Democracy and Political Participation
Democracy- The belief in freedom and equality between people, a system of government
based on this belief. Where the power is either held by elected representatives or the people
themselves, the government has promised to uphold democracy.
Direct Democracy- The people make policy decisions, do not just have a vote on who will
rule. The people ‘are’ the government. Many people regularly engage in politics, all decisions
made by the public. Was used in Ancient Athens. Example- referendums
Advantages- Increased participation, reduced corruption, accurate views of the public
Disadvantages-Impractical at a large scale, excludes minority, not everyone would want to
be involved
Representative Democracy- The participation of the public is indirect, decisions made
by election. Participation limited eg. only voting every 5 years. Ultimate power in the hands
of the public, but daily decision making is left to politicians. Universal Suffrage. Assemblies
or legislatures pass laws. Example- UK General Elections
Advantages- Citizen representation, informed people make decisions
Disadvantages- Majority rules, can be elitist, can result in issues with accountability
The UK’s Democratic system
-Westminster model
-Government is accountable to Parliament
-Government governs through Parliament
-Separation of powers (separate from judiciary)
(End of preview)
Democracy- The belief in freedom and equality between people, a system of government
based on this belief. Where the power is either held by elected representatives or the people
themselves, the government has promised to uphold democracy.
Direct Democracy- The people make policy decisions, do not just have a vote on who will
rule. The people ‘are’ the government. Many people regularly engage in politics, all decisions
made by the public. Was used in Ancient Athens. Example- referendums
Advantages- Increased participation, reduced corruption, accurate views of the public
Disadvantages-Impractical at a large scale, excludes minority, not everyone would want to
be involved
Representative Democracy- The participation of the public is indirect, decisions made
by election. Participation limited eg. only voting every 5 years. Ultimate power in the hands
of the public, but daily decision making is left to politicians. Universal Suffrage. Assemblies
or legislatures pass laws. Example- UK General Elections
Advantages- Citizen representation, informed people make decisions
Disadvantages- Majority rules, can be elitist, can result in issues with accountability
The UK’s Democratic system
-Westminster model
-Government is accountable to Parliament
-Government governs through Parliament
-Separation of powers (separate from judiciary)
(End of preview)
