Democracy

• Arguments for direct democracy:

  • purest form of democracy, people’s voices are heard
  • can avoid delays and deadlock within political system
  • more legitimate
• Direct democracy is used when the government wants to consult with citizens on important issues or referendums.
• Democracy


  • People have real influence over political decision making
  • Government is accountable to the people
  • Fair elections so that the government is considered to be legitimate
  • Political parties and political associations are tolerated
  • Media is free and independent
  • Citizens are legally guaranteed rights
• Limits to the powers of government

  Established by a constitution and an independent judiciary
• Types of democracy


  • Representative democracy
  • Direct democracy
• Representative democracy


  A system where the people are represented by elected representatives
• Direct democracy


  A system where the people themselves make important political decisions
• Direct democracy


  • Use of referendums
• Arguments against direct democracy


  • Can lead to 'tyranny of the majority'. Elected representatives can mediate between majority and minority interests
  • People may be too easily swayed by short-term, emotional appeals. - Some issues may be too complex for the ordinary citizen to understand
• In the UK there are various forms of representation, including political parties creating political programmes and manifestos
• Representative democracy is where elected representatives make decisions on behalf of their constituents