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This lesson explores the meaning and forms of democracy, a concept at the heart of A-Level Politics. Democracy literally means "rule by the people" (from the Greek demos — people, and kratos — power). However, the precise meaning and application of democracy is fiercely debated. Understanding the different models of democracy is essential for evaluating the UK political system.
Direct democracy is a system in which citizens themselves make political decisions, without the intermediary of elected representatives. It originates in the Athenian model (5th century BCE), where male citizens gathered in the Assembly (Ekklesia) to vote on laws and policies.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Decision-making | Citizens vote on policy issues directly |
| Participation | All eligible citizens can take part |
| Historical example | Ancient Athens |
| Modern examples | Referendums, citizens' initiatives (e.g. Switzerland) |
Advantages of direct democracy:
Disadvantages of direct democracy:
Representative democracy is a system in which citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf. This is the dominant model in the UK and most modern democracies.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Decision-making | Elected representatives debate and vote on legislation |
| Accountability | Representatives are accountable to voters through regular elections |
| UK example | MPs elected to the House of Commons |
| Mandate | Representatives claim a mandate from their electoral victory |
Advantages of representative democracy:
Disadvantages of representative democracy:
A liberal democracy combines democratic elections with the protection of individual rights and civil liberties. Key features include:
The UK is generally classified as a liberal democracy, although critics argue that certain features — such as the unelected House of Lords, the absence of a codified constitution, and the power of the executive — weaken this classification.
A pluralist democracy is one in which power is dispersed among a wide variety of groups, interests, and organisations. No single group dominates, and policy emerges from competition and compromise between these groups.
Key features:
Criticisms of pluralism:
Exam Tip: Be prepared to distinguish between these four forms of democracy and evaluate whether the UK satisfies each model. High-mark answers will use specific examples and present both sides of the argument.
Legitimacy refers to the right of a government to exercise power, based on the consent of the governed. A democratic government derives its legitimacy from:
A government may face a legitimacy crisis if turnout is very low, if it lacks a popular majority, or if it acts outside its mandate. For example, the 2001 general election had a turnout of just 59.4%, raising questions about the legitimacy of Tony Blair's second government.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Democracy | A system of government in which power is vested in the people |
| Direct democracy | Citizens make decisions themselves |
| Representative democracy | Citizens elect representatives to make decisions |
| Liberal democracy | Democracy combined with protection of individual rights and liberties |
| Pluralist democracy | Power is dispersed among competing groups |
| Legitimacy | The right to govern, based on consent |
| Mandate | The authority to act granted by an election victory |
| Participation | The ways in which citizens engage in the political process |
Arguments that the UK is democratic:
Arguments that the UK is not fully democratic:
Exam Tip: Questions about democracy often require you to evaluate whether the UK meets the criteria of a liberal or pluralist democracy. Always use specific, up-to-date examples to support your analysis.