Current Systems of Representative Democracy and Direct Democracy...

Q: What changes are suggested for improving democracy in the UK regarding voting days?

Allow voting over several days to increase participation. Encourages broader accessibility, reducing time constraints for voters. Reduces congestion at polling stations. Aims to enhance voter turnout and engagement.

Q: What reforms are suggested to improve voting systems?

Reform proposals: More proportional system adoption. Broader franchise. Encourage wider participation. Make parliaments democratic. Empower effective governance. Transfer powers, e.g., devolving authority.

Q: How can postal and electronic voting methods impact democracy in the UK?

Increases convenience and accessibility. Raises concerns: electoral fraud, intimidation. Risks: cyberattacks, discrimination against older/low-income voters. Requires balance between security and accessibility.

Are voters obligated to vote for any candidate?

No obligation exists to vote for any candidate.
Voters can leave the ballot blank.
Belief: Voting should express preferences.
Voting facilitates representation in democracy.

What changes are suggested for improving democracy in the UK regarding voting days?

Allow voting over several days to increase participation.
Encourages broader accessibility, reducing time constraints for voters.
Reduces congestion at polling stations.
Aims to enhance voter turnout and engagement.

Should voting remain voluntary?

Advocates voluntary voting.
Compulsory voting could be undemocratic.
May lead to predictable outcomes, neglecting marginal seats.
Doesn't address reasons for voting abstention.

What does high confidence among voters indicate according to the notes?

High confidence among voters may lead to satisfaction with the political status quo.
Perception that no urgent political reforms are necessary.
Contentment with current government operations.

What reforms are suggested to improve voting systems?

Reform proposals:
1. More proportional system adoption.
2. Broader franchise.
3. Encourage wider participation.
4. Make parliaments democratic.
5. Empower effective governance.
6. Transfer powers, e.g., devolving authority.

How can postal and electronic voting methods impact democracy in the UK?

Increases convenience and accessibility.
Raises concerns: electoral fraud, intimidation.
Risks: cyberattacks, discrimination against older/low-income voters.
Requires balance between security and accessibility.

What do official turnout figures suggest about UK general elections?

Turnout has been falling for decades.
This decline undermines government legitimacy and mandate.

How has turnout at UK general elections changed in recent decades?

Turnout variation significant, low up to almost 80%.
1992: Highest turnout of recent elections.
Last 4 elections: Below 70%.
Concerns about representative legitimacy.
Greater legitimacy seen when turnout exceeds 76%.

How does voter turnout vary across constituencies and social groups?

Average turnout figures mask significant variation.
Older voters are much more likely to vote than others.

How can veto referendums and initiatives improve democracy and participation in the UK?

Veto referendums and initiatives give more control to voters.
They counteract decisions made by low turnout or interests.
Offer majority and minority interests a voice in legislation.

What arguments exist regarding the decline in UK voter turnout?

Busy lives of voters reduce turnout.
Rise of anti-politics with populist parties targets those left by the establishment.

Why is turnout important in a representative democracy?

Indicates representative legitimacy.
Government derives power from the people.
High turnout suggests greater consent to being governed.
Legitimacy and consent are critical.
Example: 76% turnout boosts legitimacy.

How are errors in electoral registers related to turnout?

Errors cause official turnout figures to be lower.
Turnout has averaged 9% higher than official figures since 1997.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of referendums and initiatives in the UK?

Advantages:
- Engage citizens; encourage participation.
- Offer legit decisions on public issues.
- Reflect popular opinions, enhancing democracy.
Disadvantages:
- Can result in low turnout.
- Complex issues oversimplified.
- Risk of popular sentiment overriding expert recommendations.

What is differential turnout? Why are average turnout figures misleading?

Differential turnout affects types of voters.
National average can differ from specific demographics.
Younger, lower-income, ethnic minorities often underrepresented.
Misleading since specific groups might have different participation levels.

What option is available for recalling MPs in the UK, and what are its limitations?

Recall elections allow removal of MPs for misconduct.
Options limited for poor representation cases.
MPs fully accountable only for crimes or serious misconduct.

How could recall elections be improved in the UK, and what challenges exist?

Advantages:
- Allow voters to remove underperforming officials.
- Increase accountability and responsiveness.
Disadvantages:
- Costly and resource intensive.
- Could destabilize political stability.

What trends are observed in UK party membership levels?

Membership levels are lower than decades ago.
Recent years show rises, particularly in the Labour Party.

What evidence is there for partisan dealignment in the UK?

2019 Audit of Political Engagement.
Majority not strongly supportive of any party.
Indicates weakening loyalty to political parties.
Reflects broader trend of dealignment.

What defines an ideal democracy according to the text?

It is a representative democracy.
Focuses on limiting government power.
Protects fundamental rights.
Ensures individual freedom.

How might proportional representation affect democracy in the UK?

Proportional representation could increase voter choice.
May reduce voter apathy and improve representation.
Concerns exist that it might impact voter unity and diversity.

Does the UK have regular, free, and fair elections?

Yes, elections occur regularly.
Increasing number of elections across the UK.
Provides more opportunities for representation.

What is meant by 'apathy' and 'hapathy' regarding voter engagement?

Apathy: Disinterest in politics.
Hapathy: Contentment leading to not voting.
Contentment may cause low turnout.
People satisfied with status quo may be less motivated to vote.

What is liberal democracy?

Combines democracy and liberalism.
Rule by the people with freedom and equality.
Regular elections, individual rights, constitutional protection.
Ensures no tyranny by one government branch.

What is the current state of formal political participation?

Voting and party joining have declined.
Other forms of political participation are becoming more popular.

What are the pros and cons of introducing primary elections in the UK?

Advantages:
- Empower party members to choose candidates.
- Foster engagement and representation.
Disadvantages:
- Resource-heavy; increased costs.
- Can lead to fragmentation within parties.

What are the arguments around lowering the voting age in the UK?

Lowering the voting age may foster early voting habits.
Concerns about readiness of 16-17 year-olds to vote exist.
Could engage younger citizens in political processes.

Why might formal political participation be less significant than previously thought?

Elections only one form of engagement.
Growth of informal methods like protests, petitions.
Digital platforms increase issue engagement.
Broader understanding of participation needed.

What is a constitution, and why are constitutions important in a liberal democracy?

A constitution is a set of rules governing a state or country.
Ensures rights, limits powers, and provides checks and balances.
Prevents abuse of power by ensuring government accountability.

Discuss the potential impacts of lowering the voting age in the UK.

Advantages:
- Encourage early civic engagement.
- Reflects youth perspectives in policy.
Disadvantages:
- Concerns over maturity and informed decision-making.
- Complexity in educating younger voters.

What do polls indicate about alternative forms of participation in the UK?

Alternative forms are more popular.
Polls show some citizens are still unwilling to take any action.

What is a representative democracy in the UK?

Established by the Representation of the People Act (1969)
Allows UK citizens over 18 to vote
General elections held every 5 years to elect MPs
Parliament's legislative functions involve making laws

How does the House of Lords affect UK democracy according to the text?

Seen as undermining legitimacy.
Elections not direct for representation.
Seats are inherited in the state and House of Lords.

What are the pros and cons of compulsory voting discussed?

Compulsory voting may boost voter turnout.
Some argue it's a right, not an obligation to vote.
Risks of uninformed voters increasing are present.

What are the advantages and drawbacks of compulsory voting in the UK?

Advantages:
- Ensures higher turnout and legitimacy.
- Reduces influence of money in politics.
Disadvantages:
- Limits personal freedom of choice.
- May lead to uninformed voting.

How is the Prime Minister elected in the UK?

UK is a parliamentary democracy
MPs elect the Prime Minister
Government formed from Parliament
Ministers and peers must be MPs
Executive depends on Parliament's support

What is e-democracy, and what examples of it can be found in the UK?

E-democracy: Internet-enabled political interaction.
Examples: E-petitions, online consultations, digital campaigns.
Individuals address issues via digital platforms.
Alternative to traditional methods.

How is the Parliament structured in the UK?

Parliament has two houses: House of Commons and House of Lords.
Common elections occur via party lists for available seats.
Lords aren't elected but appointed.

What is meant by "separation of powers" and "checks and balances"?

Separation of powers divides government into branches.
Divided typically among legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
Checks and balances ensure no branch overpowers another.

What does parliamentary sovereignty mean in the UK?

Means government with large majority in Commons is powerful.
Limited government is implied.

How does digital democracy propose to increase participation, and what are its concerns?

Digital democracy offers e-petitions and online debates.
Potentially broadens participation opportunities.
Security concerns remain about internet voting methods.

What are referendums and what role do they play in a democracy?

Referendums are a form of direct democracy.
They allow people to decide on a political question by voting 'Yes' or 'No'.
Legally, parliaments are sovereign and not bound by results, but politically it's harder to challenge.

How is the separation of powers described in the UK?

Government drawn from Parliament.
Weak separation of powers.
Judiciary cannot strike laws passed by Parliament.

What are key differences between the UK government and Parliament?

Parliament creates and scrutinizes laws.
Government executes policies and proposals.
Government comes from Parliament members.

What theories influence an MP's role in the UK?

Theories of representation include acting as delegates or trustees
MPs can be influenced by constituents
Responsibilities include reflecting public opinion and enacting laws

What does the 2019 Audit of Political Engagement suggest about the health of representative democracy in the UK?

Public largely disengaged from political parties.
Rising interest in non-electoral participation.
Activities: Protests, petitions, boycotts, charity donations.
Contacting representatives less frequent.

What features would we expect to find in a liberal democracy?

Free and fair elections.
Multi-party system.
Rule of law; individual and minority rights protected.
Transparency and checks and balances; independent judiciary.

How might digital democracy enhance and challenge political participation in the UK?

Advantages:
- Broaden access via technology.
- Facilitate convenient participation.
Disadvantages:
- Risk of digital exclusion.
- Security and authenticity concerns.

How do UK citizens engage with government outside of elections?

Electoral and non-electoral participation methods
Include writing to MPs, joining partisan groups, signing petitions
These activities help influence government consultations

How is a referendum determined in the UK?

Government and Parliament determine factors of a referendum.
Decide when a referendum is held and the question.
Determine who can participate and victory threshold.

How do parliamentary and presidential democracies differ?

Parliamentary: Executive comes from the legislature.
Presidential: Executive is independent from the legislature.
Parliament can dismiss the government with a vote of no confidence.

In what ways does the UK conform to the features of a liberal democracy?

Regular elections; House of Commons and House of Lords.
Free press; judicial independence.
Protection of individual rights; political representation of minorities.

Are civil liberties securely protected in the UK?

Many rights are written into law.
None are entrenched.
Rights are not in a single constitution.

What role do pressure groups play in the UK's democracy?

UK has numerous pluralist pressure groups.
They affect a range of policies, like climate change.

How do American votes on new bills and referendums differ?

American voters can collect signatures for initiatives (votes on new bills).
Referendums often involve votes on bills passed by the legislature.

In what ways does our political system contrast with other liberal democracies?

First-past-the-post electoral system.
Sometimes results in disproportionate representation.
UK monarchy vs. elected heads of state in other democracies.

What is the focus of politics in terms of rules and power?

Politics examines rule-making and changing.
It considers how individuals influence others.
How power and authority are distributed is central to politics.

What does UK parliamentary sovereignty imply about EU elections?

Parliament reclaimed sovereignty post-Brexit (2016).
UK-wide vote ended EU Parliament elections.
National authority over elections restored.

How much influence does Parliament and the government have over referendums?

Parliament and government hold significant influence.
Debate exists on necessity of referendums for input.
Government may use results but isn't required to act.

What is the key issue of legitimacy in politics?

The issue is whether the government has authority.
Authority is questioned if not derived from free and fair elections.
Legitimacy involves agreement about governmental power holding.

What is the difference between power and authority?

Power: Ability to make people do things they might not want to.
Authority: Granted right to influence behavior and actions.

What is a common focus of UK referendums?

UK referendums often address constitutional issues.
Aim to change how democracy operates.
Votes on social issues are more frequent in the US.

What are the potential impacts of compulsory voting on democracy and governance?

Enhances civic duty perception.
Increases public engagement in impactful processes.
Results in more representative Parliament.
Politicians focus on broader voter appeal in campaigns.

How did voter turnout in critical referendums in the UK reflect citizen engagement?

The Scottish Independence Referendum in 2014 had an 85% voter turnout.
The 2016 EU Referendum had a 72.2% turnout.
High participation indicates concern over critical issues.

What theories exist on MP representation?

Delegate theory: MPs act according to constituents' wishes.
Trustee theory: MPs use personal judgment.
Entrusted to represent interests of their voters.

What are some modern methods of participation in politics?

Formal methods include memberships in pressure groups and parties.
Growth in single-issue campaigns.
Use of social media for engagement.
E-petitions, e.g., 2007 road charging proposal with 1.8 million signatures.
New methods rise due to dissatisfaction with conventional politics.

What do we mean when we say a government is 'legitimate'?

Government accepted as legitimate.
Seen as having the right to make rules.
Legitimacy achieved through elections.

How is democracy described in the document?

Democracy is a system for people's influence or power.
Everyone has an equal opportunity to participate.
Decisions can be direct or through representation.

How has the frequency of referendums changed over time?

Referendums have become more common in recent years.
There is an established convention that they should address constitutional issues.

What might a lack of participation signal in democratic contexts?

Lack of participation may indicate trust in democratic systems.
Voters express contentment by not feeling compelled to act.
Reduced sense of urgency for political change.

How are referendums different in America?

Referendums come in different forms.
Representatives might put issues up for public vote.
Initiatives can also come from citizens.

What is direct democracy according to the text?

Direct democracy involves people making decisions.
It provides greater power but can be impractical.
It requires time, interest, or knowledge to make decisions.

What does party membership indicate about political participation in the UK?

Party membership indicates political engagement.
As of 2013, less than 1% of the UK's electorate belonged to major parties.
In 1983, 3.8% of the electorate were members.
Membership of parties like the Liberal Democratic Party and Labour Party declined and increased at different periods.

How can UK citizens engage in democracy beyond voting?

Participate in campaigns, donate, fundraise.
Write to or meet with representatives.
Join parties or political activism.

Why are people turning to new methods of political expression?

Conventional politics perceived as ineffective.
Society seen as more individualistic.
New methods offer direct engagement with issues.
Lack of trust in traditional authorities.
Internet and media provide alternative information sources.

What information does the text provide about the Police and Crime Commissioner elections?

Lowest average turnout: 2014 had only 15%.
Voter understanding: Many didn't understand the purpose.
Slight improvement: 27% turnout in 2016.
Publicity: Efforts made to encourage voting.

How did party membership numbers change for the Liberal Democrats and Labour Party?

Liberal Democrats had around 70,000 members during 2000s.
Labour Party's membership grew to nearly 190,000.
Jeremy Corbyn's election was linked to increased Labour membership, reaching 525,000 by July 2016.

What sorts of issues are usually decided by referendum in the UK?

Important issues like membership in international organizations.
Constitutional reforms.
Controversial or repeated questions.

What reform has been suggested to increase voter turnout?

Introducing electronic voting systems.
Allowing people to vote online.
Increasing convenience and accessibility for voters.

What are the features of representative democracy mentioned?

People elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.
Representation may become unrepresentative.
There’s a risk of losing power to a minority.

What sorts of issues are voted on in US initiatives and referendums?

State-level issues like raising minimum wage.
2016, multiple states and DC raised minimum wage.
Economic and social policy issues.

What were the membership numbers for smaller parties in the UK by July 2016?

Scottish Nationalist Party (SNP): 25,000 (2000) to 120,000.
Green Party: 13,800 to 55,000.
UK Independence Party (UKIP): 32,400 to 39,000.

Why is voter turnout generally lower in second-order elections in the UK?

Second-order elections involve less powerful bodies, like local councils.
Voters find them less important than parliamentary elections.
2016 local elections had low turnout.
Example: Stoke-on-Trent by-election in 2017 had 38.2% turnout.
Copeland by-election had 51.3% turnout, lower than the general election.

What are the key reasons for the democratic deficit in the UK?

Legitimacy: Power lies with the government due to voters' disengagement.
Democratic deficit: Non-elected individuals in government roles.
Participation crisis: Decline in joining political activities.

Why has the use of referendums increased since 1997?

Newly elected Labour government initiated reforms.
Responding to demands for more public input.
Public given more opportunities in decision-making.

What issues are associated with the UK's representative democracy?

Free elections allow expression of political opinions.
Underrepresentation in parties creates political imbalance.
House of Lords lacks democratic legitimacy.
First-past-the-post system causes disproportionality.
Ineffective reforms leave many unanswered questions.

What are the advantages of representative democracy?

Representatives have expertise and experience.
More practical due to large population size.
Allows deliberation and debate on issues.

What trends in participation were observed according to the notes?

Election Turnouts: Turnout in elections decreased until 1997-2001.
Recent Trends: Post-2001, turnout has increased.
Current: Levels remain below historic highs.

How does voter turnout in recent elections compare to the past?

1997 Turnout: Start at 1997 is higher than in 2001.
2001-2017 Trends: Fluctuations with slight increases.
Historic Context: Turnout still hasn't reached previous high levels.

What are the disadvantages of representative democracy?

Public has less influence over actions of representatives.
Low participation can lead to elitism.
Small parties may struggle to win.

What reform attempts have been made in the UK regarding democracy?

Human Rights Act, 1998, integrated into UK law.
Reforms target state relationship and citizens' rights.
Aim to maintain governmental accountability.
Adjustments in the House of Lords structure.

What are the differences between representative and direct democracy?

Representative democracy: Citizens elect representatives.
Direct democracy: Citizens vote directly on initiatives.
Examples: Referendums allow direct voter input.
Petitions trigger votes if 10% of voters sign.
Used to hold representatives accountable.