Enhancing Democracy

Description

A level Politics Mind Map on Enhancing Democracy, created by Peter Roe on 31/01/2017.
Peter Roe
Mind Map by Peter Roe, updated more than 1 year ago
Peter Roe
Created by Peter Roe almost 8 years ago
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Resource summary

Enhancing Democracy
  1. Facts
    1. In 1950 85% of UK citizens voted, in 2016 66% voted.
      1. At the same time the UK had an on-off relationship with Europe, this has been a long ass issue. We have no set that relationship to "off"
      2. Referendums
        1. 1975 EU Referendum - Ratified entry to the EEC now called the EU
          1. 1997 Scottish Devolution - Re-established a Scottish Parliament with devolved powers
            1. 1998 Belfast Agreement - Brought peace and a political settlement to N.I
              1. 2014 Scottish Independence - Voted to remain 45/55 but the SNP are much stronger as a result
                1. 2016 EU Referendum - UK voted to leave requiring a complete renegotiation of trade deals with the EU
                2. EU Referendum Arguments for and against holding it
                  1. For
                    1. Political Education - The only way to educate the population is to involve them.
                      1. Responsive Government - Allow for the public to voice an opinion on specific issues. They are forced to listen because the people actually have an influece
                        1. Direct Democracy - The voter turnout was 71.6%, higher than the previous GE. People became engaged and hopefully it will carry over into the GE
                          1. Reduced Government Power - Referendums offer power to the public, even if Government has a strong majority it doesn't matter because that all means nothing in a referendum
                            1. Constitutional Changes - Constitutional Changes are far more important than normal legislative rulings. They affect the way the country is ruled, it is only fair that the people get a say in it
                            2. Against
                              1. Ill-Informed decisions. It was a mistake to give such a significant decision to the general public when we have politicians who's job it is to make decisions like this
                                1. Irresponsible Government - The government can pass the buck of the fallout of leaving onto others if it goes wrong. But can claim all the success if it goes right.
                                  1. Strengthens Government - They have control over when this referendum is held, they can choose the phrasing (We normally vote for the "yes answer") They can also dominate the public campaign
                                    1. Weakens Parliament - Referendums don't strengthen democracy but substitute representative for direct which simply undermines parliament.
                                      1. Unreliable Views - Referendums only provide a snapshot of a view point. A poll after the referendum showed if it was held straight after "Remain" would've won.
                                    2. Ways to strengthen a democracy
                                      1. Focus Groups
                                        1. Politicians get a group of people together and they can target their campaigns better
                                        2. Citizens Jury
                                          1. Using a representative sample, citizens are asked to discuss a series of approaches. They can cross examine ministers to keep them in check.
                                          2. Recall election
                                            1. A procedure by which voters can remove an elected official from office through a direct vote.
                                            2. Primary Election
                                              1. An election to decide party leaders. Anyone member of the party can vote in these elections
                                              2. E-Petition
                                                1. Any e-petition with 100,000 signatures has to be debated in commons, 50,000 for parliament to respond to it
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