting environment, etc)
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features of modern democracy...
a peaceful transition from one government to next, free/fair elections, right to access independant information (free press), government should be accountable to people and representative institutions, freedom for individuals and groups,
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more features of modern democracy...
different ideologies and beliefs tolerated, 'rule of law' applies (all are equal under law), government operates in the broad interests of the people
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What is direct democracy?
people themselves make decisions e.g. referendums, people are directly consulted on political decisions (consultative democracy), people may take the initiative in creating political change (popular action provokes a political decision)
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Example of direct democracy...
AV referendum vote in may 2011
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History of direct democracy...
'purest form of democracy' was believed to have come from Ancient Athens which operated as forms of government by mass meeting. Groups such as women were excluded, shows it only represented a minority of people.
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What is representative democracy?
The people elect representatives and do not make most decisions themselves but delegate that power to their representatives.Political parties represent different political views,pressure groups represent different sections of society/interests/causes
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Different types of representation...
'Burkean' representation - representatives should follow own judgement rather than parties or constituents. Delegation - representative should follow closely to wishes of those who elected him.Party representation-expected to support/vote for policys
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Card 2

Front

How can consent be conferred/evidenced?

Back

by free elections, by good turnouts to free elections, by a distinct lack of popular dissent, by clear demonstrations of support by government, by an explicit referendum to adopt a particular constitution

Card 3

Front

What is citizenship?

Back

Preview of the front of card 3

Card 4

Front

What is 'active citizenship?'

Back

Preview of the front of card 4

Card 5

Front

features of modern democracy...

Back

Preview of the front of card 5
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