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4. (a) State three factors that influence the timing of a general election - Edexcel - A-Level Politics - Question 4 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 4
4. (a) State three factors that influence the timing of a general election. (b) Explain three differences between direct and representative democracy.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:4. (a) State three factors that influence the timing of a general election - Edexcel - A-Level Politics - Question 4 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
State three factors that influence the timing of a general election.
Answer
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Fixed Term Parliaments Act: The timing of a general election is primarily governed by the Fixed Term Parliaments Act, which sets a 5-year cycle for elections.
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Vote of No Confidence: If the incumbent government loses a vote of no confidence, it can trigger a general election under the provisions of the Act.
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Political Crises or Conflicts: National crises, such as wars or significant political turmoil, can delay the calling of a general election.
Step 2
Explain three differences between direct and representative democracy.
Answer
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Decision-Making Process: In a direct democracy, citizens participate directly in decision-making, voting on laws and policies themselves. In contrast, representative democracy involves citizens electing representatives to make those decisions on their behalf.
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Scale of Governance: Direct democracy is more feasible in smaller communities or organizations where every member can weigh in. Representative democracy is necessary in larger societies where it would be impractical for all citizens to vote on every issue.
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Accountability: In representative democracy, elected officials are accountable to their constituents and can be voted out if they do not fulfill their campaign promises. In a direct democracy, accountability is collective and may be less clearly defined since decisions are made by the populace rather than by specific individuals.