[Unit 1 May 2014] Answers

Unit One – People and Politics

May 2014

UMS: 100/100

Tamanna Jahan Moushumi

Outline two ways other than voting in elections and referendums, in which people can participate in politics (5)

People can participate in politics through signing an e-petition for changes to occur. Participation through signing an e-petition presents the support from an individual to a cause of importance which results in parliamentary debate. The signing of the Female Genital Mutilation e-petition enabled people to participate in politics, expressing concern over the sensitive issue. Another way people can participate in politics is through joining a pressure group. This can be done through active membership where members join in physically, writing petitions, letters and encouraging others to support the cause, or by chequebook membership where members give an amount of money to a pressure group to help them in their funds, to put forward in the most useful way. Both methods of membership in a pressure group are valid forms of participation.

Explain three criticisms that have been made of referendums (10)

Referendums have been criticised in recent years to be a reflection of those in power rather than the issue at hand. The 2011 Alternative Vote referendum proved that the rejection of AV was due to the dissatisfaction from the electorate towards Nick Clegg who had pushed for the referendum, as a result of his party defying the terms of his manifesto and agreeing to tuition fees. Arguably, referendums are an opinion poll for the attitudes of the electorate rather than the electorate dealing with the issue at hand.

Referendums have often been argued to deal with issues that the public have no interest in; referendums that are duly rejected are often due to the lack of advantages that the referendum presents. The elected Mayors referendum in 2011 proved no interest for electing mayors in English cities.

Referendums often deal with issues that are too complex for the electorate to understand. The referendums held on devolution in 1997-1998 proved difficult to understand having dealt with complex issues. Similarly, the referendum on AV proved difficult for many voters to understand. The main reason why they considered it an opinion poll to shun the Liberal Democrat Party rather than dealing with the issue of Alternative Vote/electoral reform as the referendum asked.

Assess the strengths of representative democracy as it operates in the UK. (25)

Representative democracy in the UK is elected MPs, Peers, parties and pressure groups effectively mobilising the views in the best interests of the country. A representative democracy is arguably government Representative democracy in the UK is elected MPs, Peers, parties and pressure groups effectively mobilising the views in the best interests of the country. A representative democracy is arguably government for the people where citizens interests are at the focal point of representative’s minds. Representative democracy has been able to flourish in recent years as elected individuals who make decisions are arguably more knowledgeable than the electorate
themselves. There is a greater sense of accountability to elected individuals to the public and more responsibility taken by those in power to protect the interests of the people by limiting the power of the government. Arguably, the question posed is of popular interest today as Britain has been described as a largely consultative democracy.

A representative democracy is advantageous compared to a direct democracy as elected MPs are of sufficient educational backgrounds and are more superior in knowledge at making the most effective decisions. Arguably the elected MPs are the reason that a representative democracy flourishes with the elected MPs superseding the knowledge of the public. However, it could be argued that MPs have the interest of toeing the party line, or even acting in their own interests rather than the constituent’s interests. Nevertheless, MPs are learned individuals who would make the correct decisions with the interests of their party, their constituency and themselves, effectively fulfilling the role of an MP.
The government within a representative democracy is advantageous as it is held to account for its actions. Arguably, this poses as the best feature of a representative democracy, with the rest of the government and the public effectively scrutinising the actions of the representative individuals. The Prime Minister is best held to account through sessions such as Prime Ministers Question Time, which occurs on a weekly basis. This is more effective than a direct democracy, as the actions of the public are not held to account at all. The public are free to make decisions (which are not necessarily the most intelligent decisions) without the fear of scrutiny. Arguably, this is a negative aspect of a direct democracy which gives the public the opportunity to vote or become potentially politically extremist as a result. Accountability ensures that parties and MPs toe the party line and at in the interests of the constituents.

The Lords are another integral element of a representative democracy. The peers sit in the Lords, coming from a wide range of academic backgrounds. This ensures the interests of society are maintained in the democracy. The Lords have the role of being the guardian of the doctrine of the mandate –this is a particularly important function of a representative democracy that the government carries out and doesn’t stray from its manifesto aims and promises. Arguably the Lords are underrepresented by workers and have a low representation of ethnic minorities (4%) and women (21%). It could be argued that in a representative democracy, there is not adequate representation in the Lords of minorities. However, measures have been undertaken to improve the democracy of the Lords to maintain an effective representative democracy. The removal of all but 92 hereditary peers has ensured that the majority of Lords are selected on merit rather than hereditary gain. There has also been talks of creating the Lords into another elected chamber making the Lords more arguably democratic in the way they are selected.

In conclusion, a representative democracy operates in the UK for the benefits and interests of the people. Arguably, this presents the strongest form of democracy as representatives take into consideration the views of the people and make decisions from years of education and interest in politics.

Outline two functions of elections (5)

Elections have the function of selecting a new government through the election of MPs. In General Elections, the outcome of an election also presents the attitudes of the electorate on the outgoing
government. Not retaining office suggests a move away from the political party/parties and an expressed dissatisfaction for the party not to reflect them again. Elections have an educating function informing the voting electorate on how politics functions and enabling active participation by voting in elections. With elections, electioneering becomes an integral feature of parties and candidates effectively gaining support to win in an election.

Explain the workings of three electoral systems used in the UK (10)

STV is used in Northern Ireland. Voting is preferential, with voters having the opportunity to select as many candidates as they wish, in order of preference. Candidates must achieve a droop quota to become elected. Those who can achieve the quota on first preference votes alone are elected, and their second and subsequent votes are redistributed to the other candidates. This continues until all the positions are filled or no more candidates can meet the quota.

FPTP is used in Westminster Parliament to elect MPs. Voters have a single vote. Candidates must achieve the most votes to become elected, as FPTP uses a system of plurality. This suggests that the most votes are required rather than an overall majority.

The system of AMS is used in Scotland and Wales. AMS is a hybrid system of both FPTP 2/3 and Regional List 1/3. Voters get two votes; one for constituency (elected through FPTP) and one for a party (through regional list). Candidates who do well under FPTP have their Regional List votes adjusted downwards. Candidates who perform poorly under Regional List have their constituency votes adjusted upwards. Effectively, this gives the best element of representation to smaller parties which could effectively be wiped out by the FPTP system alone (Green Party in Scotland) and rely on Regional List solely to get seats.

Assess the advantages of the various electoral systems used in the UK. (25)

The electoral systems used across the UK help enhance representation in the different parts of the United Kingdom. STV, used in Northern Ireland, helps reflect the fragmented political and religious views; AMS gives minor party representation, effectively diminishing two party politics; FPTP produces the strongest possible governments and regional list gives representation to the most minor and obscure parties. Arguably, the advantages of electoral systems are considered as the government has proposed a reformation of the electoral system which was rejected by the 2011 AV referendum. The strengths of each electoral system is considered as some governments and devolved assemblies have weaker governments at the detriment of a fair representation of parties.

STV used in Northern Ireland effectively gives the representation of four parties that contrast both Unionist and nationalistic views. The UUP and the ULP are the Unionists in Northern Ireland whilst the SDLP and Sinn Fein represent the nationalists. The system of preferential voting gives voters more of a choice in their ballot, effectively giving them as many choices as they wish. However, STV requires candidates to meet a quota, which does become difficult for some smaller parties.

Nevertheless, through one candidate achieving a quota, their subsequent votes are redistributed to the other candidates making the system more democratic and attaining the least amount of wasted votes.
The system of AMS (used in Scotland and Wales) effectively gives an advantage to both minor and major parties, through the variable top up system. The regional list element which contributes to 1/3
of the system effectively increases the vote and supports those who do not perform as well as they can in constituency. Notably, in the 2011 Scottish Parliament elections, the SNP achieved an extra 22 seats through the variable top up which put them as the first party, effectively defeating Labour. The SNP won a majority with 53.5% of the seats. This suggests there is an effective use of conversion of seats due to the fusion of the two electoral systems. Similarly, the Green Party won two seats in the Scottish election through regional list; having won none under FPTP. The variable top up gave representation to one of the smallest parties that would not succeed under FPTP alone. However, the system of AMS has the disadvantage of the amount of votes not requiring a majority to get into government. Arguably, the SNP only won 44% of the vote and won over 50% of the seat, suggesting its disproportionality. However, in contrast, the use of FPTP alone proves undemocratic as only the most votes are needed so putting the proportional representation element into the system makes it more democratically accessible to smaller parties.

The use of FPTP provides Westminster with a typically strong single party government, with a strong constituency link between MPs and constituents. Strong concentrated support is required for a candidate to do well under FPTP and achieving the most votes gives constituencies such as East Ham, a stronghold for a particular party; Labour. Stephen TImms has the highest safe seat in Britain, with 70.4% of the popular vote, However, it could be argued that the use of FPTP is outdated, as the last general election in 2010 produced a hung parliament with a weak coalition government. Nevertheless, FPTP is a known electoral system that is simple to use and easily accessible with a single vote. The 2011 AV referendum proved no appetite for change suggesting it is an effective system for Westminster Parliament.

In conclusion, the systems used across the UK have their advantages relative to the geographic location supporting the use and effects of each system. Arguably, each is suited to its location and would not suit any other location. STV would prove ineffective in Britain as it would, produce multi party coalitions, AMS would not suit Britain as it would confuse voters with two votes. Conclusively, the electoral systems become effective as the advantages are relative to each system and location.