Gov and politics

• What is an advantage of Direct Democracy regarding votes?

  It gives equal weight to all votes.
• How does Direct Democracy differ from a representative system in terms of vote value?

  In Direct Democracy, all votes have equal value, unlike in a representative system where varying sizes of constituencies affect vote value.
• What is a key feature of Direct Democracy regarding representatives?

  It removes the need for trusted representatives, allowing people to take responsibility for their own decisions.
• What is a disadvantage of Direct Democracy concerning minority viewpoints?

  The will of the majority is not mediated by parliamentary institutions, so minority viewpoints are disregarded.
• How can Direct Democracy be manipulated?

  It is open to manipulation by the cleverest and most articulate speakers.
• Why is Direct Democracy considered impractical in large, modern states?

  It is impractical due to complicated and lengthy decision-making processes.
• What does Direct Democracy encourage among citizens?

  It encourages popular participation in politics by expecting people to take their duties as citizens seriously.
• What is a potential drawback of Direct Democracy regarding citizen participation?

  Many people may not want to or feel qualified to take part in decision-making.
• How does Direct Democracy contribute to community development?

  It develops a sense of community and encourages genuine debate.
• What is a primary advantage of Representative Democracy in large modern states?

  It is the only practical system for addressing complex issues that often need a rapid response.
• What is a potential consequence of Representative Democracy on political participation?

  It may lead to reduced political participation as people choose to hand responsibility to politicians.
• How do political parties contribute to Representative Democracy?

  They bring coherence and provide a real choice of representative.
• What advantage does Representative Democracy have regarding minority rights?

  It reduces the chances of minority rights being overridden by the 'tyranny of the majority.'
• What is a disadvantage of politicians in Representative Democracy regarding accountability?

  Politicians are skilled in avoiding accountability, especially since general elections are usually held 5 years apart in the UK.
• What is a criticism of political parties in Representative Democracy?

  Parties are often run by elites who pursue their own agendas, not truly representing the people.
• What issue might minorities face in Representative Democracy?

  Minorities may find themselves under-represented as politicians tend to follow the views of the majority to secure election victory.
• How do elections function in Representative Democracy?

  Elections allow people to hold representatives to account.
• Why are politicians generally better informed than the average citizen?

  Politicians are usually better informed about the many issues on which they must take a view.
• What are potential issues with politicians in Representative Democracy?

  Politicians may be corrupt and/or incompetent, and they may wilfully betray election promises or prioritize loyalty to their party over the electorate.
• What role do pressure groups play in Representative Democracy?

  Pressure groups form to represent different interests, promoting debate and encouraging pluralist democracy.
• What are pressure groups also known as?

  Interest groups or lobby groups
• What is the primary goal of pressure groups?

  To influence public policy or government decisions on specific issues
• How do pressure groups differ from political parties?

  Pressure groups do not seek to form a government
• What is a key characteristic of pressure groups regarding their objectives?

  They typically have a narrow set of goals related to a specific issue
• What is an example of a pressure group in the UK that focuses on environmental issues?

  Greenpeace
• What type of pressure group represents the interests of specific professions?

  Professional associations
• What are insider groups characterized by?

  Close relationships with decision-makers and participation in formal consultations
• What is a characteristic of outsider groups?

  They operate outside the formal political process and may use confrontational tactics
• What is the main method used by pressure groups to influence policy?

  Lobbying
• What method involves raising public awareness through media and protests?

  Campaigning
• How do pressure groups provide information to influence policy decisions?

  By supplying expert knowledge and research
• What is the purpose of litigation as a method used by pressure groups?

  To use the legal system to challenge or influence government actions
• What is the impact of pressure groups on the political process regarding agenda-setting?


  They can bring new issues onto the political agenda and shape public discourse
• How can pressure groups influence legislation?

  By lobbying for or against specific bills and amendments
• What role do pressure groups play in monitoring policy implementation?


  They scrutinize how policies are put into practice
• How do pressure groups provide expertise in the political process?

  By offering specialized knowledge to inform and improve policy decisions
• What is a potential negative impact of pressure groups on the political process?

  They may have disproportionate influence due to unequal access to resources
• What is one advantage of pressure groups in a democratic system?

  They represent diverse interests and give voice to underrepresented groups
• What is one disadvantage of pressure groups in a democratic system?

  They may pursue narrow interests that do not reflect the broader public good
• How can pressure groups enhance accountability in government?

  By monitoring government actions and holding them to account