Enhancing Democracy

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  • Created by: Becca96
  • Created on: 26-04-14 20:06
What are the proposed ways to enhance democracy in the UK? (4)
Increased use of referendums and direct democracy, lowering the voting age, compulsory voting and digital democracy.
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What are the arguments for increased use of referenda? (5)
Direct and unmediated democracy, serves an educative function, ensures responsive government, reduces government power, appropriate for constitutional changes as newly created bodies have democratic legitimacy.
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What are the arguments against increased use of referenda? (5)
Ill-informed public, undermines Parliament, irresponsible government, government have control over outcome, only provide a snapshot of views (inappropriate for long term decisions)
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What forms of direct democracy have been used to enhance representative democracy? (3)
Focus groups, citizens' juries, initiatives (e-petitions).
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What are the arguments for lowering the voting age? (4)
Responsibilities without rights, youth interests currently ignored, would create stronger political engagement, irrational cut-off age given educational and intellectual developments.
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What are the arguments against lowering the voting age? (4)
Immature as still living at home i.e. not as full adult citizens, preservation of childhood, franchise is delayed not denied, turnout may decrease proportionally.
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Give an example of a country where voting is compulsory. How much is the fine for not voting?
Australia, $20
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What are the arguments for compulsory voting? (4)
Increased participation, civic duty to engage, greater legitimacy of government, better social justice
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What are the arguments against compulsory voting? (4)
Abuse of people's freedom, irrational 'worthless' votes cast by uninterested, cosmetic democracy, parties would focus on attracting marginal 'would-be non-voters'.
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What are the arguments for digital democracy? (2)
Easy to access which makes people more likely to participate, and access to information will encourage engagement (active participants, not passive recipients!)
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What are the arguments against digital democracy? (3)
Electoral fraud (can't check identity), 'virtual democracy' - loses significance and meaning, and the digital divide (access to information depends on wealth and skills - some excluded)
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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

What are the arguments for increased use of referenda? (5)

Back

Direct and unmediated democracy, serves an educative function, ensures responsive government, reduces government power, appropriate for constitutional changes as newly created bodies have democratic legitimacy.

Card 3

Front

What are the arguments against increased use of referenda? (5)

Back

Preview of the front of card 3

Card 4

Front

What forms of direct democracy have been used to enhance representative democracy? (3)

Back

Preview of the front of card 4

Card 5

Front

What are the arguments for lowering the voting age? (4)

Back

Preview of the front of card 5
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