The Democratic Deficit in the UK

This lesson examines the concept of the democratic deficit — the idea that the UK's political system falls short of genuine democratic ideals. While the UK is widely regarded as a democracy, critics argue that significant gaps exist between democratic theory and practice.

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What is a Democratic Deficit?

A democratic deficit exists when the institutions and processes of a political system fail to meet the standards expected of a democracy. This may include:

• Insufficient accountability of those who exercise power
• Low levels of citizen participation
• Unequal representation of different groups
• Institutions that lack democratic legitimacy

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Key Areas of Democratic Deficit in the UK

1. The House of Lords

The House of Lords is the second chamber of the UK Parliament, yet none of its members are elected.