Direct democracy and representative democracy (OCR A-Level Politics): Revision Notes
1.1.1 Direct democracy and representative democracy
There are two types of democracy: Direct and Representative
Direct Democracy: Individuals express their opinion themselves. This comes in the form of Referendums
Representative Democracy: An individual selects a person to act on their behalf to exercise political choice. This comes in the form of First Past The Post.
Direct Democracy
Direct democracy is a form of government in which political decisions are made directly by citizens, rather than by elected representatives. This system allows citizens to directly participate in the decision-making process on issues of legislation, policy, and governance.
Examples of forms of direct democracy
- Referendums and Initiatives:
Referendums: A process where a proposed measure is presented to the public for a vote. Referendums can be binding or advisory.
Initiatives: A process that allows citizens to propose legislation or policy changes. If a sufficient number of signatures is gathered, the proposal is put to a public vote.
- Recalls:
A recall allows citizens to remove elected officials from office before the end of their term. This process usually requires a petition and, if enough support is garnered, leads to a public vote on whether to retain or dismiss the official.
- Town Hall meetings:
Definition: Local gatherings where citizens discuss and make decisions on community issues.
- Citizens attend meetings, deliberation on issues, and make decisions through voting.
For example: Traditional New England town meetings in the United States allow citizens to vote on local politics and budgets
The impact of direct democracy
Citizen Participation:
- Direct democracy emphasises the involvement of citizens in the political process. Every eligible citizen has the right to participate directly in the formulation, development, and passage of laws and policies.
No Intermediaries:
- In direct democracy, there is minimal or no intermediary between the decision-makers (the citizens) and the decision itself. This contrasts with representative democracy, where elected officials make decisions on behalf of their constituents.
Greater Accountability:
- Direct democracy ensures that government actions are closely aligned with the will of the people. Since decisions are made by the citizens themselves, there is a high level of accountability and transparency.
Empowerment of the Public:
- This form of democracy empowers individuals by giving them a direct voice in the legislative process. It fosters greater political engagement and educates citizens about governmental affairs.
Majoritarian Rule:
- Decisions in direct democracy are typically made by majority rule. While this ensures that the majority's will is respected, it can sometimes lead to the marginalisation of minority groups.
Examples of direct democracy in use:
Switzerland:
- Switzerland is one of the most notable examples of a country that utilises direct democracy extensively. Swiss citizens regularly participate in referendums and initiatives at both the national and cantonal levels.
- In 2016, Swiss citizens voted in a referendum on the proposal to introduce a universal basic income. Although the initiative was ultimately rejected, the process demonstrated the direct involvement of citizens in critical national policy decisions.
The 2016 EU Referendum:
- Held on June 23, 2016, it asked UK citizens whether the country should remain a member of the European Union (EU) or leave.
- The referendum allowed all eligible UK citizens to participate directly in the decision-making process regarding the country's membership in the EU.
- The referendum resulted in 51.9% of voters choosing to leave the EU, a decision that set in motion the process of Brexit.
Question on the Ballot:
"Should the United Kingdom remain a member of the European Union or leave the European Union?"
Turnout and Result:
- Voter Turnout: 72.2%
- Leave: 51.9%
- Remain: 48.1%
Representative Democracy
Representative democracy is a system of government in which citizens elect representatives to make decisions and pass laws on their behalf. This form of democracy is based on the principle of elected individuals representing the people, as opposed to direct democracy where citizens make decisions themselves.
Examples of forms of representative democracy:
1. Parliamentary Democracy:
Definition: A system of government in which the executive branch derives its legitimacy from and is directly accountable to the legislature (parliament); the executive and legislative branches are interconnected.
- Example: The United Kingdom
Structure: The UK Parliament consists of two houses: the House of Commons and the House of Lords. Citizens elect Members of Parliament (MPs) to the House of Commons. The party with the majority in the House of Commons forms the government, and its leader becomes the Prime Minister.
Features: The Prime Minister and the Cabinet are accountable to Parliament, and they must maintain the confidence of the majority of MPs to remain in power. Regular elections and parliamentary debates ensure accountability and transparency.
2. Presidential Democracy:
Definition: A system of government where the president is elected separately from the legislature and holds significant executive powers.
- Example: The United States
Structure: The US government is divided into three branches: executive (President), legislative (Congress), and judicial (Supreme Court). Citizens elect the President independently of Congress.
Features: The separation of powers ensures checks and balances between branches. The President has a fixed term and is not accountable to the legislature for their tenure, though they can be impeached for misconduct. Congress, consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate, is elected separately and makes laws.
3. Semi-Presidential Democracy:
Definition: A system that combines elements of both presidential and parliamentary systems, where a president exists alongside a prime minister and a cabinet, with the two sharing executive powers.
- Example: France
Structure: France has both a President and a Prime Minister. The President is elected by the public and holds significant powers, including foreign policy and defence. The Prime Minister, appointed by the President, handles domestic policy and must have the support of the National Assembly (the lower house of Parliament).
Features: This dual executive system balances power between the President and the Prime Minister. The President's fixed term and the Prime Minister's dependence on parliamentary support introduce checks and balances.
Key Features of Representative Democracy:
1. Elected Representatives:
- In a representative democracy, citizens vote to elect representatives who will act on their behalf. These representatives are typically chosen through regular, free, and fair elections. They hold the responsibility to legislate, make policy decisions, and govern.
2. Free and Fair Elections:
- Elections in representative democracies are conducted in a manner that ensures they are free from undue influence, fraud, or coercion. They must be regular, competitive, and inclusive, providing a genuine choice to the electorate.
3. Accountability**:**
- Representatives are accountable to the electorate. If they fail to fulfil their duties or act against the interests of their constituents, they can be voted out of office in subsequent elections. This accountability ensures that representatives remain responsive to the needs and wishes of the people.
4. Rule of Law:
- Representative democracies operate under the rule of law, meaning that laws apply equally to all citizens, including elected officials. The legal framework ensures that the actions of representatives are regulated and that there are checks and balances on their power.
5. Separation of Powers:
- This system often includes a separation of powers among different branches of government (executive, legislative, and judicial). This separation ensures that no single branch becomes too powerful and that each branch can check the powers of the others.
6. Pluralism and Tolerance:
- Representative democracy supports a pluralistic society where multiple political parties and interest groups can exist and operate freely. It promotes tolerance and respect for diverse views and encourages debate and discussion.
7. Deliberation and Debate:
- Elected representatives engage in deliberation and debate to make informed decisions. This process allows for the consideration of different viewpoints and the development of well-rounded policies.
8. Constituency Representation:
- Representatives often serve specific geographic areas known as constituencies. They are expected to advocate for the interests and concerns of their constituents in the legislative process.