Democracy and Participation

• What is the purpose of understanding rights in a democracy?


  To understand key rights of UK citizens
• What is the social contract in a democracy?


  It is an agreement where citizens have rights and obligations with the state
• What are examples of obligations in a democracy?


  Paying taxes and following the law
• What are considered responsibilities of citizens in a democracy?

  Voting and environmental protection
• What are civil liberties?


  Legally protected freedoms
• What does the 1998 Human Rights Act (HRA) guarantee?


  It guarantees rights for UK citizens
• What is included in civil liberties?


  Fair treatment under the law and freedom from arbitrary detention
• What freedoms are considered civil liberties?


  Freedom of speech, political freedom, freedom of conscience, freedom to associate, and freedom to move
• What is a 'rights-based' culture in the UK?

  It is a culture where all new legislation must comply with the HRA
• What power does the Supreme Court have regarding the HRA?


  The Supreme Court can declare earlier acts of parliament incompatible with the HRA
• What happened to the number of judicial reviews between 2000 and 2013?


  The number rose from 4 to 15 thousand
• Why are judicial reviews important?


  They scrutinize government policy and hold the government to account
• What do critics argue about judicial reviews?


  They argue that judicial reviews put too much power in the hands of the courts
• What significant legal case occurred in 2008 involving Max Mosely?


  He successfully sued the News of the World for publishing a story about his sex life
• Which articles of the ECHR were involved in the Mosely case?


  Article 8 (right to freedom) was prioritized over Article 10 (freedom of expression)
• What was Abu Qatada's legal battle about?


  He fought deportation for 8 years due to fears of torture
• What was required for Abu Qatada's deportation to Jordan?


  Jordan had to sign an agreement not to use torture
• What measures has the UK government introduced in response to perceived threats?


  Secret courts and the Investigatory Powers Bill
• What did the Investigatory Powers Bill do?


  It increased the power of intelligence agencies to access mobile and online data
• What right was obtained by The Howard League for Penal Reform in 2014?


  The right for families to send books to prisoners
• What is a significant limitation on prisoners' rights in the UK?


  Prisoners still cannot vote, despite this contravening the ECHR
• How did 9/11 and the July 2007 bombings affect civil liberties in the UK?


  They led to measures that restricted civil liberties
• What was the effect of the Control Orders introduced by the UK Government?


  They monitored and restricted suspected terrorist movements
• What was the outcome of the proposal to extend detention of suspects from 14 to 90 days in 2005?


  The proposal was lost due to parliamentary and public opposition
• What compromise was reached regarding the detention of suspects?


  A compromise was met on 28 days of detention
• What happened to the temporary extension of detention by 2015?


  It lapsed back to 14 days
• How does the UK government uphold citizens' rights?


  • Through the Human Rights Act (HRA)
  • By ensuring compliance of new legislation with the HRA
  • By allowing judicial reviews to scrutinize government actions
• What does political participation refer to?


  Activities by citizens that aim to influence political leaders or policies
• Why is political participation important in a democracy?


  It allows citizens to have a say in governance and ensures accountability
• What are the key points of political participation in democracy?

  • Essential for representative democracy
  • Ensures government accountability
  • Promotes political equality
  • Contributes to political legitimacy
• What are some examples of political participation?

  Voting, joining a political party, contacting an MP
• What encompasses political participation?


  A wide range of activities through which citizens engage with the political system
• What are the key aspects of political participation?

  1. Electoral participation (voting)
  2. Party involvement (joining, campaigning)
  3. Civic engagement (community organizations)
  4. Direct action (protests, petitions)
  5. Political consumption (boycotting products)
• How does political participation ensure representation?


  It ensures diverse voices and interests are heard in government
• How does political participation contribute to accountability?


  Active participation holds elected officials accountable for their actions
• What role does political participation play in legitimacy?


  High levels of participation lend legitimacy to the democratic system
• How does political participation promote political equality?


  It provides a mechanism for all citizens to have a say in governance
• How does political participation lead to an informed citizenry?


  Engagement in political processes leads to a more informed populace
• What is the impact of political participation on social cohesion?


  It fosters a sense of community and shared responsibility
• What are traditional forms of political participation in the UK?


  Voting, party membership, trade union involvement, contacting representatives