Quick test on referendums

1. Quick test on referendums • Which referendum was held in 1975? • In what year did Wales and Scotland vote IN FAVOUR of devolution? • In 1998 what did London vote in favour of with 72%? • Which local assembly was rejected by a referendum vote in 2004?

2. What’s Arnie got to do with Participatory Democracy

3. Read the article on California’s Democracy and assess the problems of participatory democracy

4. How Democratic is the UK? An evaluation of democracy in the UK

5. Play your cards right with the extension of the franchise • 1831 1833 1867 1884 • 1% 35% 20% 50% • 1918 1928 1969 • 50% 75% 100%

6. Play your cards right with the extension of the franchise • 1831 1833 1867 1884 • 1% 5% 35% 7% 20% 16% 50% 29% • 1918 1928 1969 • 50% 74% 75% 97% 100% 99%

7. It’s easier to ask who cannot vote in the UK?

8. List the elements of a liberal democracy? • Divide your A4 sheet in two • Make a list of the elements of a liberal democracy down one side of the sheet

9. Compare your list – did you get them all? • Government is accountable to the people to ensure that it is attempting to act in their general interests • There are free and fair elections • There is a peaceful and orderly transfer of power from one government to the next • Losing parties accept the democratic legitimacy of winning parties • Information is freely available to the citizens • The rights and liberties of citizens are taken into account and protected • The powers of government are controlled and limited either by law or by elected institutions or both • A variety of beliefs, opinions and cultures are tolerated provided they do not threaten the state

10. Now complete the other side of the sheet by considering to what extent these points are limited in the UK McNaughton pp44-45

11. An evaluation of Democracy in the UK

12. To what extent is the UK democratic? • There is no such thing as a perfect democracy • However, the UK is a relatively democratic country in comparison to other countries eg elections are not rigged and leaders aren’t corrupt and most people have the vote • Human rights generally aren’t violated • People do have a say in the way they are governed • We are also more democratic now than in previous generations • It is worth noting that “without laws, man has no freedom.” Therefore, rights and liberties can only be upheld via the rule of law. Inevitably, some laws will restrict certain freedoms in order to ensure order within society (e.g. ID cards)

13. But perhaps • We could have a fairer voting system • We could have an entrenched Bill of Rights like the USA • Further ways of limiting the power of executive like the USA

14. Homework – due in 20th October • 400-500 words on: • In what senses could the UK parliamentary system be said to be undemocratic? (25) • Use your table to plan this – take the point consider limits to your point, use evidence to back it up • Use about 5 pieces of evidence eg free and fair elections; freedom of the press

15. YES Almost everyone has the right to vote The rule of law exists The executive is held to account by the legislature There are free and fair elections Civil liberties are protected by the law Elements of all the different types of democracy exist A choice of political parties is provided Most representatives are elected NO Peers are unelected, as is the Head of State The executive has too much power - what Lord Hailsham termed the “elective dictatorship” Parliament can restrict our freedoms simply by passing an Act of Parliament (e.g. the right to silence has been removed for some middle-range offences) The FPTP system is unfair to smaller parties Under-representation of minorities, and women Is Britain democratic?