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 * __Democracy and Participation__**


 * Power/authority/consent/legitimacy//.//**


 * What are the three types of power?**

Power: The ability to make others do something by choice or force.


 * **//Coercion//** – the use of force to achieve ends. HARD POWER
 * **//Political//** power – exercised by govt through persuasion and incentives. HARD and SOFT
 * **//Influence//** – The ability to affect decisions but not to enforce them. SOFT POWER


 * What is legitimacy?**

It is whether power is being rightfully exercised. This depends entirely on an individual’s political outlook. Consent is the true test of legitimacy.

Compare The Poll Tax and The Seat Belt Laws. Both passed into law.

1. **//Poll Tax//** met with widespread opposition and helped bring down the PM (Thatcher)

2. **//Seat Belt Law//** was virtually self-enforced in the UK. Public approved it.

Do citizens obey the law because of: Respect? Fear of punishment?


 * Which six principle examples constitute legitimate rule?**


 * **//Tradition//** – a regime that has held power without serious popular challenge for a long period of time.


 * **//Control//** – “Might is right,” any ruler who can control the state, provide internal security and protect it from external attack has a right to govern. //Despotic//


 * **//Religion//** – Basis of authority is religious belief e.g. Islamic regimes in Iran/Libya/Saudi Arabia. //Theocratic//


 * **//Legality//** – if there is a recognisable system of laws in a state and the government operates within those laws. Govt must be accountable and transparent.


 * **//Morality//** – Judgements about the conduct of a regime must be made in order to assess legitimacy e.g. are human rights respected? Respect breeds __consent.__

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 * **//Consent//** – the people of a regime consent to being governed by the govt.
 * What is consent and what criteria show positive signs of consent?**

Consent: permission to be governed, especially if the govt doesn’t need HARD POWER to achieve this.


 * Widespread participation in free elections. Even if government is unpopular for a period of time, this does not mean the system itself is opposed.


 * Clear and regular demonstrations of support e.g. High Turnout.


 * The lack of any significant opposition over a long period of time suggests the people are content e.g. China – or that’s how the govt sees it!.


 * Traditional consent can be assumed with longstanding political systems. e.g. Thailand’s monarchy.


 * Types of Democracy**


 * Direct Democracy**
 * Ancient Athens
 * All qualified citizens decide on issues.
 * In modern day this is unworkable
 * We do use referenda though


 * Representative Democracy**
 * Based around the unworkability of Direct Democracy in modern day.
 * Representatives make decisions on behalf of citizens.
 * This allows a society to reach democratic characteristics
 * Indirect democracy


 * Features of Representative Democracy**


 * 1) **Elections** allowing government to reflect opinions of people.
 * i.e. Labour ’97, public desire for change
 * Elections provide legitimacy for representation


 * 1) Commons should **reflect the society** it seeks to represent
 * Reflect, political opinion and social, ethnic, gender groups
 * i.e. Gender – Labour has fielded all-women shortlists in safe seats.
 * All parties seek more ethnic minorities.

· If MPs want to be re-elected then their actions need to come under public scrutiny. · Elections enable this process of accountability.
 * 1) **Accountability**


 * 1) Representatives are **not mere delegates.**
 * MPs are elected to govern as well as represent.
 * Therefore sometimes public opinion is overlooked.
 * i.e. Invasion of Iraq.
 * Ultimately, the people have the final say (may not re-elect at elections)


 * What are the advantages and disadvantages of __direct democracy__?**


 * Purest form of democracy rather than having someone interpreting your views.
 * May influence more people to get involved in politics.
 * Prevents cynicism about govt.
 * E-voting could lead to a revival of Direct Democracy.


 * However, it is impractical. Modern society is too large.
 * Minorities would have no say.
 * Potential to leave decision-making in hands of those least equipped to do so.


 * What are the advantages and disadvantages of __representative democracy__?**


 * More practical, is physically possible. Well suited to demands of modern society.
 * Puts decision-making in the hands of people with time and knowledge – their jobs
 * Representatives can be more rational e.g. emotive issue like cancelling of third world debt / death penalty.
 * Representatives can make decisions that are unpopular but necessary.


 * Are representatives trustworthy? Uncorruptable? Accountable?
 * Are the electorates wishes well reflected? Or are they forgotten until the next election?


 * What are the main criticisms of** **UK** **democracy?**
 * FPTP system is unfair
 * “Elective dictatorship” – Lord Hailsham
 * Parliamentary sovereignty – party with the majority can dominate and therefore pass whatever legislation they like. (As long as they retain a working maj.)
 * Party system is so central therefore model of representation can be undermined. MPs may represent their party, not their constituents. The Whipping system.
 * Not reflective of modern multi-cultural Britain – only about 100 women in 659 and under 1% ethnic minorities.
 * Low turnout at elections raises questions about the mandate of govt.
 * Nature of the second chamber (Lords) – they are not accountable to us b/c not elected by us.
 * Sponsored MPs/Special Interests? Business ties.