Revision Notes: Democracy and Participation and Voting Behavior in the UK
Description:
Revision Notes: Political Parties and Voting Behavior in the UK. Ideal for A-Level students.
Features:
Clear and concise notes.
Perfect for quick revision.
Straightforward and essential for exam preparat...
Study Guide: Democracy and Participation
Ways to Participate in a Democracy
Voting
Recent Trends:
o Decrease in voter turnout as valence fell.
o 2001: 59% turnout, down from 85% in 1950.
o Referendum Turnout:
Scottish Referendum: 85%.
AV Referendum: 42%.
o Influences: Voter education is crucial.
Pressure Group Activity
Increase in Online Participation:
o E-petitions, social media activism.
o Example: RSPB has more members than the three main political
parties combined.
Party Membership
Trends:
o Decline by 65% from 1983-2005.
o Spike during Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership in the Labour Party with
100,000 new members within a year.
Standing for Office
Challenges: Class limitations affecting candidacy.
Forms of Democracy
Direct Democracy
Definition: Citizens make decisions directly.
Historical Example: Athens.
Usage: Constitutional questions, not minor decisions.
Examples:
o 1998 Irish Assembly: 71% yes vote.
o 2016 Cameron Brexit referendum.
Advantages of Direct Democracy
Legitimacy: Direct decisions from people.
, Settle Big Issues: Used for significant decisions like Scotland's
independence.
Voter Education: Promotes an informed citizenry.
Participation: Increases community spirit (e.g., Brexit).
Disadvantages of Direct Democracy
Tyranny of the Majority: Risks marginalizing minority groups (e.g., 2009
Switzerland Minaret ban).
Demagogues: Populist leaders can manipulate opinions.
Complexity: Voters may lack the time for detailed understanding (e.g., AV
referendum low turnout).
Representative Democracy
Mechanism: Decisions made by elected representatives.
Accountability: Regular elections, free press.
Efficiency: Representatives have the time and resources for decision-
making.
Party Influence: Voters often focus on party labels rather than
individuals.
Advantages of Representative Democracy
Convenience: Manages numerous decisions efficiently.
Compromise: Balances majority rule with minority rights (e.g., 2005
Terror Act).
Disadvantages of Representative Democracy
Democratic Deficit: Decision-making can seem remote.
Elitism: Disproportionate representation of privileged backgrounds.
Populism: Majority rule can still be problematic (e.g., May’s hostile
environment policy).
Participation Crisis: Causes and Solutions
Weakens Democracy: Lower legitimacy and representation.
Extremism: Low turnout can empower extremist parties.
Community Spirit: Declines with low participation.
Solutions
Compulsory Voting: Example of Australia with over 90% turnout.
E-Voting, Weekend Voting, Votes at 16.
Voter Education: Enhances informed participation.
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 will-. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for £4.99. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
