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Summary An analysis of direct and representative democracy
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Direct DemocracyDirect democracy is when individuals are able to make their own direct decisions regarding the country’s political system
and politics.
Pros Cons
Many believe that this is the “purest” form of democracy as As argued by the Greek Philosopher Plato, direct democracy
the voice of the people is clearly heard as well as acted upon. encourages a ‘tyranny of the majority’ which enables the
This enables the possibility of a corrupt representative to be voices of the minority to be dismissed or simply ignored.
avoided.
Direct democracy prevents delays and deadlock within the Through an election and therefore direct democracy, the
political system as the public's decisions are easy to count and majority may elect a representative based on their short term
transparent. This is evident when considering the referendum proposals, however be unsatisfying long term, an example of
of 2011 where a clear 67.% voted against the alteration of this is Boris Johnson who became PM in 2017 following his
electing MPs, a vote which was announced quickly and campaign “get Brexit done”, however in 2022, many UK
showed a clear and transparent answer. citizens are unhappy with his position evident in his 30%
approval rate as of March this year.
This is the most legitimate form of democracy as a majority of Many argue that direct democracy is “too complex” and that
UK citizens are provided with a voice to decide the political citizens may not understand the consequences of their
fate of their own country instead of a representative making decisions. An argument which is supported by the
those decisions for them. consideration of Brexit where many confessed following the
referendum, they did not understand what leaving the
European Union would mean for the country. As of 2021, an
estimated 39% of those who voted in favour of Brexit no
longer agreed with their decision.
Representative Democracy
Representative democracy occurs when the people do not make political decisions themselves but instead elect a
representative to make such decisions on the public’s behalf.
Pros Cons
Accountability The legislation can hold the government The likes of PMQs are not as effective
accountable regularly if they make as they used to be as now the
decisions which do not represent the questioning revolves around the
country. An example of this was in 2020 promotion of the opposition and praisal
when PM Boris Johnson was scrutinised of the government instead of scrutiny of
after he declared that free school meals the representative. As former speaker of
in England should be discontinued the House of Commons, John Bercow,
despite being a representative of the once stated, the PMQs have become
country (which was financially “rowdy” and influenced by “male
struggling as a result of COVID which testosterone.”
furloaded a majority and left many
without jobs.)
Representation Each party encourages for at least 50% As of 2019, only 35% of MPs were
of their members to be women and at women whilst 67% were male. This
least 25% being from religion or ethnic number, although low, is surprisingly
minorities as well as a mixture of ages still nevertheless the highest number of
and social classes. This is significant as female representatives to date. In 2011,
it enables everybody to feel in some way 13% of MPSs were either black, Asian,
represented by a party whilst politically mixed or another ethnic minority,
allowing a party to appear as being more however in the 2017 general election, 52
likeable due to their diversity. ethnic minorities were elected.
National Interest Although MPs are expected to represent Sometimes representing a nation
the interests of the nation as a whole, conflicts with an MPs' need to represent
they still nevertheless have the ability to their constituency. This is evident when
make an impact on their constituencies' considering the former MP of Richmond
local issues. This allows the address of Park Zac Goldsmith who in 2016,
issues which may be specific to one supported his constituency protesting the
town but not enough to be dealt with. instalment of a third runway at
This enables local life to continue. Heathrow despite being nationally of
interest as the capability of travel would
be widened.
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