UK POL essay plans

Direct democracy - Advantages Gives equal weight to all votes Encourages popular participation Purest form of democracy which gives decisions legitimacy Disadvantages Impractical in a large, modern state Open to manipulation by cleverest speakers No mediation by parliamentary institutions meaning minority viewpoints disregarded Representative Democracy - Advantages Practical in a large, modern state Parties and pressure groups provide pluralism and choice Representatives protect minority rights and reduce tyranny of the majority Disadvantages Reduced participation Representatives may not adequately represent the viewpoints of the electorate Politicians are skillful at avoiding accountability Assessment of UK democracy - Free and fair elections Widespread participation Independent judiciary Free media Devolved governments Democratic institutions Compulsory voting - Yes Voting is a social duty Would produce a more representative parliament Politicians frame policies with whole of the electorate in mind Can still spoil ballot if conscientiously cannot vote Legitimises government No Undemocratic Politicians still focus campaigns on marginal seats Abstention is also a form of political expression Does not address deeper reasons why people do not vote Votes at 16 - Yes Already take part in political debate Have other legal rights High turnout in Scottish referendum Should have a say in important issues that affect their futures No Young people lack the necessary life experience to vote Legal rights limited in practice Scottish referendum had unusually high turnout Voting at 16 rare