Summary
Summary Paper 1 UK Gov and Politics essay plans according to the spec
- Course
- Institution
Providing a well -detailed pack of essay plans and examples to better equip you for A-level success in UK politics.
[Show more]
Seller
Follow
dhalleshagangatharan
Content preview
Section 1.1 and 1.2Representative democracy is a system of democracy where the citizens
elect the representatives to make decision on their behalf.
Direct democracy is a form of government where citizens participate
directly in the decision- making process of governance rather than
through elected representatives.
EXAMPLES
- 2016 EU referendum which saw a turnout of 72.2%
- Scottish Independence referendum 2014 had 84.6% turnout
- Approximately one MP for every 92000 people
- 78% of the UK population have taken part in some form of political
activity
- 52% of parliament is comprehensively educated
- Switzerland uses direct democracy through referendums primarily
- Overall satisfaction with the UK governing system fell from 34% in
2010 to 25% in 2019
- In 2019, 63% people felt the political system was rigged to
advantage the rich/ powerful
- Average turnout in local elections 31% in 2023
Evaluate the view that representative democracy is ineffective in the UK.
(30)
Representative democracy is a system of democracy where the citizens elect the
representative to make decision on their behalf- one which we see in the UK. This has
been used in the UK for many years, however, its effectiveness is being questioned.
This essay will argue that representative democracy is effective- arguing against the
statement because it is effective for a large society, good for encouraging political
participation and is rational as politicians are more likely to be educated in the issues
at hand. However, these points can be countered as direct democracy is more
democratic, enhances political participation to a greater extent and is the purest form
of democracy. All these points will be considered to reach a justified conclusion.
One reason why representative democracy could be seen to be effective in the UK is
because representatives can encourage greater levels of political participation through
educating the public on political issues. This is because politicians will have to actively
campaign to encourage electorates to vote for them as seen through the Blackpool
south by election in 2024. As a result of this, people in the constituency will have to
know about their local issues and thus encourage them to take part in the election.
However, this can be counter argued because some may argue that direct democracy
is a much more democratic process as it is the purest form of democracy and ensures
individual participation. The public is constantly encouraged to participate due to there
not being anyone else to put the burden onto. This was seen through the EU
referendum of 2016 which had a turnout of 72.2%. With a lot of ongoing debate and
discussion, the EU referendum had encouraged a spur of political participation- this
therefore suggests that direct democracy is more significant than representative.
However, this counter point can be abolished by the fact that direct democratic
,referendums such as that in 2016 leads to a lot of confusion among citizens since the
question itself did not outline the main argument. To this day, the aftermath of the EU
referendum has still caused a lot of upheaval. Therefore, representative democracy
may have been a better approach as the more ‘educated in the field’ politicians could
have led to a more long- term desirable outcome.
Another reason why representative democracy is more effective is because it is more
effective for a large society such as the UK and its population of 68 million. By electing
representatives to act on behalf of people it means that one person can represent
approximately 68000 people. As the people cannot be expected to have the time or
interest to make important and regular decisions- it is more viable to have someone
represent them.
However, this point can be counter argued as direct democracy leads to the creation of
better- informed and knowledgeable citizens. We can see this currently with a general
election coming up more people are getting involved in campaigning/ voting etc.
Political engagement stands currently at 78% of the population have participated in
average in some form of political activity.
However, this counter argument can be weakened as representative democracy
maintains a level of political stability. It teaches citizens to learn to compromise. The
more involved that citizens are in the decision- making process, the more passionate
and committed they may become going forward.
Finally, representative democracy is seen to be more effective than direct democracy
because it relieves ordinary citizens of the burden of day-to-day decision making and
places the power in the hands of politicians who have better education and greater
expertise than the mass of the people. To further reinforce this point, direct democracy
means that all citizens will have to partake in the political process, which takes away
from their daily duties and activities. E.g. in Athens it was completely undemocratic
with 3/5 of the population not even included in the process such as women, foreigners,
and slaves.
However, this can be counter argued as the electoral system in the UK, FPTP, has been
criticised for damaging the legitimacy of the representative democracy we have in the
UK. The fact that is produces disproportionate outcomes has led to many discrepancies
and is therefore damaging to political representation. E.g. Lib Dems had gotten over 7
million votes in 2019 and only gained 11 seats.
Despite this, the counter point is weak because this is the only practical solution to
popular rule in modern society. This does not mean that some aspects of direct
democracy cannot be used in conjunction with representative democracy, but it is
more practicable in the 21st century.
Evaluate the view that increasing direct democracy would have a positive impact on
the UK democracy. (30)
Direct democracy is a form of government where the citizens participate directly in the
decision- making process of governance rather through elected representatives. This
essay will take the stance that direct democracy will have a positive impact on UK
democracy. Arguments in agreement are it creates politically aware/ knowledgeable
citizens, increases the legitimacy of the government, and decreases public
dependence on self- serving politicians thus reduces the risk of corruption. However,
some may disagree with the following points: direct democracy is not suitable in a
large modern society, it places a burden on the daily activities of individuals and not
everyone has political expertise to make informed decisions. All the listed points we be
,analysed to reach a justified conclusion.
One view that increasing direct democracy will have a positive impact on the UK
democracy is that it increases wide political participation, leading to more politically
aware and informed citizens. Current statistics show that 78% of citizens have taken
part in some form of political activity on average. In addition, this can also contribute
to solving the existing participation crisis that exists in the UK as people are pushed to
be politically involved.
Yet, some people may counter argue this point because it can be risky to place such
duties in the hands of people that are not experts in the political field. They may
therefore opt for representative democracy because it places the decision- making
process in the hands of politicians who have a better education and greater expertise
than the mass of the people with 52% of parliament comprehensively educated.
Regardless of political knowledge, direct democracy is the upmost purest form of
democracy and ensures direct, immediate, and continuous political participation. It
restrains any level of voter apathy.
Another view that increasing direct democracy will have a positive impact on the UK
democracy is that it increases the legitimacy of the government in power. This is in the
sense that people are more likely to accept decisions that they have made themselves.
They have to take responsibility and no one else is to blame. E.g. in Switzerland they
have three forms of referendums: mandatory, popular initiative and optional- all of
which the people are held accountable to. This is further seen through the ‘vote of no
confidence’ in Boris Johnson and his handling of the covid 19 pandemic- the people
started to put pressure on MPs to force his to resign. The fact that the people have to
go through elected MPs undermines their involvement in politics.
However, this can be counter argued as direct democracy is not an effective form of
democracy in such as large, modern populated country such as the UK with a
population of 68 million. Representative democracy is therefore more practicable
under popular rule. Direct democracy was more effective at a time when people lived
in smaller communities such as in Athens for example.
However, this counter point can be abolished as representative democracy in the UK is
facing some type of crisis. Voter turnout in elections continues to be low and many
people feel disengaged from politicians, political institutions, and processes. Overall
satisfaction in the UK system of governing has been a downward trend from 36% in
200 to 245% in 2019. Direct democracy may therefore have a more positive impact.
A final reason as to why direct democracy will have a positive impact on the UK
democracy is that is reduces public dependence on self-serving politicians and thus
reduces the risk of further corruption. This therefore increases public trust, political
understanding and the development of long-term solutions which can decrease the rise
of a corrupt government.
Nevertheless, this can be counter argued as direct democracy can be a burden on the
lives of regular citizens as it takes away from their day-to-day activities. In addition,
not all regular citizens are politically educated and therefore cannot make fully
informed decisions.
However, this counter point can be abolished as representative democracy places too
much trust in politicians who are liable to distort public opinion by imposing their views
and preferences on it. It therefore means that not all politicians will be politically
representative and may focus more on winning elections and fulfilling their own long-
term goals. In 2019, 63% of people felt that the political system is rigged to
advantages the rich and powerful.
, Evaluate the view that representative democracy in the UK no longer gives the
people any real power. (30)
Representative democracy is a system of democracy where citizens elect
representatives on their behalf. This essay will stand in agreement with the statement
and argue the following the points: he dominance of party politics, a lack of
accountability/ legitimacy and the influence of powerful interest groups and lobbying.
However, some people may argue in disagreement with the following as voters still
have the power to elect their representatives, the government is open to public
scrutiny/ committees etc and over the years democratic reforms have been put into
place to increase transparency. All the above points will be analysed to reach a justified
conclusion.
One way in which representative democracy no longer gives people any real power is
due to the increase in party politics/ domination. As political parties grow it can
undermine the power of individual voters. The UK has had a two- party majority in
parliament for decades and these parties often dictate the policy agenda. As a result,
the party elites have more control than ordinary citizens. The current conservative
party have 348 majority in the commons.
However, this can be counter argued as voters still have the power to elect their
respective candidates through local elections and general elections. The average
turnout in local elections was 31% in 2023.
However, this counter point can be abolished as while the people have the power to
elect candidates, 1 MP represents approximately 92000 people. This undermines many
individuals as not all their concerns may be upheld. In addition, smaller/ emerging
parties in parliament may have difficulty representing their constituents when the
more dominating parties have more control over legislative matters.
Another way in which representative democracy no longer gives people any real power
is due to the lack of accountability/ legitimacy under this system. Elected
representatives may prioritise party loyalty over the interests of their constituents.
This is further reinforced through the party whip system- which ultimately forces
politicians to line their interests with the rest of the party e.g. seen through getting
support for the government’s Rwanda Bill. This means that there is no oversight or
debate- voters therefore feel disconnected and cannot actively hold their
representative to account.
However, this point can be counter argued as the government is open to public
scrutiny through select committee hearings for example. Whilst it is conducted by MP,
elected representatives are still held to account for their actions. E.g. Boris Johnson
and his covid-19 inquiry. In addition to this, constituents still have the opportunity to
voice their concerns and grievances through petitions, protests and putting pressure
on policymakers. Therefore, there is a great deal of power available to the people.
Yet, this counter point can be abolished as representative democracy places too much
faith in politicians who are always liable to distort public opinion by imposing their own
views and preferences on it. In 2019, 63% of people felt that the political system was
rigged to the advantage of the rich and wealthy. In addition, to attain more higher end
positions, MPs may only focus on their long-term goals and not uphold the arguments
of the people. As a result, representative democracy no longer gives people any real
power.
Finally, a way in which representative democracy no longer gives people any real
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller dhalleshagangatharan. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $5.51. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
Can Stuvia be trusted?
4.6 stars on Google & Trustpilot (+1000 reviews)
78121 documents were sold in the last 30 days
Founded in 2010, the go-to place to buy study notes for 14 years now