Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following is a defining characteristic of direct democracy?
Which of the following is a defining characteristic of direct democracy?
- Citizens directly and continuously participate in the government. (correct)
- A single leader makes decisions for the entire population.
- Decisions are made by a council of elders.
- Citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.
In a representative democracy, citizens directly participate in the government.
In a representative democracy, citizens directly participate in the government.
False (B)
Which of the following is an advantage of direct democracy?
Which of the following is an advantage of direct democracy?
- It ensures that everyone in society participates. (correct)
- It allows representatives to consider the impact of legislation.
- It is practical to achieve in large populations.
- It avoids the potential for tyranny of the majority.
What is a major disadvantage of direct democracy?
What is a major disadvantage of direct democracy?
Which of the following is an advantage of representative democracy?
Which of the following is an advantage of representative democracy?
In representative democracy, representatives are always mindful of the need to make necessary, but unpopular, reforms.
In representative democracy, representatives are always mindful of the need to make necessary, but unpopular, reforms.
What is a potential issue arising from low voter turnout in representative democracies?
What is a potential issue arising from low voter turnout in representative democracies?
What term describes the distribution of political power being evenly dispersed in society rather than concentrated?
What term describes the distribution of political power being evenly dispersed in society rather than concentrated?
The right and acceptance of an authority, typically given by the electorate, is known as ______.
The right and acceptance of an authority, typically given by the electorate, is known as ______.
What is a 'mandate' in the context of democracy?
What is a 'mandate' in the context of democracy?
FPTP (First Past the Post) voting systems typically lead to minority groups being over-represented in government.
FPTP (First Past the Post) voting systems typically lead to minority groups being over-represented in government.
Which of the following is a negative feature of democracy in the UK?
Which of the following is a negative feature of democracy in the UK?
Identify one way in which the UK's unelected House of Lords lacks democratic legitimacy.
Identify one way in which the UK's unelected House of Lords lacks democratic legitimacy.
The ______ Act 1998, incorporated the European Convention on Human Rights into UK law.
The ______ Act 1998, incorporated the European Convention on Human Rights into UK law.
What fundamental right is included in the Human Rights Act 1998?
What fundamental right is included in the Human Rights Act 1998?
The Human Rights Act is entrenched and can only be repealed via a referendum.
The Human Rights Act is entrenched and can only be repealed via a referendum.
Why is the influence of wealth on media ownership considered a negative feature of UK democracy?
Why is the influence of wealth on media ownership considered a negative feature of UK democracy?
Which act reduced the voting age to 18?
Which act reduced the voting age to 18?
Which argument supports lowering the voting age to 16?
Which argument supports lowering the voting age to 16?
Compulsory voting is a violation of people's freedoms.
Compulsory voting is a violation of people's freedoms.
What is a potential consequence of compulsory voting?
What is a potential consequence of compulsory voting?
Match the following voting reforms/acts with their descriptions:
Match the following voting reforms/acts with their descriptions:
What is the term used to describe the act of constituents voting to remove their local MP?
What is the term used to describe the act of constituents voting to remove their local MP?
The ______ is a parliamentary committee consistently calling for long-term funding agreements for adult social care.
The ______ is a parliamentary committee consistently calling for long-term funding agreements for adult social care.
Which of the following is a reason for triggering the Recall of MPs Act 2015?
Which of the following is a reason for triggering the Recall of MPs Act 2015?
Pressure group activity has decreased in recent years due to declining voter turnout.
Pressure group activity has decreased in recent years due to declining voter turnout.
How do sectional (or interest) groups primarily promote their cause?
How do sectional (or interest) groups primarily promote their cause?
What is a common characteristic of outsider groups?
What is a common characteristic of outsider groups?
Why would a pressure group with a smaller, more practical aim be more likely to achieve its goals?
Why would a pressure group with a smaller, more practical aim be more likely to achieve its goals?
What is the term for the process where senior politicians and officials take well-paid jobs in the private sector after leaving government, using contacts and knowledge to benefit the interests of corporations?
What is the term for the process where senior politicians and officials take well-paid jobs in the private sector after leaving government, using contacts and knowledge to benefit the interests of corporations?
Flashcards
Democracy
Democracy
Citizens exercise power by voting.
Direct Democracy
Direct Democracy
Direct, continuous citizen participation in government.
Representative Democracy
Representative Democracy
Indirect government where elected officials represent the people.
Advantages of Direct Democracy
Advantages of Direct Democracy
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Disadvantages of Direct Democracy
Disadvantages of Direct Democracy
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Pluralism
Pluralism
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Advantages of Representative Democracy
Advantages of Representative Democracy
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Disadvantages of Representative Democracy
Disadvantages of Representative Democracy
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Legitimacy
Legitimacy
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Mandate
Mandate
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Deficits
Deficits
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Positive Features of UK Democracy
Positive Features of UK Democracy
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Negative Features of UK Democracy
Negative Features of UK Democracy
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Franchise
Franchise
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Recall of MPs Act 2015
Recall of MPs Act 2015
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Pressure Group
Pressure Group
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Sectional Groups
Sectional Groups
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Social Movement
Social Movement
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Cause Groups
Cause Groups
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Insider Groups
Insider Groups
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Outsider Groups
Outsider Groups
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Think Tanks
Think Tanks
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Lobbyists
Lobbyists
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Corporations
Corporations
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2010 Equality Act
2010 Equality Act
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Study Notes
- Democracy is a system of government where citizens possess power by voting.
- Direct democracy involves direct and continuous citizen participation in government.
- Representative democracy is indirect, with elected representatives governing.
Advantages of Direct Democracy
- Every member of society takes part.
- Individuals make choices that directly benefit them.
- All opinions are valued equally.
- Direct democracy represents the purest form of democracy.
Disadvantages of Direct Democracy
- Constant participation is unattainable in practice.
- Regular involvement can lead to apathy.
- Voters may prioritize personal gain over societal well-being.
- It can lead to the "tyranny of the majority" due to lack of minority representation.
Advantages of Representative Democracy
- Experts handle intricate political issues, considering the complexities when voting.
- Representatives can be held responsible for their actions
- Minority groups interests are considered.
- The impact of laws is carefully considered by representatives.
Disadvantages of Representative Democracy
- Citizens can become detached from politics.
- Representatives may avoid necessary but unpopular reforms to stay popular.
- The Public Accounts Committee has pushed for long-term funding for adult social care, but political parties are unwilling to raise taxes or cut other areas to fund it.
- Questions arise about the legitimacy of representatives where there is low voter turnout.
- General election turnout was between 59% and 69% from 2001-2019.
- The 2024 general election turnout was 60%.
- Welsh Parliament elections have not exceeded 47% turnout, as of 2021.
- Politicians may evade accountability.
- Representative democracy depends on the integrity of its representatives.
- There have been several high-profile scandals in Parliament.
- Between 2019 and 2024, at least 20 MPs were suspended or resigned due to misconduct accusations.
Pluralism and Democracy
- Political power is distributed rather than concentrated among elites.
- Political influence is accessible to multiple groups and individuals.
- Legitimacy is gained through elections, giving governments the authority to govern.
- A mandate is the endorsement to govern obtained through consultation or voting.
- Deficits refer to the criticisms of the democratic system.
Positive Features of UK Democracy
- Media is free to challenge government policy and expose corruption.
- The judiciary is independent and safeguards individual freedoms, protecting minority rights.
- Local governments have devolved powers, facilitating localized decisions.
- There are free and fair elections, largely free from corruption, with referendums as some aspects of direct democracy.
- Many laws protect minorities and vulnerable people.
- There are a wide range of political options.
- Universal suffrage is present.
- The Human Rights Act of 1998 protects fundamental rights, including freedom of speech and assembly.
Negative Features of UK Democracy
- The First Past The Post system leads to minority groups being underrepresented.
- The House of Lords appointment process lacks democratic legitimacy.
- The Prime Minister has broad nomination powers without voter input.
- Liz Truss appointed 29 peers during her brief term.
- There is a lack of rights protection, the EU convention of HR was incorporated into UK law 1998 however it is inadequate at giving rights to citizens
- The media is controlled by wealthy interests, such as the Murdock group.
- Domination by business interests restricts participation.
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