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Summary politics paper 1: 1.1 direct & representative democracy
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1.1 current systems of direct and representative democracy& considerations for reform
DIRECT DEMOCRACY
What is it?
Decisions are directly made by the public, without their opinions being channelled
through representatives.
Continuous engagement by the public in the democratic process.
With over 40 million voters in the UK, it would be impossible for it to be completely
governed according to the principles of direct democracy.
Elements of direct democracy in the UK’s system to engage the public in issues that
directly concern them.
The most significant modern example = referendums (most important due to their
far-reaching consequences).
Types of direct democracy
Referendums
Enable the public to directly express their views on single issues.
2011 Alternative Vote – 42% turnout: 32% yes / 68% no
2014 Scottish Independence – 85% turnout: 45% yes / 55% no
2016 EU – 72% turnout: 52% leave / 48% remain.
Providing the public with a direct choice can help to settle controversial issues. Since
the public voted directly, the result can claim greater legitimacy than a decision
reached by their representatives.
However, critics note that referendums require a detailed understanding of issues,
which the public may lack. The ongoing debate over Scottish independence and the
UK’s relationship with the EU suggests that they do not conclusively resolve
contentious issues.
Electronic petitions
If a petition on the govt website reaches 100,000 signatures it will be considered for
debate in Westminster Hall or the Commons.
This does not mean that legislation will have to be forthcoming.
Does mean that parliament must engage with issues the public feels strongly about.
In 2021, several important issues were raised by e-petitions, such as making it a legal
requirement for nightclubs to search guests on entry.
2020- England footballer Marcus Rashford’s EndChildFoodPoverty gained over 1.1
million signatures, generating huge public enthusiasm and persuading the govt. to
commit to free school meals for low-income families during school holidays.
, However, they can also raise false expectations and consume parliamentary time.
- There are issues parliament cannot legislate (e-petition to revoke Sir Tony Blair’s
knighthood gained more than 1 million signatures but was rejected because
knighthoods are bestowed by the monarch)
- or will not legislate (petition demanding Article 50 be revoked so that the UK
would remain in the EU gained 6.1 million signatures in 2019).
Advantages
Engages the public and makes politicians more responsive to what the people really
think. It creates a closer connection between the public and political decision-
making.
By providing the public with more opportunities to make decisions it creates greater
engagement in the political process, encouraging a more politically educated and
civically involved citizenry.
A greater use of direct democracy ensures that our representatives are kept better
informed of developing public attitudes through referendums, consultative exercises
and e-petitions.
Disadvantages
Referendums dangerously simplify complex issues to a binary ‘yes/no’. E.g., the UK’s
departure from the EU raised highly complicated issues such as the UK’s relationship
with the EU customs union & the EU single market and the border status of Northern
Ireland. None of these issues were addressed in the 2016 referendum, which only
posed the question: ‘Should the UK remain a member of the EU or leave the EU?’
Direct democracy can challenge the Burkean principle that representatives should
act according to their conscience, not the wishes of their constituents. A high-profile
example: Theresa May supported Remain in 2016 but went on to lead a govt.
committed to leaving the EU.
Tyranny of the majority: direct democracy does not balance conflicting interests or
protect the rights of minorities. Clement Atlee referred to referendums as ‘a device
of demagogues and dictators.’
Can encourage the public to vote on issues on which they are not sufficiently
knowledgeable to make well-informed decisions.
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