| What are the negatives about representative. democracy? | Representative democracy also helps to encourage people to accept compromise, as they have not actually made the decision themselves (so may be less emotionally attached) |
| What other ways does politics take place? | Joining pressure groups, signing petitions, debating on social media, going to protest marches, donating money to a cause. |
| What other ways does politics take place? | Joining pressure groups, signing petitions, debating on social media, going to protest marches, donating money to a cause. |
| What is democracy? | ‘rule by the people.’ It is the notion that the people affected by decisions are the ones who make those decisions. |
| What are the basic principles of demcoracy? | the right to a free and fair vote, all votes carrying the same weight (being equal), and majority rule (in the event of a disagreement, the most popular vote wins). |
| What is direct democracy? | the people directly make decisions. |
| What are examples of direct democracy in the UK? | referendums, People joining a campaign group, people can initiate and sign a petition online and if 100,000 people sign it then the topic can be debated in Parliament. |
| What are examples of direct democracy in the rest of the world? | Switzerland is a good example of direct democracies at the levels of the municipalities, cantons, and federal state |
| What is the earliest notions of direct demcoracy? | one of the earliest conceptions of democracy in Ancient Athens, whereby citizens were entitled to vote on every matter affecting them in mass meetings. |
| What are the positives of direct democracy? | Direct democracy is ‘real’ democracy- the people choose the policies/laws they want. Decisions are therefore more legitimate, Direct democracy could have educational benefits- if people are voting directly on issues, this may motivate them to find out more about them, so become more politically aware |
| What are the negatives of direct democracy? | However, direct democracy is practically unachievable in large modern societies, There is no guarantee people would vote in large numbers in direct democracy, and, even if they did, they may not be well-informed enough to make the best decisions |
| What is representative democracy ? | Representative democracy is sometimes known as indirect democracy and means that the people choose representatives to make decisions on their behalf- these being politicians |
| What are examples of representative democracy? | Houses of Parliament with MPs to represent the views of their constituents |
| What are the positives about representative democracy? | Representative democracy is good, because decisions are left in the hands of people who have much more knowledge/expertise, Representative democracy also helps to encourage people to accept compromise, as they have not actually made the decision themselves (so may be less emotionally attached) |
| What are the negatives about representative democracy? | Direct democracy means that politicians, who may be more motivated by self-interest, have less influence |
| What is the historical context of the UK's democracy? | 1215 - the Magna Carta which was the first limitation of powers for the monarchy, 1819 - Peterloo massacre for suffrage of working class, 1890 – 1919 - the suffragette movement, and by 1928 universal suffrage had been established. |
| What are features of the UK democracy? | regular, free and fair elections, Everyone’s vote is of the same value, there is a choice of candidates/parties, everyone over the age of 18 has the right to vote. Electoral Commission ensures that election rules are being followed, for example spending limits, and to ensure that electoral fraud is not being committed. |
| What are some of the arguments for the fact the UK is facing a participation crisis? | declining turnout rates in elections and rising levels of apathy (people not being ‘bothered’ by politics). Also, membership of political parties such as Labour and the Conservatives has dropped dramatically over the years. characteristics of the electoral system in the UK means that many people live in ‘safe seats’, so this makes people less encouraged to vote |
| What are some of the solutions suggested to solve the participation crisis? | more referendums, use of focus groups (select committees) initiating the recall of MPs and more online use of e-petitions. Compulsory voting, extending the franchise to 16-year-olds. |
| What makes parliament democratic? | the House of Commons (which is elected) , electorate votes in Members of Parliament every five years, party which has an overall majority in the House of Commons. elections for local councillors and Mayors of major cities Voters in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland also vote in elections to their devolved legislatures. |
| What other ways does politics take place? | Joining pressure groups, signing petitions, debating on social media, going to protest marches, donating money to a cause. |
