Politics Unit 1- Democracy and participation

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  • Created by: Rob_Mack
  • Created on: 26-05-17 21:11
Define Democracy
Popular rule, decisions made by the many, not the few
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What does direct democracy mean?
A system where citizens take a direct and active part in democracy. E.g referendums
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What form of democracy does the UK operate under?
Representative democracy- representatives are elected to govern on behalf of voters
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Name 3 features of a liberal democracy
Free and fair elections with universal sufffrage, Peaceful transfer of power between governments, Government power is restricted through checks and balances
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What is a referendum?
Form of direct democracy where a popular vote is held on a specific issue
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Name 3 advantages of representative democracy
Politicians possess expert knowledge and qualities that make them suitable to govern, Means public doesn't have the burden of day-to-day decision making, Representatives can act in the wider national interest (common good) rather than self-interest
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Name 3 disadvantages of representative democracy
First Past the Post doesn't accurately reward votes with seats- unrepresentative, Turnout and party membership is declining- unhappy with rep democracy?, in a system where reps are controlled by whips- needs of constituents can be overridden
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Name 3 advantages of direct democracy
Can be more democratic as the views of the people are represented directly, referendum outcomes hold more legitimacy as they are made by the people, creates a more informed electorate and encourages participation
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Name 3 disadvantages of direct democracy
Issues are often too complex for voters and require expert knowledge (E.U referendum), Can result in 'tyranny of the majority', 'Electoral fatigue' can happen due to continuous participation leading to apathy
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Name 3 ways in which the UK system is democratic
Free and fair elections held regularly with universal suffrage, UK has strong civil liberties- freedom of expression and association, Parties and pressure groups are free to operate-pluralist democracy
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Name 3 ways in which the UK system is less democratic
First Past the Post system seen as unfair as distribution of votes is unequal (e.g. UKIP), House of Lords unelected, PM is not directly elected but holds many powers
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Name 3 ways in which people can participate in politics
Vote, joining parties, joining pressure groups
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How many people in the UK are party members?
500,000 (1% of population)
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Name 3 recent referendums
Scottish independence 2014, AV electoral system referendum 2011, 2017 EU referendum
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Name 3 advantages of referendums
Direct democracy- more legitimate and represents the people, Promotes political participation, fosters debate and creates more informed electorate
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Name 3 disadvantages of referendums
Allows governments to pass on responsibility for decisive decisions, the public may not have the required knowledge to make some decisions, one side of the debate can have access to more funds- unfair
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Card 2

Front

What does direct democracy mean?

Back

A system where citizens take a direct and active part in democracy. E.g referendums

Card 3

Front

What form of democracy does the UK operate under?

Back

Preview of the front of card 3

Card 4

Front

Name 3 features of a liberal democracy

Back

Preview of the front of card 4

Card 5

Front

What is a referendum?

Back

Preview of the front of card 5
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