Nature of Democracy

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  • Created by: Becca96
  • Created on: 24-04-14 08:56
Name the two principles on which democracy is based.
Political participation and political equality.
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Describe the nature of Athenian democracy and explain why it wasn't entirely democratic.
Direct democracy - voting at mass meetings. Undemocratic in that it excluded women, slaves and immigrant men.
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Why has direct democracy been increasingly used to supplement representative democracy in recent years? (2)
Increase in voter apathy and popular disillusionment with politics.
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Define direct democracy.
Based on direct, unmediated and continuous participation of the people in government. Obliterates link between government and people - people self-govern. Referenda used in modern society.
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What are the benefits of direct democracy? (4)
1) Purest form 2) Personal development/education 3) End of professional politics 4) Legitimate government
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What are the weaknesses of direct democracy? (4)
1) Risk of 'voter fatigue' 2) Issues may be too complex for public to fully understand 3) Professional politicians are trained to respond rationally and see the 'bigger picture' 4) Media given more power - may be exploited by wealthy vested interests
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What were the turnouts at the following referenda? 1) AV 2011 2) Welsh Devolution 2011 3) Greater London Authority
1) 42% 2) 35% 3) 34%
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What are the three requirements for elections to be democratic?
Free and fair, abide by universal suffrage and competition between candidates/parties
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How is power split between the people and politicians?
The people have the ultimate power to decide who governs; politicians are responsible for day-to-day decision making.
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Define representative democracy.
Based on indirect, mediated and limited participation of the people in government. Operates through ability of representatives to speak on behalf of the people. Key mechanism - democratic elections.
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What are the benefits of representative democracy? (4)
1) Practical form of government 2) Government by expert politicians 3) Division of labour in politics 4) Political stability
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What are the weaknesses of representative democracy? (5)
2) Unaccountable between elections! (right to recall) 3) Public is better informed today 4) May make unwise decisions- electoral advantage 5) Electoral mandate flawed - can only accept/reject manifestos
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Define liberal democracy. (Aims and 6 core features)
Aims to combine liberal ideal of limited government with democratic commitment to popular participation. Core features: Free & fair elections, free press/church, civil rights and liberties, written constitution, free-market, competition for power.
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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

Describe the nature of Athenian democracy and explain why it wasn't entirely democratic.

Back

Direct democracy - voting at mass meetings. Undemocratic in that it excluded women, slaves and immigrant men.

Card 3

Front

Why has direct democracy been increasingly used to supplement representative democracy in recent years? (2)

Back

Preview of the front of card 3

Card 4

Front

Define direct democracy.

Back

Preview of the front of card 4

Card 5

Front

What are the benefits of direct democracy? (4)

Back

Preview of the front of card 5
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