Evaluate the extent to which direct democracy, rather than representative democracy should be used in
the UK - P1: Direct democracy
participation-
direct democracy is better bc participation falling with representative democracy-2019- 67% compared
to high turnout of 1979s, 76% in 1979- lowest 2...
DEMOCRACY AND PARTICIPATION
ESSAY PLANS
Evaluate the extent to which direct democracy, rather than representative democracy should be used in
the UK - ✔✔✔P1: Direct democracy
participation-
direct democracy is better bc participation falling with representative democracy-2019- 67% compared
to high turnout of 1979s, 76% in 1979- lowest 2001
counter point:
-direct demo increases participation-there was a 72.2% turnout for Brexit- and engagement, but
undermines the motivation-
-Countries such as Switzerland shows frequent referendums lead to apathy and disinterest, with the
average turnout for national votes was 46%.
- Therefore even tho high turnout with direct demo, exceptions perhaps due to its more emotive,
identity based nature as it relates to immigration laws etc. 1997 welsh devolution vote barely above
50%.
rep demo better at increasing partcip(demo) in long term-
representative govt also allows for 'joined-up govt' where individual policies are decided not in isolation
but with full consideration of potential knock-on effects for other areas of policy. Wider use of
referendums would undermine joined-up govt. approtate bc knock on effects on other policy areas such
, as fishing, immigration and trade. general public more likley to partcip in an elections of representativse
every 5 yea
s
years.p2:legitimacy of decisions
In a representative democracy, important policies that affect the general public can be passed without
their direct input. For example, snoopers charters, supported by 6% of people yet became law in 2016,
enabling increases the power of intelligence agencies by obliging internet companies to store
information about customers' browsing history. - people should have say on things that affect their
privacy. Therefore, in a direct democracy individual decisions backed by the public can be passed,
rendering them more legitimate .
cp: .however, representative democracy allows parliament to implement policies that are necessary but
unpopular -
Is the UK in a democratic deficit - ✔✔✔P1:
turnout
2019- 67% compared to high turnout of 1979s, 76% in 1979.its vital that turnout is high in general
elections so that the resulting government and other elected officials have a legitimate mandate to
enact the policies in their manifesto.result of Political apathy or disengagement - 2012 police and crime
commissioner election had record low turnout of 15%- undermining the notion of democratically
elected and accountable police officials.
cp: rise of informal politicssocial media has enabled people to to exchange political views and participate
in online campaigns for particular issues that relate to them more than broad party manifesto, for
example in 2007 i.8m people sign petition to stop road charging. last two decades, iraq war, 100ks
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