Evaluate the view that the UK has a democratic deficit.
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Course
Unit 1 - People and Politics
Institution
PEARSON (PEARSON)
Essay Plan for Edexcel A-Level Governmet and Politics
- clear three paragraph structure
- clear point and counter-point structre
- includes definitions
- includes recent and relevant examples
“Evaluate the view that the UK has a democratic deficit.” [30 marks]
AGREE
Definitions
- democratic deficit: state where democratic pressures and systems aren’t
functioning effectively
- strong democracy requires high participation levels, effective representation,
legitimate government with a clear mandate and effective rights protection
1) Electoral system: FPTP
Point: FPTP creates democratic deficit by under-representing minority parties
Examples: In 2015, UKIP won 3.8 million votes and just 1 seat
SNP won 1.5 million votes and 56 seats
governments are elected with an average of 35-40% of the vote
Counter point: FPTP improves democracy because it is simple and easy to
understand, and is more stable
Examples: prevents extremist parties such as the BNP
2) Participation levels
Point: participation crisis in elections means democracy is invalidated due to
low number of deciding votes
Example: only 68% turnout in 2017
party membership levels are at an all time low
Conservatives lost over 1 million party members since the 1970’s
Counter point: increased participation in other democratic avenues e.g.
referendums, protests and petitions
Examples: 2003 Iraq War protests reached over 1 million participants
2014 Scottish referendum had an over 80% turnout
3) Representation
Point: lack of descriptive representation in executive and legislative branch
Examples: 34% of MP’s are female representing 51% of the population
10% of MP’s are racial minorities representing 20% of the pop.
20% of MP’s are privately educated and represent 7% of the pop.
Counter point: representation has improved greatly and substantive
representation is increasing
Examples: female prime ministers vs. no female presidents
Marriage (Same-Sex) Act 2013, passed by David Cameron
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