Covers key topics, such as electoral reform, voting behaviour and the media, democracy and participation and political parties.
For ideology, only covers conservatism and liberalism, not socialism. Covers elements of ideology, including strands, key thinkers, core principles and key words to us...
Encourage political participation in democratic Elitist pressure groups allow wealthy industry
process regularly. (National Trust 4,000,000 more power over governments, which is
members 6 times more than all political parties undemocratic (CBI, black-tie dinner with some
put together) packages costing over 4,000, including MPs)
Government scrutiny (Insider groups, such as Outsider groups often ignored and condemn
BMA, able to challenge government over NHS them if they break the law (Fathers 4 Justice,
pay from strike action, led to them gaining a 5% Just stop Oil - government introduced legislation
pay rise) to make it easier for them to be arrested)
Pluralistic society which allows minority voices Hyperpluralism as to many voices get drowned
to be heard (Howard League of Penal Reform, out (approximately over 200 major pressure
voices of prisoners, allowing reading books for groups with many other smaller ones, coving
education) issues such as Environment, Business and
human rights)
Referendums
Pros Cons
Direct Democracy gives a mandate/legitimises - Marginal results led to 5 more years of
(EU referendum - 2016 - 52% yes) discussion and 3 different PM’s
Increases participation and engagement - EU Low turnout in AV election - 42% voted therefore
referendum 72% voted, more people voted in referendums don’t necessarily increase
this than 2015 general election 66% turnout. participation. Apathy on the issue.
Votes in referendums have more value to the
electorate than in general elections.
Check on gov power as they have less Gov strong power as parliament decides what
influence over the outcome. Cameron referendums are held e.g. Indyref 2.
supported remain which lost. Led to resignation.
, Electoral Reform
System Pros Cons
FPTP Strong and Stable government - Johnson 80 Only works in a binary system - when 3 or 4 choices,
(plurality) seat majority (Get Brexit Done) 229/650 MPs elected on less than 50% support in
2019 election
E.g UK general Ensures accountability - Labour 179 majority
elections after Tory sleaze and valence issues under Tactical and wasted votes - from safe seats like North
Major (Black Wednesday) Shropshire (con since 1832-2021)
Keep small extremist parties out - e.g. BNP More accurate representation in devolved regions -
never had any success under FPTP SNP majority government 2011-16
Minor parties now have nationwide support - Green
Party 1 million votes in 2015
AMS No wasted votes fairer to all parties - Greens Produces two classes of representative -
(hybrid) have 7 seats constituency and list so question over who has the
mandate
E.g Scottish Choice 1 for ‘party list’ and 1 for
and Welsh ‘constituency’, voters can do a ‘split ticket’ - People may be chosen based on diversity quota
Parliament UKIP got 7 add seats in Wales in 2016, instead of best candidate for party list
when they had 0 constituency seats
More likely to result in a minority or coalition
Allow more women and minorities on party government - SNP minority in Scottish Parliament
list - over the last 20 years they has been 2023, -1 minority
roughly 50% of women in Senedd
STV Large choice of voters - Multi party system, Weak link to the elected - Belfast East constituency
(proportional) electorate can speak to a representative that had 3 DUP candidates and Alliance had 2 in the 2017
reflects their views e.g. unionist or nationalist election
E.g Northern representatives.
Ireland More complicated system - lead to Donkey voting- rank
Assembly and No wasted votes - each vote has equal in order of where they appear on the ballot paper
Scottish Local value, other choices taken into account.
Elections Weak accountability - has 5 seats represent a
Can force opposing sides into consensus constituency
politics as coalition is often needed. DUP
28/90 largest party SF 27/90 second largest Stormont 2022 SF largest party. DUP and SF can’t
party agree therefore Stormont is not active and STV doesn't
work.
SV Simple voting system with choice first and Votes could be wasted - 2012 election 15% of votes
(majoritarian) second preference votes, less spoiled ballots were wasted in round one of election
- First round 50,000 spoiled ballots out of
E.g London over 2.5 million Votes are not proportional - only 1 candidate is elected
Mayor election,
Police Ensures winning candidate has a Promote a two-party system - Labour and
commissioners majority/mandate - Sadiq Khan 56% of Conservative received 75% of the First round votes
popular vote in 2016
Does not ensure a fully legitimate mandate as
Positive campaigning as being the second candidate in second place after round one can win on
choice could be just as important. E.g. Green second choice votes - 2012 Labour gained 20,000
voters putting Labour as second choice more votes than Tory in second choice preferences
after Tory won on first choice.
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 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 hxrryhjs. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for £4.49. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
