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UK Democracy and Participation Blurt - Coggle Diagram
UK Democracy and Participation Blurt
Direct Democracy
A system whereby citizens vote directly on an issue. This can either be done via elections or referendums. Issues can include legistlation and policy on a local or national level
In the UK, Referendums such as the 2016 EU Referendum and e-petitions are examples of direct democracy
Advantages: Direct involvement of the population, true metric of public opinion
Disadvatages: People more likely to become apathetic due to high frequency of ballots, people don't always make most informed decisions
Representative Democracy
A system whereby constituents vote for and elected a Member of Parliament to represent them in Parliament. This Representative is responsible for voting on Government policies/legislation based on their constituencies' feelings
In the UK, General and Local elections use the Representative system
Advantages: Representatives are professionals who will make better informed decisions for their constituents
Disadvantages: Decisions may not always reflect true will of the people
Pluralist democracy
A system of democracy which utilises both Direct and Representative Democracy
The UK uses a Pluralist system, making use of elections and referendums. Representative democracy is however more frequently used within the UK system.
Widening the Franchise: Key Milestones
The Reform Acts 1832, 1867, 1884:
1832: Expanded the franchise to middle classes of society
1867: Franchise expanded to working-class households in the Boroughs
1884: Further expanded franchise to working-class households to Counties
Representation of the People Act 1918: Expanded the vote to Men aged 21+ and Women (who met property requirements) aged 30+