Podcast
Questions and Answers
What does the word democracy mean?
What does the word democracy mean?
- Government by the people (correct)
- Government by the wealthy
- Government by the monarchy
- Government by the few
In a representative democracy, citizens vote directly on issues.
In a representative democracy, citizens vote directly on issues.
False (B)
Name one key feature of a democratic society.
Name one key feature of a democratic society.
Freedom of expression
Classical democracy started in ________ over 2,500 years ago.
Classical democracy started in ________ over 2,500 years ago.
Which of the following is a characteristic of classical democracy in Athens?
Which of the following is a characteristic of classical democracy in Athens?
Match the type of democracy with its definition:
Match the type of democracy with its definition:
Most representative democracies do not have a constitution.
Most representative democracies do not have a constitution.
What fundamental rights are emphasized in democratic societies?
What fundamental rights are emphasized in democratic societies?
A ________ democracy allows citizens to elect officials to represent them.
A ________ democracy allows citizens to elect officials to represent them.
What is a major difference between representative democracy and direct democracy?
What is a major difference between representative democracy and direct democracy?
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Study Notes
Definition of Democracy
- Originates from Greek, meaning "government by the people."
- Continually evolving concept with various interpretations throughout history.
- Core principles include:
- Freedom of expression
- Freedom of opinion
- Freedom of the press
- Rule of law
- Equal opportunities
- Tolerance
- Respect for human rights
Representative Democracy
- Citizens vote for representatives to create laws and govern on their behalf.
- Examples: Electing councillors or MPs in the UK.
- Characterized by a diversity of political parties and candidates.
- Governed by a constitution outlining limits on representatives’ powers.
- Features an independent judiciary to ensure adherence to constitutional laws and checks on power.
Classical (Direct) Democracy
- Originated in Athens over 2,500 years ago.
- Involved direct voting by adult male landowners; excluded peasants, slaves, women, and foreign workers.
- Citizens gathered for large meetings to vote directly on issues.
- Ideals focused on equality, liberty, and respect for law and justice.
Drawbacks of Classical Democracy
- Limited voter eligibility, excluding large segments of the population.
- Inconvenient to gather large numbers frequently for meetings.
- Reliance on representatives for smaller, more efficient voting processes.
UK Referendums
- 1997: Referendums held in Scotland and Wales for devolution and establishment of the Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly.
- 1998: London held a referendum for a directly elected Mayor and devolution of powers.
- 1998: Power-sharing agreement reached in Northern Ireland.
- 2011: Alternative vote referendum to change the voting system in the UK.
- 2014: Scotland held an independence referendum.
- 2016: Referendum regarding Britain's membership in the European Union.
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