Essay Plans – UK POLITICS
Evaluate the extent to which direct democracy is more effective than representative democracy
Introduction:
Criteria: For either direct democracy or representative democracy to be effective, they must benefit the commonwealth at the end of
the day and help the government pass legislation which will be beneficial
Line of argument: Although direct democracy is a purer form of democracy, representative democracy is much more effective than
direct.
Para 1 Para 2 Para 3
For: For: For:
Direct Democracy allows for parliament Direct democracy is majoritarian and Direct democracy is the purest form of
to be scrutinised effectively therefore reflects the will of the democracy and could arguably be seen as
The power of parliament is greatly people much better than more demographically representative
weakened by direct democracy, as public representative democracy than representative democracy
are the ones making the decisions which Referendums allow clear decisions to Because the people are directly voting
undermines parliament’s sovereignty be made by the public, and prevent themselves, this means everyone is
Referendums are a form of direct delay and deadlock from happening represented equally and fairly
democracy, and although The Belfast Agreement is a significant In a representative democracy, elected
representatives are elected in order to example, in which 72% of an 80% politicians are almost all well-off
make decisions, referendums can be turnout had vote in favour of professionals with little experience of life
held in order for the public to vote on establishing a Northern Irish Assembly for ordinary people
key issues This clear majority in the vote allowed Rishi Sunak for example, current PM, sits
The Brexit referendum of 2016 was a for the government to be sure about on a hefty fortune and grew up as an
significant referendum, in which the their decision, and was key on the upper-class citizen. He has been
public had voted to leave the EU. This road to devolution which benefitted scrutinised by the public significantly, for
contrasted with David Cameron’s belief Ireland and gave them more not being able to truly relate to the
that we should remain in the EU, and as representation in Parliament almost 46% working-class population of
a result he resigned from his post as PM For this reason, direct democracy can the UK
The power of parliament can be seen as be seen as more effective as it allows The House of Commons is equally
undermined here, as although the PM, for the government to make decisions unrepresentative of the UK as a whole,
an elected representative for the based on the true will of the people with the majority being white and male
country, had wanted one thing – the Counterpoint – however, some may and a significant number of politicians
British public had wanted another argue that the majoritarian system of who had private education
Counterpoint – However, in terms of the direct democracy could lead to a Against:
effectiveness of direct democracy, the tyranny of the majority Despite the disproportionate
Brexit referendum is often seen as one During the Brexit referendum, both representation supplied by
which was voted on rashly, and people Scotland and Northern Ireland had representative democracy,
had let emotions contradict rationality – voted to remain in the UK, however, representatives can still be seen as
after the first referendum, many people were forced to leave upholding the rights of the people
had demanded a second one to take This notion of tyranny of the majority The Equality Act 2010 ensures that the
place as the decision did not seem right harms the idea of democracy, and government pass legislation which
to the public therefore direct democracy is not encompasses the needs of minority
Parliament’s power to decide when effective at ensuring the will of the groups and ensures they are not
referendum’s take place also suggests its people is upheld discriminated against
sovereignty – the public do not choose Against: The government rationally would not
issues which are voted on, or when they It can similarly be argued that pass legislation which would harm its
happen Representative democracy also results reputation, as they need the popular
Against: in disproportional representation vote of the people at the end of the day
Arguably, representative democracy through the FPTP system to stay in power
upholding Parliament’s sovereignty can The FPTP system means that a party This is why representative democracy can
be seen as a positive must succeed with 51% of the popular be seen as effective – representatives are
Parliament needs to remain powerful, vote in order to become the held to account through the use of
and has legitimacy to do so government – these leaves 50% of the elections
Through representative democracy, the electorate without their
public votes in who they believe is fit to representation, and perhaps also Overall:
represent them (they also have political influences the extent to which the Representative democracy can be seen
, knowledge and can make rash government have legitimacy as more effective due to the rational idea
decisions), which means all decisions However, the role of the House of that the government would not pass
made by Parliament have legitimacy to Lords is to ultimately scrutinise the legislation which would harm the public,
them House of Commons as it would harm the chances of the party
This enhances the effectiveness of The unelected nature of the House of being re-elected, so although there is a
representative democracy, as it Lords means that they can represent disproportional representation of
maintains the legitimacy of parliament in the minority and scrutinise the parliament, it is unlikely that this would
order to make decisions by officials who government when passing legislation heavily influence decision making and
are well educated on manners In 2015, the house of lords heavily therefore representative democracy
scrutinised legislation which would be remains more effective
Overall: passed by the Commons which would
Direct democracy lacks effectiveness, as have cut tax credit payments to
it can often lead to decisions being made hundreds of low-income households
through emotion, rather than rationality The government decided not to go
which is how representative democracy ahead with the legislation, due to the
works. These decisions therefore do not scrutiny they faced – in this way, the
benefit the public, which is why protection of the minority is
representative democracy is more represented in Parliament through the
effective. House of Lords
Overall:
Direct democracy does not face
scrutiny as representative democracy
does. As direct is the will of the people
alone, this means the government
must follow it – even if it undermines
the minority. With a representative
democracy, the government is
constantly being scrutinised by not
only the public, but the House of Lords
as well. Pressure groups are also
another way in which the government
is scrutinised, which means they can
pass effective legislation.
Evaluate the view that think tanks, lobbyists and pressure groups have little impact on government decisions
, Introduction:
Criteria: The ability for these institutions to impact government decisions refers to how significant they have been at getting the
government to act on the issues which concern them
This essay will argue that they have had impact on government decisions, however their impact is dependent on a variety of other
factors
Para 1 Para 2 Para 3
Pressure Groups Think Tanks Lobbyists
For: For: For:
Insider pressure groups work with the Political parties often consult with Today, lobbying remains a large and
government and are often consulted by think tanks for inspiration on possible active business with almost 2 billion
the government for insight on how legislative proposals. They have more pounds spent by corporations per year.
policies may impact a particular sector of time and expertise and may, thus, Not only do these corporations seek to
society create consistent policies on several voice their concerns, but so does the
E.g. The National Union of Farmers, the issues from a shared political government consult with lobby firms to
Confederation of British Industry (CBI) standpoint assess the impact legislation may have on
and the British Medical Association Since the government is currently key industries
(BMA) are all examples of insider Conservative, classical liberal and Politicians have often switched between
pressure groups – not only do they seek Conservative think tanks have had an being in office and working as lobbyists
to influence the government, but the increasing influence on the for corporations – this has been referred
government also seeks advice from them Government to as the ‘revolving door’ between the
The BMA managed to pressure the The Centre for policy Studies, the political and commercial world
government to increase spending on the Centre for Social Justice and the Adam 52 former ministers practice today work
NHS under a plan that would increase Smith Institute are examples of these for such firms
spending by 3.4% per annum from 2019 think tanks Francis Maude for example, a former MP
to 2024 Not only do these think tanks and Minister of Industry worked as an
The CBI managed to pressure them to influence government, but they often advisor for the OakNorth Bank and the
give more power to devolved become appointed into the business intelligence firm GPW
governments – in 2018 the Northern government All of this shows that lobbyists do wield a
Ireland Civil Service was provided more Ian Duncan Smith for example, was lot of influence over politics and
power the founder of the Centre for Social oftentimes, have direct links and
Thus, it could be said that insider Justice and was appointed in 2004 as connections to politicians
pressure groups have has an increasing the Works and pensions secretary
impact on government decisions Therefore, it could be said that think Against:
tanks not only have an increasing role The lack of transparency in the work of
Against: to play in government policy, but their lobby firms has raised a red flag for the
On the other hand, outsider pressure members may also end up as direct public
groups have not secured a similar members of existing governments For this reason, Parliament passed the
success- they maintain distance away Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party
from the government to ensure Against: Campaigning and Trade Union
ideological purity However, the role of think tanks is administration Act (2014), which
To influence government policy, they relatively limited – think tanks can mandated that all lobbying activities are
typically resort to public awareness only be influential if their respective registered
campaigns, protests, and civil ideologies are in power It could be argues that the public checks
disobedience Today, the Conservatives hold most of the influence that these lobby firms may
Just Stop Oil is an example of an outsider the power and left-wing think tanks have and thus the influence they may
pressure group, who can be seen such as the Fabian Society and the have on the government and as a result
blocking roads and defacing art in order Institute for Public Policy Research, of the ‘revolving door system’, remains
to get their views across – however, have almost no influence on intact
their actions often lead to public government policies.
disapproval and legal repercussions Thus, the influence of think tanks Overall:
which may harm their legitimacy depends heavily on who is in power Thus, it could be said that while lobbyist
Extinction Rebellion is a similar radical Moreover, due to the highly firms remain highly influential in the UK,
group who has public distaste ideological nature of think tanks, new legislation that mandates
Whilst these groups are not reflective of many policies tend to be ignored transparency puts a limited check on
all outsider groups, the ideological This happens for two reasons – their influence
Evaluate the extent to which direct democracy is more effective than representative democracy
Introduction:
Criteria: For either direct democracy or representative democracy to be effective, they must benefit the commonwealth at the end of
the day and help the government pass legislation which will be beneficial
Line of argument: Although direct democracy is a purer form of democracy, representative democracy is much more effective than
direct.
Para 1 Para 2 Para 3
For: For: For:
Direct Democracy allows for parliament Direct democracy is majoritarian and Direct democracy is the purest form of
to be scrutinised effectively therefore reflects the will of the democracy and could arguably be seen as
The power of parliament is greatly people much better than more demographically representative
weakened by direct democracy, as public representative democracy than representative democracy
are the ones making the decisions which Referendums allow clear decisions to Because the people are directly voting
undermines parliament’s sovereignty be made by the public, and prevent themselves, this means everyone is
Referendums are a form of direct delay and deadlock from happening represented equally and fairly
democracy, and although The Belfast Agreement is a significant In a representative democracy, elected
representatives are elected in order to example, in which 72% of an 80% politicians are almost all well-off
make decisions, referendums can be turnout had vote in favour of professionals with little experience of life
held in order for the public to vote on establishing a Northern Irish Assembly for ordinary people
key issues This clear majority in the vote allowed Rishi Sunak for example, current PM, sits
The Brexit referendum of 2016 was a for the government to be sure about on a hefty fortune and grew up as an
significant referendum, in which the their decision, and was key on the upper-class citizen. He has been
public had voted to leave the EU. This road to devolution which benefitted scrutinised by the public significantly, for
contrasted with David Cameron’s belief Ireland and gave them more not being able to truly relate to the
that we should remain in the EU, and as representation in Parliament almost 46% working-class population of
a result he resigned from his post as PM For this reason, direct democracy can the UK
The power of parliament can be seen as be seen as more effective as it allows The House of Commons is equally
undermined here, as although the PM, for the government to make decisions unrepresentative of the UK as a whole,
an elected representative for the based on the true will of the people with the majority being white and male
country, had wanted one thing – the Counterpoint – however, some may and a significant number of politicians
British public had wanted another argue that the majoritarian system of who had private education
Counterpoint – However, in terms of the direct democracy could lead to a Against:
effectiveness of direct democracy, the tyranny of the majority Despite the disproportionate
Brexit referendum is often seen as one During the Brexit referendum, both representation supplied by
which was voted on rashly, and people Scotland and Northern Ireland had representative democracy,
had let emotions contradict rationality – voted to remain in the UK, however, representatives can still be seen as
after the first referendum, many people were forced to leave upholding the rights of the people
had demanded a second one to take This notion of tyranny of the majority The Equality Act 2010 ensures that the
place as the decision did not seem right harms the idea of democracy, and government pass legislation which
to the public therefore direct democracy is not encompasses the needs of minority
Parliament’s power to decide when effective at ensuring the will of the groups and ensures they are not
referendum’s take place also suggests its people is upheld discriminated against
sovereignty – the public do not choose Against: The government rationally would not
issues which are voted on, or when they It can similarly be argued that pass legislation which would harm its
happen Representative democracy also results reputation, as they need the popular
Against: in disproportional representation vote of the people at the end of the day
Arguably, representative democracy through the FPTP system to stay in power
upholding Parliament’s sovereignty can The FPTP system means that a party This is why representative democracy can
be seen as a positive must succeed with 51% of the popular be seen as effective – representatives are
Parliament needs to remain powerful, vote in order to become the held to account through the use of
and has legitimacy to do so government – these leaves 50% of the elections
Through representative democracy, the electorate without their
public votes in who they believe is fit to representation, and perhaps also Overall:
represent them (they also have political influences the extent to which the Representative democracy can be seen
, knowledge and can make rash government have legitimacy as more effective due to the rational idea
decisions), which means all decisions However, the role of the House of that the government would not pass
made by Parliament have legitimacy to Lords is to ultimately scrutinise the legislation which would harm the public,
them House of Commons as it would harm the chances of the party
This enhances the effectiveness of The unelected nature of the House of being re-elected, so although there is a
representative democracy, as it Lords means that they can represent disproportional representation of
maintains the legitimacy of parliament in the minority and scrutinise the parliament, it is unlikely that this would
order to make decisions by officials who government when passing legislation heavily influence decision making and
are well educated on manners In 2015, the house of lords heavily therefore representative democracy
scrutinised legislation which would be remains more effective
Overall: passed by the Commons which would
Direct democracy lacks effectiveness, as have cut tax credit payments to
it can often lead to decisions being made hundreds of low-income households
through emotion, rather than rationality The government decided not to go
which is how representative democracy ahead with the legislation, due to the
works. These decisions therefore do not scrutiny they faced – in this way, the
benefit the public, which is why protection of the minority is
representative democracy is more represented in Parliament through the
effective. House of Lords
Overall:
Direct democracy does not face
scrutiny as representative democracy
does. As direct is the will of the people
alone, this means the government
must follow it – even if it undermines
the minority. With a representative
democracy, the government is
constantly being scrutinised by not
only the public, but the House of Lords
as well. Pressure groups are also
another way in which the government
is scrutinised, which means they can
pass effective legislation.
Evaluate the view that think tanks, lobbyists and pressure groups have little impact on government decisions
, Introduction:
Criteria: The ability for these institutions to impact government decisions refers to how significant they have been at getting the
government to act on the issues which concern them
This essay will argue that they have had impact on government decisions, however their impact is dependent on a variety of other
factors
Para 1 Para 2 Para 3
Pressure Groups Think Tanks Lobbyists
For: For: For:
Insider pressure groups work with the Political parties often consult with Today, lobbying remains a large and
government and are often consulted by think tanks for inspiration on possible active business with almost 2 billion
the government for insight on how legislative proposals. They have more pounds spent by corporations per year.
policies may impact a particular sector of time and expertise and may, thus, Not only do these corporations seek to
society create consistent policies on several voice their concerns, but so does the
E.g. The National Union of Farmers, the issues from a shared political government consult with lobby firms to
Confederation of British Industry (CBI) standpoint assess the impact legislation may have on
and the British Medical Association Since the government is currently key industries
(BMA) are all examples of insider Conservative, classical liberal and Politicians have often switched between
pressure groups – not only do they seek Conservative think tanks have had an being in office and working as lobbyists
to influence the government, but the increasing influence on the for corporations – this has been referred
government also seeks advice from them Government to as the ‘revolving door’ between the
The BMA managed to pressure the The Centre for policy Studies, the political and commercial world
government to increase spending on the Centre for Social Justice and the Adam 52 former ministers practice today work
NHS under a plan that would increase Smith Institute are examples of these for such firms
spending by 3.4% per annum from 2019 think tanks Francis Maude for example, a former MP
to 2024 Not only do these think tanks and Minister of Industry worked as an
The CBI managed to pressure them to influence government, but they often advisor for the OakNorth Bank and the
give more power to devolved become appointed into the business intelligence firm GPW
governments – in 2018 the Northern government All of this shows that lobbyists do wield a
Ireland Civil Service was provided more Ian Duncan Smith for example, was lot of influence over politics and
power the founder of the Centre for Social oftentimes, have direct links and
Thus, it could be said that insider Justice and was appointed in 2004 as connections to politicians
pressure groups have has an increasing the Works and pensions secretary
impact on government decisions Therefore, it could be said that think Against:
tanks not only have an increasing role The lack of transparency in the work of
Against: to play in government policy, but their lobby firms has raised a red flag for the
On the other hand, outsider pressure members may also end up as direct public
groups have not secured a similar members of existing governments For this reason, Parliament passed the
success- they maintain distance away Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party
from the government to ensure Against: Campaigning and Trade Union
ideological purity However, the role of think tanks is administration Act (2014), which
To influence government policy, they relatively limited – think tanks can mandated that all lobbying activities are
typically resort to public awareness only be influential if their respective registered
campaigns, protests, and civil ideologies are in power It could be argues that the public checks
disobedience Today, the Conservatives hold most of the influence that these lobby firms may
Just Stop Oil is an example of an outsider the power and left-wing think tanks have and thus the influence they may
pressure group, who can be seen such as the Fabian Society and the have on the government and as a result
blocking roads and defacing art in order Institute for Public Policy Research, of the ‘revolving door system’, remains
to get their views across – however, have almost no influence on intact
their actions often lead to public government policies.
disapproval and legal repercussions Thus, the influence of think tanks Overall:
which may harm their legitimacy depends heavily on who is in power Thus, it could be said that while lobbyist
Extinction Rebellion is a similar radical Moreover, due to the highly firms remain highly influential in the UK,
group who has public distaste ideological nature of think tanks, new legislation that mandates
Whilst these groups are not reflective of many policies tend to be ignored transparency puts a limited check on
all outsider groups, the ideological This happens for two reasons – their influence
