Electoral Systems Essay Plans

'Evaluate the extent to which the increased use of referendums would improve democracy in the UK'- Themes - direct democracy participation representation 'Evaluate the extent to which the increased use of referendums would improve democracy in the UK'- Judgement - large extent Direct Democracy - referendums purest form of democracy each vote is equal and none are wasted produce accurate reflection of wishes of the people gives gov decisions greater legitimacy and authority low turnouts do not reduce this legitimacy- suggest uninterest in issue and no pressing need for change Direct Democracy counter-argument - only legitimises gov decisions to some extent- some referendums have incredibly low turnout Participation - more opportunity for participation referendum turnout increased in Scottish Independence and EU referendums would encourage people to educate themselves on political views which could lead to other forms of participation e.g. pgs people increasingly educated due to internet and social media- less reliance on MPs to inform electorate- would be biased