1. A-Level Politics - What is Democracy?

Who defined democracy as "government of the people, for the people, by the people"

(a)  

Answer explanation

This is one of the most famous descriptions of democracy and is worth remembering.

When the electorate votes in a general election this is an example of what?

• Direct Democracy

• Representative Democracy

Answer explanation

This is a clear example of representative democracy as the people are voting for the MPs who are representatives that make decisions on behalf of their constituents.

Which of the following apply to Britain's democracy?

• Direct Democracy

• Representative Democracy

• Liberal Democracy

• Parliamentary Democracy

• Presidential Democracy

Answer explanation

Whilst we do make use of referendums occasionally our main democratic system is based around elected representatives making decisions on our behalf.

We are a liberal democracy as we encourage and protect personal freedoms, have a free press, and an independent judiciary.

We do not have a directly elected president, instead our government is headed by the Prime Minister who comes from within our legislature (Parliament).

Which European country makes frequent use of referendums as they can be triggered by a petition signed by 50,000 people?

• Sweden

• France

• Denmark

• Switzerland

• Belgium

Answer explanation

All federal laws in Switzerland are subject to a four-step process:

1. 1. A first draft is prepared by federal government.

3. 2. Presented to the public like an opinion poll: Anyone may comment on the draft and propose changes.

3. 3. The result is presented to both chambers of the federal parliament.
   

4. 4. The electorate has a veto-right on laws:

If 50,000 citizens sign a form demanding a referendum within 3 months, a referendum must be held.

Subsequently referendums on more than a dozen laws a year are commonplace in Switzerland.

Which political thinker was sceptical of referendums and warned of the "tyranny of the majority"?

(a)  

Answer explanation

John Stuart Mill is a very famous and important political thinker, we will encounter him a lot during our topic on political ideologies.

He warned that the majority could use direct democracy to impose their will on minorities.

According to the Burkean (named after Edmund Burke) or Trustee Model of representation your representative should do what?

• Act as a mouthpiece of their constituents and vote as they desire.

• Vote using their own judgement even if it goes against the wishes of the electorate.

• Vote based on the manifesto on which they stood and were elected.

• Vote to protect the freedoms of individuals and protects traditions.

Answer explanation

According to the Burkean or Trustee Model

The MP is trusted by their voters to do what they think is best.

Your representative owes you, not his industry only, but his judgment; and he betrays, instead of serving you, if he sacrifices it to your opinion“ Edmund Burke MP 1729-1797.

According to Delegate Theory your representative should do what?

• Act as a mouthpiece of their constituents and vote as they desire.

• Vote using their own judgement even if it goes against the wishes of the electorate.

• Vote based on the manifesto on which they stood and were elected.

• Vote to protect the freedoms of individuals and protects traditions.

Answer explanation

Delegates promise to act only as a mouthpiece for the wishes of their constituency, and don’t have the freedom to apply their own judgement.

For example, Zac Goldsmith resigned after opposing the 3rd runway at Heathrow (approved by the government) in line with his election promise.

He lost the subsequent by election, this suggests that whilst the public might act as if they want MPs to keep their promises and vote with their constituents wishes that they aren't always remembered / rewarded for doing so.

According to Madate Theory your representative should do what?

• Act as a mouthpiece of their constituents and vote as they desire.

• Vote using their own judgement even if it goes against the wishes of the electorate.

• Vote based on the manifesto on which they stood and were elected.

• Vote to protect the freedoms of individuals and protects traditions.

Answer explanation

A mandate is the authority granted by a constituency to an MP to act as its representative.

As most MP’s are voted for on the basis of their party not personality they are expected to vote in line with their party’s manifesto.

Poll:
Which type/model of representation do you think MPs should subscribe to?

• Burkean / Trustee Model

• Delegate Theory

• Mandate Theory