legitimacy is the rightful use of power in accordance with widely held agreements
direct democracy is when individuals express their opinions themselves and not through representatives like in referendums
pluralist democracy - democracy in which a government makes decisions by considering the interplay of contrasting arguments from competing groups in society
participation crisis - a lack of engagement by a significant number of citizens in the political process
franchise/suffrage - ability/right to vote in public elections
think tanks - body of experts brought together to collectively focus on a certain topic, offering solutions to complicated economic, social and political issues
lobbyist - someone paid to influence the government and/or MPs and Lords to act in their clients' interests
representative democracy is when an individual elects a person/party to act on their behalf to exercise political choice
simple majority is highest but not over 50%
absolute majority is over 50%
a super majority is way over 50%
democratic deficit - flaw in democratic process where decisions are made by people who lack legitimacy
civil liberties - rights individuals possess in relation to the state which are legally enforceable
pressure group - an association whose aim is to influence policy but do not seek political power
lobbying - an activity used to promote causes and interests to decision-makers, e.g. occupying Parliament or seeking direct meetings
human rights - broad rights that are not always guaranteed by the state, including most civil liberties but can go further