Edexcel
A Level
Politics
Summary
Component 1
1
,Context –
UK Politics –
1. Democracy and Participation
1.1 – Systems of Representative and Direct Democracy
1.2 – Wider franchise and debates over suffrage
1.3 – Pressure groups and other influences
1.4 – Rights in Context
2. Political Parties
2.1 - Political Parties
2.2 - Established Political Parties
2.3 – Emerging and minority parties
3. Electoral Systems
3.1 – Different Electoral Systems
3.2 – Referendums and how they are used
3.3 – Electoral system analysis
4. Voting Behavior and the media
4.1 – Case studies of 3 key general elections
4.2 – The Influence of the media
Core Political Ideas –
1. Conservatism
1.1 Conservatism – core ideas and principles
1.2 Differing views and tensions within conservatism
1.3 Conservative thinkers and their ideas
2. Liberalism
2.1 Liberalism – core ideas and principles
2.2 Differing views and tensions within liberalism
2.3 Liberal thinkers and their ideas
3. Socialism
3.1 Socialism – core ideas and principles
3.2 Differing views and tensions within socialism
3.3 Socialist thinkers and their ideas
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, 1 – Democracy and Participation
1.1 – Systems of Representative Democracy and Direct Democracy –
Democracy – giving power to the people via participation, voting, Direct Democracy – a form of democracy based on the immediate and
understanding, agenda setting and universal. continuous participation of citizens in the tasks of government. There is no
Legitimacy – Provides those in power a legitimate right to rule and places distinction between government and citizen. People make ‘policy’ decisions,
an obligation on people to obey the law. Consent – citizens invest in people engage in politics on a regular basis. – Athenian Democracy – any
political authority. Ensures that political power is widely spread. citizen could attend, debate, and vote on all decisions.
Representative Democracy – a form of democracy in which voters elect Advantages of Direct Democracy:
representatives to make political decisions on their behalf. These - Only pure form of democracy
representatives are held accountable to public in regular elections, every 5 - Creates better informed and knowledgeable citizens
years. Freedom, fairness and regularity, universal suffrage (all adults can - Reduces or removes public’s dependence on self-serving
vote), and party and candidate competition. professional politicians.
Advantages of Representative Democracy: - Ensures that rule is legitimate.
- Only form of democracy that can operate in large, modern Disadvantages of Direct Democracy:
societies like UK. - Only achievable in small communities
- More efficient because ordinary citizens relieved of burden of - Politics is a job for all citizens restricting ability to carry out other
day-to-day decision making. duties.
- Places decision making in hands of politicians who have better - Not a sensible way to make complex decisions
education and greater expertise. - Engage people too much, creating deep divisions.
- Maintains political stability by helping to distance ordinary Case of Reform of UK’ Politics –
citizens from politics. Forms of Democracy that could help –
Disadvantages of Representative Democracy: E – Petitions – Allows public to petition the Commons and press for action
- Gulf between the government and the people (apathy) from the government – 100,000 signatures to happen.
- Voting infrequent – people switch off from politics Clicktivism – use of social media and other methods to promote a cause.
- Too much faith in politicians. ADV – allows individuals to express their preferences
Voter turnout remains low and people disengaged DIS – more of a case of slacktivism than activism, can bog Westminster and
Case of Reform of UK’s Politics: lead to impractical debates.
Low turnout – participation crisis (crisis in citizen involvement in the Referendums – vote on single issue. BREXIT and Scottish. Most successful
processes aimed at influencing government and shaping politics due to lack when used to provide legitimacy to a key decision.
of interest). But it is slowly on the rise. – back up to 67% 2017. Yet, it is still ADV – support for wider use of referendums on key decisions.
extremely poor compared to 1900s – 75% between 1945 and 1992. Turnout DIS – is the absence of popular control over when and where used, yet
is those on higher income, managerial and professional jobs. Number of establish processes which citizens can initiate referendums.
opportunities to vote has increased though, but turnout is lower. Increased Initiatives – Allow ability to propose a new law by gathering required
use of referendums. Decline of trade union movement because of decline number of public signatures. Passed – becomes law. ADV – gives public
in manual job, yet there is a rise of new groups like environment – focus on more direct control over laws. DIS – undermine UK democracy by removing
single issues. Unelected and accountable currently. Chance of elected lords politicians from making decisions.
becoming rival to commons creating a gridlock. Recall Elections – allow people to trigger a special election to remove
Replacement of FPTP with proportional form of election would create a elected representatives before end of term. – 2015 Act. Yet, removes ability
fairer connection between votes party receive and representation in of MPs to think for themselves.
parliament. Making votes count more – less ‘wasted votes’ greater Electoral registration reform – Automatic voter registration would ensure
incentive to vote. everyone has ability to vote, but how accurate and sage is it?
Digital Democracy – convenient, cyber interference from Russia, politicians
use of social media could impact, activists could bully.
Who to blame? – public – growth in individualism and materialism, increase
consumerist society, only care about themselves, low turnout. Media – mass
media, lack of trust in government, less attention on political debates, focus
on scandals. Politicians – lack of vision, presentation, choice, electoral
strategy.
1.2 – Widening the franchise and debates over suffrage –
Historical Perspective – not until 17th century that Parliament began to Suffragists, suffragettes, and Great War – 1897, suffragists established to
assert right to protect liberties of English people. Violence and instability of lobby parliament to extend franchise to women – efforts were not sufficient,
civil war unleashed new democratic movements. Parliament remained the so Pankhurst established suffragettes who were much more disruptive and
preserve of the rich and powerful, and only in the 19 th century that the violent action to draw attention to case. Imprisoned – hunger strikes, killed
number of acts of parliamentary reforms gradually opened franchise. in front of king’s horse. Sacrifices men and women made in WW1 changed
Reform Act 1832 – enfranchised some members of the middle classes. atmosphere. Led 1918 Representation of People Act – all men 21 and
Other ones in 1867 and 1884 increasingly opened the vote to working class above, all women 30 and above who fulfilled property qualification. 1928 –
householders in the boroughs and then the countries. both men and women aged 21 and above – universal suffrage.
Ballot Act 1872 - made voting in secret compulsory. Representation of People Act 1969 – lowered voting age to 18 – recognition
Reform acts 1800s – based on principle that right to vote came from of opportunities and responsibilities young people developed.
ownership of property.
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,Contemporary debates on further extension of franchise – Prisoner Voting –
Votes at 16 – support has significantly increased. Support is crucial. For – removes sense of civic duty, rehab is harder without, loss of franchise
For – at 16, can exercise significant responsibility, NCS is encouraging – acts a deterrent, right to vote – fundamental rights, alienates them from
people to have stake in society, most local education authorities hold society without, violation of human rights.
elections for UK Youth Parliament. 2014 Scottish Independence – huge Against – crime against state – should lose rights, undermines principles of
engagement – 75% voted. Encourages them to take duties as citizens justice, additional cost for security reasons.
earlier.
Against – some claims misleading, parental consent to join army at that age, Compulsory Voting –
not responsible to buy things like alcohol or cigarettes, most still in For – it is a civic responsibility, like jury service, political apathy is a problem
education – less likely to pay tax, voting turnout for 18 – 24 is low so could in liberal democracies, those not voting often from ethnic minority
compound situation, have few adult life experiences, can act as political backgrounds – poorest in society and young people, does not have to force
partnership – labour party. people to make choice, important educative role.
Against – public has right to choose whether to vote in an election, votes of
politically disengaged carry less weight than votes of those who take it
seriously, based on coercion, limit our right to act in way wish.
1.3 – Pressure groups and other influences –
Sectional / Interest – exclusive / restricted membership. Concerned with Successful Pressure Group –
well being of own members. Seek to advance interests of members – self- The Gurkha Justice Campaign – Only those who retired after 1997 were
interest. Based on economic social groups – e.g., NUS. granted the right to live in Britain – the group set up to extend the right to
Promotional / cause – open membership, concerned with well being of live in Britain to all retired Gurkhas. Lumley provided powerful celebrity
others, society in general or planet. Seeks to advance ideals, ideas, or endorsement. - petition signed by 250,000 – constant pressure – so granted
political cases. Based on one specific issue. right.
Insider - pressure group has privileged access to government decision Hillsborough Justice Campaign – a group set up to demand a reopening of
making. BMA represents doctors and so have specialist information which the case to achieve justice – gathered 130,000 signatures on e-petition.
governments will wish to consult. Unlikely to use indirect action nor break Created intense media interest – and government support of full disclosure
the law. Gets insider status by political circumstance, political bias of the – new inquest.
government, or wealthy pressure groups which seek to access decision Why do they use different methods? – reach wide audience, make best use
making bodies. of resources, use of insider status, reflect their outsider status to fit in with
Outsider – little or no government contact, not consulted during policy and or reflect membership or level of radicalism.
formation. May attracted to law breaking, such as animal rights groups Factors that contribute to pressure group success – RIPE -
breaking into test labs and letting animals free. Resources, Ideological compatibility, popularity, expertise. Do not have to
Social media also provides new opportunities for pressure groups to engage fulfill all the criteria. As well, hostile government, leadership and
with public – 38 Degrees forum. Some choose to engage in civil management, lack of expertise, status.
disobedience – 1867 – riots in Hyde Park. Trade unions too can deploy Unsuccessful Pressure Group – Stop the War Coalition – war against Iraq
industrial action. 2003 – organized biggest demonstration in British History. Although march
was peaceful, and made a powerful impact, it did not change the policy of
Enhance Democracy – help to disperse power, educate public about government. Lack of success is due to Blair committing to overthrow
important issues, give people opportunity to participate, promote and Hussein.
protect interests and rights. CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE IS KEY THREAT.
Threaten – elitist, may distort info, less wealth, low influence, Case studies of pressure groups – BLM too.
Lobbyists, think tanks, business, and professional bodies - Fathers4justice – campaigns to change the law on behalf of fathers' rights in
Think tanks – experts who provide advice, ideas and policy proposals on cases of divorce or separation. Organization initially gained public attention
political, economic and social problems. Carry out research with aim of through several high-profile stunts, often with superhero themes. One
building up a bank of detailed evidence to shape policy making and playing member dressed as Batman at Buckingham Palace, and another climbed a
an important role. Chatham house provides highly respected impartial crane as Spiderman. Naked protest in M&S – 6 months jail. These failures
analysis of global politics, which politicians consult and the development of meant that in recent years have focused on engaging with the public
social policy. IEA - pro market, pro individual liberty – Conservative party. through social media – emphasis now is more on personal and social
importance of a child having a meaningful relationship with his or her father.
- still has negative publicity – demonstrate how the tactics of a pressure
Lobbying – paid by clients seek to influence decision making by cultivating
group change.
relationships. with politicians. Powerful companies will all try to be as
Liberty – Founded in 1934 and became largest civil liberty pressure groups. -
integrally involved in decision making process to advance their interests.
exposes discrimination, highlights infringements of Human Rights Act and
They can also represent the interests of groups in society who are prepared
fights attempts by government to restrict civil liberties. It has considerable
to pay for their services – criticized for enabling powerful interests to try to
influence in the political process. Engages directly with the public through
buy influence.
online campaigns. Director puts forward case or civil liberties through
They persuade those in power to take certain action, sell knowledge of
media. Work closely with likeminded MPs to encourage cross party support
inner workings of political system, cheat strategies.
for civil liberties. Publishes reports and engages in consultative exercises to
Critics feel it can be abused by those seeking to further private interests.
ensure parliament is fully informed about how legislation does or could
Act related outs transparency at the heart of the political agenda to
affect civil liberties. Also, judicial reviews in cases where it is believed that
increase trust in politics. – yet been criticized.
the government has exceeded its powers. Been involved in case of Gillian
Jack Straw told a company that he operated ‘under the radar’ and used his
and Quinton – challenged section 44 of Terrorism Act 2000. Recently, part of
contracts to influence a change to EU rules for a company that paid him
a court case brought by range of human rights and groups into govt mass
£60,000 a year.
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, Corporations – do not vote in elections, have huge impact on democratic surveillance programmes – Convention – violated Article 8 and 10 as did not
societies. E.g Tesco – have right to a say in making of laws and regulations in contain adequate safeguards.
wide range of areas.
Play crucial role in economy, and important that their voices heard.
Role of corporations invites question whether politics is level playing
1.4 – Rights in Context
Human Rights and Civil Liberties – we all possess the same universal Human Rights Act 1998 – UK was fully involved in the drafting of the
human rights. It is not always possible to enforce human rights so referred convention of Human Rights they did not accept that the convention would be
to as ‘soft law’. Civil liberties are rights that individuals possess in relation binding on British Courts. The act was passed which incorporates the
to the nation state and are legally enforceable – ‘hard law’. The rights of convention into British Law. British citizens now possess a clear statement of
the people protected through landmarks. As the UK emerged as a their civil liberties – enforce court. It is significant as it clearly establishes the
democracy there was growing consensus that Parliament should respect positive rights that all equally eligible for. It made rights more readily available
basic civil liberties. by ensuring that citizens could bring rights cases to British Courts. As well it
Magna Carta 1215 – provides foundation for British Civil Liberties by created a cult of respect for human rights and increased public awareness of
stating that the law should be impartial and no freeman should be human righteousness
convicted of a crime unless fairly tried. Freedom of Information Act 2000 – established right of access to information
Bill of Rights 1689 – William III agreed to govern with the consent of held by public bodies as long as does not compromise national security.
Parliament – principle of a constitutional monarchy. Provided the public the opportunity to know more about way in which public
Somerset v Stewart 1772 – Mansfield stated that slavery within UK illegal bodies operate. – MPs expenses scandal 0. 2005 – 2015 – 400,000 requests –
as not been legislated. – set the precedent for elimination of slavery 90,000 rejected.
within Britain. Equality Act 2010 – it was not until this that Parliament established equality
Entick v Carrington 1765 – Camden lay down the principle that gov before the law for all citizens. Act consolidates existing legislation and states
officials cannot exercise public power unless authorized by specific rule of that in public life discrimination is illegal in – age, disability, sex, sexual
law. orientation, gender reassignment, race, religion, belief, marriage, civil
Representation of People Act 1928 – established the principle of universal partnership, pregnancy.
suffrage in the UK.
Common Law – fundamental rights of access to justice and to courts. Civic Responsibility and restriction of civil liberties – citizens also have
responsibilities that can be enforced by law (pay tax, and serving on a jury).
Balance between collective and individual rights – Voting is not legally enforceable but expected. The public does not have right
Naturally going to be tension between our rights as individuals and need to act in whatever way it wants and freedoms can be restricted – threat to
to protect wellbeing of community. Human Rights Act is important in national security. – following terrorist attacks
providing people with greater protection by defining the positive rights Anti Terrorism Crime and Security Act 2001 – gave government legal power
they are entitled. to imprison foreign terrorist suspects indefinitely without trial
2004 – senior judges declared that way in which foreign terrorist suspects Serious organized crime and Police Act 2005 – limited right of protest outside
were held was discriminatory according to convention. As result, Parliament and created new offense of inciting religious hatred
government released detainees. Legal Challenged. Terrorism Act 2006 – extended time terrorist suspects can be held without
Attempts by govt to deport Abu Qatada to face trial in Jordan were charge to 28 days – made glorifying terrorism a crime.
stopped for 8 years on ground that evidence used against him was Investigatory Powers Act 2016 – authorize retention of personal electronic
acquired through torture – breaches Article 3 and 6. data and access for law enforcement.
2010 – Supreme Court declared homosexuality could provide grounds for
claiming asylum if claimants were from countries where they were How effectively are civil liberties protected in the UK? –
persecuted. Parliament remains the supreme law-making body and so can still enact
legislation even if it conflicts with European Convention on the principle that
British Bill of Rights? – number of politicians have signaled that they favor no Parliament can bind its successor. This means that judges have less power
replacing Human Rights Act with British Bill of Rights. This is because the to protect civil liberties of UK citizens than is the case for judges in liberal
convention has been accused of favoring ‘the rights of and people over democracies which have a codified constitution. Pressure groups, LIBERTY,
rights of good people’. It could also provide a clearer statement of the important in alerting public to any erosion of their civil liberties, as well as
responsibilities which an individual owes to society as well as recognizing raising awareness of ways in which minorities may be discriminated against.
parliamentary sovereignty over what constitutes a right. 2005 – Blair government attempt to increase time terrorist suspect can be
imprisoned to 90 days was defeated.
Limits and tensions of rights protection in the UK – 2008 – Brown government attempt to increase no of days detention to 42days
Parliament ha the power to derogate from certain articles in ECHR when was defeated.
passing a law in state of emergency. 4 exceptions – 2,3,4,7. Yet, the ferocity of terrorist attacks on big cities used to justify the restriction
Clashing of rights – collective or group rights clash with individual rights. – of civil liberties.
Asher’s v lee 2018. How effectively does UK democracy protect human rights? –
Advantages – allows citizens to challenge decision of public bodies, strong
culture of respect for civil liberties within parliament. Now far greater
Individual Rights v Collective Rights of State –
awareness of civil liberties, and strong commitment to fighting for and
Sentencing laws – Vinter and others v UK 2013.
protecting rights.
Treatment of prisoners – Hirst v UK 2005
Disadvantages – judicial review, ECHR under attack from media, on right for upsetting
Terrorism – Abu Qatada v UK – not allowed deport to Jordan. the balance between individual rights and need for effective government. Strong
Right to privacy and family life v need to protect others. culture of respect appears as lip service, rather than real commitment. While support
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