summary of edexcel govt and politics paper 1: module 1.1 democracy and participation
covers representative and direct democracy
advantages and disadvantages
participation crisis and democratic deficit
case for reform
expenses scandal
Direct Democracy - Individuals express their own opinions. Originated in
Greece where adult men had a say in public meetings.
Representative Democracy - People elect representatives to make
decisions on their behalf. They take instruction from their voters and
exercise their judgement; they are held to account.
Direct Democracy
Examples: Referendums (Voting on a question, not binding, 2016 Brexit),
Local campaigns (Opposing something using direct involvement), Online
petitions (Sponsored by MPs and debated in parliament).
• Encourages participation as people are expected to take it serious.
• Develops “togetherness” and genuine debate
• Gives equality to all voters unlike rep where constituency sizes differ.
• People have their own responsibility.
• Impractical in modern state where decisions are complex.
• People don’t feel confident so more vocal people decide what
happens.
• Open to manipulation by the best speakers who can use persuasion.
• Minority viewpoints overlooked.
Representative Democracy
• Practical in modern state where quick responses are needed EG
deploying troops.
• Parties group ideas and pressure groups represent other interests.
• Ensures minority rights.
• Hold representatives to account through elections.
• Politicians are better informed.
• Reduce participation as responsibility is handed over.
• Parties/PGs are ran by elite so not truly representative.
• Politicians follow majority to secure votes.
• General elections are every 5 years.
• Politicians may be corrupt and incompetent. Loyal to party not ppl.
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