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.
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.
