Political Participation in Europe

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Questions and Answers

What is an example of conventional political participation?

Signing a petition

Voting in elections (correct)

Engaging in a political debate

Attending a demonstration

What has contributed to the decline in electoral turnout across Europe since the 1960s?

Lack of political party diversity

Anti-party sentiment among citizens (correct)

Heightened civic engagement activities

Increased voter satisfaction with political parties

How does voting indirectly influence political decision-making?

By encouraging more civic organizations to form

By determining the budget allocations of government

By allowing citizens to choose their local representatives

By impacting who occupies parliament and government roles (correct)

Which country had the highest voter turnout between 2010-2019 among the 35 European countries studied?

Malta Signup and view all the answers

What type of political participation provides specific demands and conveys richer information?

Protesting and signing petitions Signup and view all the answers

What was the trend in voter turnout in Eastern European democracies after 1990?

Declined sharply by 11% Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following activities is considered a less conventional form of political participation?

Attending a demonstration Signup and view all the answers

What is an average voter turnout percentage for registered voters in Europe from 2010-2019?

67% Signup and view all the answers

What is primarily implied by the political parties' role in government formation?

They serve as central actors in both forming and terminating governments. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of European governments is formed by parties that hold a majority of parliamentary seats?

Approximately 2/3 Signup and view all the answers

In semi-presidential democracies, who may have the power to dismiss the cabinet?

The president, depending on the constitution Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the term 'presidentialization' in the context of European politics?

A process strengthening the executive relative to parliament and prime ministers Signup and view all the answers

How have changes in media and weakening party loyalties affected electoral campaigns?

They have resulted in more leader-centric electoral campaigns. Signup and view all the answers

What major change has enhanced the autonomy of prime ministers in European politics?

A shift from collective to individual power and accountability Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible drawback of the concentration of power in prime ministers?

It may undermine democratic processes. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'democratic deficit' primarily refer to in the context of European integration?

Weak role of citizens in EU decision-making Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the changes observed in European political systems since 1945?

Decentralization of political authority Signup and view all the answers

Which perspective argues that the legitimacy of European integration comes from citizens' direct participation?

Input legitimacy Signup and view all the answers

According to Moravcsik, why is the EU considered quite democratic?

It achieves outputs that are supported by the public Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main challenges to input legitimacy in the EU?

Lack of regular and free elections at the EU level Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'no demos' argument suggest about EU citizens?

They lack a common identity and political culture Signup and view all the answers

What common concern is raised about European integration's effect on national democracy?

It leads to depoliticization of national competition Signup and view all the answers

How does the empowerment of the European Parliament relate to citizen influence?

It enables citizens to influence decisions indirectly Signup and view all the answers

Why might strengthening supranational democracy not increase active citizen participation?

EU decisions are of secondary importance to citizens Signup and view all the answers

What primary factor is associated with the decline in voter turnout among younger generations?

A broader cultural value change towards less political interest Signup and view all the answers

What is one feature of the multi-level structure of European governance?

It limits options for genuine debates on policies Signup and view all the answers

What impact did the lowering of the voting age have on younger cohorts in elections?

Participation habits were negatively affected during their first elections Signup and view all the answers

What is one proposed solution to counteract the perceived loss of control over national politics due to globalization?

Increase opportunities for participation at the local level Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'democratic deficit' refer to in the context of the EU?

Imbalance between output and input legitimacy in governance Signup and view all the answers

Which body is commonly criticized for lacking direct accountability in the EU?

European Commission Signup and view all the answers

Which method is NOT typically associated with increasing participation in local politics?

Reducing the age of majority in elections Signup and view all the answers

What dilemma arises from European integration in relation to democracy?

Does democracy work better in smaller scale contexts? Signup and view all the answers

What are some innovations proposed to enhance political participation at local levels?

Creating deliberative formats like mini-publics Signup and view all the answers

What is primarily argued about the role of domestic legislatures in European representative democracy?

They are the cornerstones of European representative democracy. Signup and view all the answers

What does the deparliamentarization thesis suggest about national parliaments?

They are losing control over the executive branch due to EU integration. Signup and view all the answers

What situation increases the risk of intra-executive conflict?

When the president and government come from different parties Signup and view all the answers

How do domestic legislatures primarily engage in EU affairs?

By influencing their government and scrutinizing Commission initiatives. Signup and view all the answers

What advantage do incumbent politicians have when calling for snap elections?

They can seek a new mandate during favorable conditions Signup and view all the answers

What is a key responsibility assigned to national parliaments under the Early Warning Mechanism introduced by the Lisbon Treaty?

To monitor the compliance of proposed EU laws with the principle of subsidiarity. Signup and view all the answers

According to Weber’s analysis, what is the primary role of civil servants?

To facilitate and implement the decisions of politicians Signup and view all the answers

What does the subsidiarity principle state regarding EU legislation?

Legislation should only occur at the EU level when it is more effective than national measures. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the problems that may affect the efficiency of the civil service?

Adverse selection of individuals lacking motivation Signup and view all the answers

If national parliaments oppose a new EU law based on the subsidiarity principle, what mechanism allows them to act?

Yellow card procedure. Signup and view all the answers

What generally works in favor of the incumbent party during elections?

A divided and unprepared opposition Signup and view all the answers

What variation exists among national parliaments concerning their involvement in EU affairs?

Differences in the strength of the parliamentary committee system and executive powers. Signup and view all the answers

What is one consequence of the political executive’s reliance on the civil service?

Potential divergence of interests between bureaucrats and politicians Signup and view all the answers

What must happen for the Commission to reevaluate a proposal if national parliaments submit reasoned opinions?

At least one-third of national legislatures must submit opinions. Signup and view all the answers

What may negatively impact the bureaucratic process according to subsequent analyses of the civil service?

Inefficiencies and motivations of bureaucrats Signup and view all the answers

What can be an electoral goal for a prime minister regarding elections?

Influence the timing to capitalize on favorable conditions Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Political Participation

Participation involves a wide range of activities, from conventional (voting, joining parties) to less conventional (protests, collecting signatures).
Mass participation is crucial for representative democracy.
There's concern about declining electoral turnout, rising anti-party sentiment, and waning civic engagement in European societies.

Modes of Citizen Participation

Voting is a conventional form that indirectly influences political decision-making.
Protests are a non-conventional form that often focuses on specific issues, offering richer information about the demands of participants.
Political participation often occurs on a smaller scale than elections.

Voter Turnout

The average turnout across 35 European countries (2010-2019) is 67%.
Turnout varies considerably across countries, with high rates in Malta and low rates in Romania.
Overall, turnout has declined in most European countries since the 1960s to 1990s, with a sharper decline in central and eastern Europe after 1990.
Countries hit hard by the economic crisis (Cyprus, Greece, Italy) have seen a sharp drop in turnout.

Protest Participation

Protests, like anti-austerity demonstrations, are not always widely reported and often involve small-scale non-violent actions.

European Values Study Data

Data from the European Values Study (30 years) show slight declines in participation, but rebounds by 2018.
Participation in various protest activities has increased.
Political consumerism is becoming more important.
Difference in protest participation between East and West Europe.

Political Participation Differences

Some attribute differences in political participation in post-communist countries to a weakness in civil society and a lack of trust in institutions.
Others point to the consequences of the sudden transition to democracy and market capitalism, leading to disengagement from political activities.

Voting vs. Protest

Some suggest that the decline in voting is being substituted by more protesting.
Others view protest as an extension of, rather than an alternative to, institutionalized participation like voting.
Data shows a strong correlation between voter turnout and protest participation.

Theories of Political Participation (Individual Level)

Individual factors (e.g. income, education) affect participation levels.
Individuals are less likely to participate if they lack resources, have opposing values, or haven't been mobilized.

Resources, Values, Attitudes

Social-demographic factors (age, gender, education, social class) affect participation.
Higher social background and better education relate to higher participation.
Age is an exception: older people tend to vote more but are less inclined to protest.
Satisfaction with democracy increases participation in both voting and protesting.

Mobilizing Contexts

Social networks and interactions with others regarding political matters influence individual propensity to participate.
Membership in organizations (churches, sports clubs) encourages greater political engagement.
Social skills and trust among citizens are linked to political participation.

Macro-level Determinants

Political participation is a form of collective action.
Participation contributes to the provision of public goods (e.g., clean air, national security, legitimacy).

Institutional and Contextual Factors

Electoral systems affect the cost-benefit calculation of participation.
Proportional representation systems may encourage higher turnout than majority systems.
The perceived importance of one's vote can also affect participation.

Decline in Participation

Theories attribute declining voter turnout, primarily among younger people, to changes in cultural values, specific elections experiences, or a combination thereof.

Democratic Innovations in Local Politics

Scholars propose democratic innovations to increase citizen participation, especially in local politics, to counterbalance a perceived loss of control over national politics.
Examples include referendums, direct elections to public office, and deliberative formats.

Democracy and the EU

Countries joined the EU for regional integration but face challenges to democracy.
There are concerns about unelected technocrats making decisions and a transfer of power to Brussels.
Others argue for more European integration and accountability from European bodies.

Democratic Deficit

A 'democratic deficit' is a lack of citizen influence in EU decision-making in the context of European integration.
Input legitimacy: Citizens don't have enough influence or accountability to the EU in policy.
Output legitimacy: The EU's success depends on producing policies that the public supports.

EU's Representation through National Institutions

National parties often struggle to present competing visions of Europe to voters in national elections.
Internal party divisions and incentives to avoid challenging contestation over EU issues often prevail.
The issue of EU questions is sometimes downplayed, potentially benefitting smaller parties like Eurosceptic ones.

National Elections

Party ideology, competition, national identity, and religion are internal factors influencing Euroscepticism

External Factors

Eurozone crisis and refugee crisis have contributed to distrust of EU institutions and Euroscepticism.

Euroscepticism and Democracy

Euroscepticism contributed to some important democratic institutional reforms.
The empowerment of the European Parliament has been related to criticism and demands of Eurosceptics.

The Executive

The executive branch is composed of political executives (elected officials) and civil servants (non-elected).
Responsibilities include setting priorities, developing initiatives, drafting laws and regulations, overseeing implementation, and mobilizing support.
Their decisions often have wide-reaching effects on society (like taxation or spending).

European Parliament Elections & Powers

The European Parliament powers have evolved from consultation to wielding influence in legislation, oversight of the Commission, and budgeting.
Turnouts in European elections are generally lower than in national elections.
Party competition affects election outcomes, sometimes impacting national politics.
Party groupings play a key role in shaping decision-making.

The Structure & Make-up of the Political Executive

The composition of governments varies across countries (e.g., Prime Minister in a parliamentary country vs. Chancellor).
Prime ministers often chair cabinet meetings, steer policy direction, and act as representatives internationally.
Prime ministers are typically not subject to term limits.
Cabinets are the core of the political executive and are made of ministers.

Collective Cabinet Responsibility

The principle of collective responsibility expects ministers to support government policy, even when privately disagreeing.
In practice, enforcing this principle depends on the Prime Minister's influence within the party.

The President's Role

Presidents in semi-presidential systems often play a role beyond representing the country diplomatically.
Presidents typically have powers to influence the political process, even if they don't control the executive branch in the same way that a Prime Minister does.

Presidentialization of Politics

Executive powers have grown over time.
European integration has added international dimensions to decision-making.
Increased media focus and changes in party loyalty have impacted the dynamics of the executive.

Cabinet's Role

Cabinet ministers develop and oversee policy.
Collective responsibility is needed, but issues and complexity may cause disagreement.
Cabinet's legislative power is constrained by dependence on parliamentary approval and support.

The Civil Service

The civil service supports the political executive in implementing policy.
Weber's approach emphasizes the importance of a well-functioning unbiased civil service.
Challenges of adverse selection (choosing unqualified officials) and moral hazard (civil servants prioritizing personal gain over policy outcomes) affect the civil service.

New Public Management

A reform approach to government that aims to introduce managerialism, competition, and entrepreneurship into departments.
Performance is assessed against targets.

Euroscepticism in National Politics

Euroscepticism can be directed against the EU, certain policies, or institutions. Euro-enthusiasts support the EU overall, while the others hold alternative views.
It's important to consider that Euroscepticism is a product of historical and political context.
Hard Euroscepticism involves principled disagreements with the EU and European integration in general, while softer forms involve an opposition to certain policies or institutions.
External factors (such as the Eurozone crisis) can trigger increased Euroscepticism.

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Description

This quiz explores various aspects of political participation in Europe, including voting trends, electoral turnout, and different forms of political engagement. Answer questions about the evolution of voter behavior and specific statistics regarding voter turnout across European nations from 2010 to 2019.