Evaluate the extent to which representative democracy is more advantageous than direct
democracy
Representative democracy Direct democracy
Practical for a bigger electorate More legitimate
- direct = could lead to voter fatigue in long - representative = safe seats = weak
term mandate
- less costly - 382 (59%) safe seats in 2010 election
- 2011 AV referendum = £15 million - direct = gives a direct say on issue e.g.
- representative = views are represented Brexit 72.2%
without inconveniencing daily life
Allows for accountability Encourages public engagement
- representative = govts have to perform - representative = discourages participation
well between elections to be voted again e.g. election only every 4 years
e.g. 2015 = LDs lost 48 seats = 8 MPs after - direct forms e.g. debates can encourage
tuition fees scandal participation as it keeps electorate better
- 4 year gap = allows impact of policies to informed and educated // 2014 media lead
be judged to 75% turnout for 16-17 yr old…97% would
- direct dem = blame shifts to electorate vote again
Considers the needs of society rather than Speeds up political process
individuals - direct dem = settles division between
- MPs campaign for entire constituency to parties e.g. Lab 1975 referendum about EEC
guarantee them a seat = 67% voted remain
- direct = tyranny
- people vote with self-interest = unaware
of LR implications
- e.g. 2011 Bristol Council Tax Referendum
to increase tax for local services = most
voted 0% cuts to education
Evaluate the view that the UK is suffering from a participation crisis
Yes No
Low turnout at election Hapathy and turnout is slowly rising
- 2015 = 66.1%// 1974 = 78.8% - content with current political climate e.g.
- 66.1% = 36.9% voted tory Tony Blair 51% approval vs 18% for William
- 2012 Police and Crime Commissioner Hague
elections had record low of just 15% - turnout slowly increasing = 61.4% = 2005,
- turnout must be high so govt can claim 2010 = 65.1%, 2015 = 66.1%, 2017 = 68.7%
legitimate mandate to enact manifesto
Perception of politicians Increase in more direct forms of
- Conor Burns = suspended due to sexual democracy
harassment 2022 - referendum = great nation interest has
- Keith Vaz- chair of home Affairs Select high turnout e.g. Brexit 72.2% (record high)
Committee hired prostitutes and offered to - Scottish independence = 84.5% //
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