opportunities and tendencies for the people to become involved in the political process.
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what is legitimacy?
the degree to which a government can be considered to have the right to exercise power. a valid claim to rule
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what can give a government legitimacy?
consent of public at regular, free, fair elections(2015 GE). legitimacy granted through use of referendums(2014 scott referendum). through the government following traditional political procedure. (2012 PM asked parliament to send troops to conflict)
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what was the turnout in the 2015 general election?
66%
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turnout at mayoral elections 2016:
45%
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how can we improve political participation in the UK?
compulsory voting, Lowering the voting age to 16, greater use of referendums, introduce more electronic methods of voting, educate younger people about politics, change the electoral system
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explain FPTP:
to win, the candidate needs the MOST VOTES(more than anyone else, not over 50%). it is fast and easy, but leads to wasted votes(e.g.UKIP 12% of country vote,but only 1 constituency they won, so they only got 1 seat)
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explain PR:
number of votes directly corresponds to the number of seats, legitimate, everyone is represented. but takes much longer and could lead to more coalitions.
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define a referendum:
a vote where the people are asked to determine an important political or constitutional issue directly (2012 Scottish referendum, it affected them so they were consulted)
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when are referendums held?
resolve an issue within government, reverse a referendum, constitutional change (EU ref.), solve issues in local areas (london mayoral 1998)
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benefits of referendums:
direct democracy-so legitimate decisions, people more likely to accept consulted decision(1998 good friday northern ire.stopped fighting), prevent unpopular decisions,entrench change(gov. cant change decision)
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disadvantages of referendums:
minority is disregarded(EU ref-large no voters disregarded), phrasing of question can make gov. biased(AV ref), results can be won due to better funding(AV ref 'no' had more money),undermine parliaments sovereignty (EU ref.no guidance from experts)
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explain a direct democracy:
there are no professional politicians, there is constant involvement of the people in political life, people make the decision (referendums)
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why not to have a direct democracy:
50 million in electorate is too many to have an opinion from, it is too time consuming(laws would be made every week), would lower participation, cost lots of money to achieve. may of electorate is not educated. people don't want it (AV referendum)
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why to have a direct democracy:
turnout in referendums is high (scott 84%), engage people in politics, reduces power of organised parties so more representative of peoples needs + opinions-no filter.
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what is representative democracy?
where people elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.
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advantages of representative democracy:
provides accountability, practical, parliament can implement policies unpopular but necessary, elected are better educated and articulate, produces strong and stable gov, pressure groups can contribute
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disadvantages of representative democracy:
long terms in office reduced accountability, MPs toe party line and don't represent constituents, leans towards elitism-narrow range of backgrounds, lead to elected dictatorship(landslide maj.1997) minorities excluded and not represented
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define stable government:
likely to survive a full term in office
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define strong government:
government can implement policies without lots of opposition
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how has democracy been enhanced since 1997?
house of lords act 1999+house of lords reform 2012, Human rights act 1998, devolution 1997, fixed term parliament act 2011
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what is a democratic defecit?
when democratic organisations are seen to be falling short of fulfilling the principles of democracy.
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what are hinderances to our democracy?
House of lords unelected but reform act 1999, FPTP but AV ref. no vote, disillusionment with politicians(expenses scandal 2009),
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Other cards in this set
Card 2
Front
what is legitimacy?
Back
the degree to which a government can be considered to have the right to exercise power. a valid claim to rule
Card 3
Front
what can give a government legitimacy?
Back
Card 4
Front
what was the turnout in the 2015 general election?
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