politics unit 1

Cards (48)

  • What is fundamental to understanding politics?
    The concept of democracy
  • Why does democracy spark fierce passions and debates?
    It has conflicting attitudes and interpretations
  • What did the 2016 Brexit referendum show about the will of the people?
    People wanted to leave the EU
  • How do Western democracies view their institutions compared to totalitarian regimes?
    They boast of democratic institutions
  • What does the term 'democracy' literally mean?
    Rule by the people
  • From which languages does the word 'democracy' originate?
    Ancient Greek
  • What was the nature of democracy in Ancient Athens?
    People were directly consulted and chosen
  • What concern did Plato have regarding democracy?
    Mob rule by uneducated masses
  • How is democracy viewed today compared to the past?
    It is largely seen as a 'good thing'
  • What are the two main types of democracy?
    Direct democracy and representative democracy
  • What is direct democracy often referred to as?
    Athenian democracy
  • What was a key feature of Athenian democracy?
    Every citizen had one equal vote
  • What is a modern form of direct democracy?
    The referendum
  • How does direct democracy add legitimacy to decisions made by politicians?
    It allows people to make decisions directly
  • What is a disadvantage of direct democracy?
    It can lead to tyranny of the majority
  • What is a key advantage of direct democracy?
    The people's voice is clearly heard
  • What dilemma do MPs face in representative democracy?
    How to represent constituents versus conscience
  • What is accountability in a representative democracy?
    Holding elected officials responsible for actions
  • What is the role of elections in representative democracy?
    To choose representatives through voting
  • How can representatives be held accountable between elections?
    Through investigations and media scrutiny
  • What is the term for ordinary voters who elect representatives?
    Constituents
  • What are the advantages and disadvantages of direct democracy?
    Advantages:
    • Purest form of democracy
    • People's voice is clearly heard
    • Avoids delay in decision-making
    • Gives legitimacy to decisions

    Disadvantages:
    • Tyranny of the majority
    • Emotional appeals can sway decisions
    • Complexity of issues may overwhelm citizens
  • What are the key features of representative democracy?
    • Citizens elect representatives
    • Representatives make decisions on behalf of citizens
    • Accountability through elections
    • Regular scrutiny of representatives' actions
  • What are the different types of representation in a democracy?
    • Descriptive representation
    • Substantive representation
    • Symbolic representation
    • Delegate representation
    • Trustee representation
  • Who wrote about the responsibilities of representatives in the eighteenth century?
    Edmund Burke
  • What does Edmund Burke suggest representatives owe to their constituents?
    Judgement, not just industry
  • How can those in power be held accountable between elections?
    Through investigations and media scrutiny
  • What is a recall petition?
    A method to remove MPs from office
  • What is the main focus of representatives in a democracy?
    To be elected and accountable
  • What does social representation imply?
    Characteristics of representatives should match society
  • What is a key characteristic of social representation?
    It should reflect the population's diversity
  • What are the different types of representation in a democracy?
    • Social representation
    • Constituency representation
    • Party representation
    • Occupational or social representation
    • Causal representation
  • Why is achieving social representation difficult in the UK Parliament?
    It falls short of reflecting society
  • What is constituency representation?
    Representing the interests of a geographical area
  • What does constituency representation imply about local issues?
    It focuses on social and economic concerns
  • What does the term 'redress of grievances' refer to?
    Championing individual constituents' issues
  • What dilemma might an MP face regarding constituency representation?
    Disagreement with constituents on national issues
  • What characterizes party representation in modern democracies?
    Most representatives belong to political parties
  • What is a manifesto?
    A list of party promises at elections
  • What type of representation do trade unions typically support?
    Occupational or social representation