Representative Democracy

• What

  An individual represents a person to act on their views.

  The usual form of democracy.

  If voters are not satisfied, they can hold politicians to account.
• Types of representation

  Demographic: Does parliament reflect the make up of the UK?

  Party: Does parliament reflect the political views of the UK?

  Geographic: Does parliament reflect the regions of the UK?

  Occupational: Does parliament reflect different industries?
• Constituency

  A group of voters in a specific area who elect an MP.
• Strengths

  Practical solution to a large state.

  Allows for a plurality of opinions to be aired.

  Elections allow unpopular MPs to be removed.
• Weaknesses

  May lead to lower participation.

  Parties can be opaque in their funding.

  Politicians can be corrupt or incompetent.