Component 1 essay plans - Key arguments

Evaluate the view that the UK political system is no longer truly representative - intro - ANS Representative democracy - the electorate elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf, regular elections are a key feature, characterised by representative assemblies (parliament, councils, devolved assemblies), representatives are not delegates they express their own opinions Evaluate the view that the UK political system is no longer truly representative - Representative democracy - ANS - elections/parliamentary system rely on representatives - instances of direct democracy governed by representatives - role of MP is based around constituency Evaluate the view that the UK political system is no longer truly representative - Not representative democracy - ANS - referendums are becoming increasingly popular - politicians may not represent views of constituents - representatives held to account through direct democracy Evaluate the view that the UK political system is no longer truly representative - Conclusion - ANS UK political system arguably still representative but increasingly including some elements of direct democracy Evaluate the extent to which the UK can be said to suffer from a participation crisis - Intro - ANS Participation crisis a situation where a large proportion of the population do not engage with the political process Evaluate the extent to which the UK can be said to suffer from a participation crisis - Participation crisis - ANS - turnout is decreasing - party membership/interactions decreasing