Democracy

• Democracy meaning

  Rule by the people
• Liberal democracy 


  Everyone has the right to vote
• Presidential democracy 


  Executive branch is elected separately from the legislature eg USA
• Parliamentary democracy 


  Parliament is the highest source of authority and the executive is part of parliament
• direct democracy is also known as what


  Athenian democracy
• Why is direct democracy known as Athenian democracy


  Emerged in Athens in Ancient Greece. At this time all choices were made by enfranchised people and a citizens assembly made choices for all people eg going to war
• Examples of direct democracy in modern Britain

  Petitions

  Referenda

  Recall of MPs Act 2015
• What does the Recall of MPs act 2015 do 


  if enough constituents sign a petition, they can automatically trigger a by-election.
• Referenda as an example of direct democracy 


  the public is asked about a decision directly, rather than their representatives, such as in the 2011 Alternative Vote Referendum and the 2016 European Union Referendum.
• representative democracy advantages and disadvantages

  
• Direct democracy advantages and disadvantages

  
• Why is the uk democracy good 


  Elections are free and fair

  Universal franchise for everyone over 18

  Parliamentary sovereignty

  Devolution
• Why is the uk democracy bad 


  Unelected elements eg House of Lords

  Low turnout in local elections

  English votes for English laws?
• What is a representative democracy 


  a system where the people are ruled by representatives who make decisions on behalf of the people.
• What is one argument for compulsory voting in the UK political system?

  It could claim greater legitimacy for governments.
• How might compulsory voting affect people's knowledge about politics?

  People would feel more educated about politics.
• In which country does compulsory voting work effectively?

  Australia
• What is a potential downside of compulsory voting?

  It could encourage non-serious voting.
• What is another concern regarding compulsory voting?

  It could be considered a violation of individual freedom.
• What is one argument for lowering the voting age in the UK?

  Voting at 16 would match other aspects of freedom at this age.
• How might lowering the voting age help young people?

  It may help to educate them about politics.
• What is a potential drawback of allowing 16-year-olds to vote?

  Most 16-year-olds are still in full-time education.
• Why might 16-year-olds not appreciate voting issues?

  They don’t appreciate factors like housing and the economy.
• What is one argument for greater use of referenda in the UK political system?

  It could give government decisions more legitimacy.
• How could referenda affect public opinion?

  It could divide the public’s views.
• What example illustrates the divisive nature of referenda?

  The 2016 European Union referendum.
• What are the arguments for and against compulsory voting?

  For:

  • Greater legitimacy for governments
  • Increased political education

  
  

  Against:

  • Encourages non-serious voting
  • Violation of individual freedom
• What are the arguments for and against lowering the voting age?

  For:

  • Matches other freedoms at age 16
  • Educates young people about politics

  
  

  Against:

  • Most are in full-time education
  • Lack appreciation for housing and economy issues
• What are the arguments for and against greater use of referenda?

  For:

  • Gives legitimacy to government decisions
  • Citizens vote on important issues

  
  

  Against:

  • Can divide public opinion
  • Example: 2016 EU referendum
• Protection of citizens rights as an argument against the uk democratic system

  • Protection of citizens’ rights: The 1998 Human Rights Act provides inadequate protection of citizens’ rights as governments have been known to ‘derogate’ from the Human Rights Act. Furthermore, due to the uncodified constitution in the UK, our rights are not entrenched and can be changed by a simple Act of Parliament.