Introduction to Democracy and Participation in UK Politics

Overview

• Introduction to the concept of democracy and participation.
• Focus on the history and types of democracy.
• Detailed discussion on two specific types: direct democracy and representative democracy.

Definition of Democracy

• Democracy: Rule by the people or power to the people.
  • Originates from Greek word 'democratic' meaning people power.
  • Traces back to ancient Athens.
  • A democratic system allows citizens to have a say in political institutions.

Characteristics of Democratic Systems

• Citizens choose politicians who make binding decisions.
• Countries viewed as undemocratic: former USSR, Nazi Germany, North Korea.

Types of Democracy

Representative Democracy

• Citizens elect representatives to make laws on their behalf.

Parliamentary Democracy

• The executive is part of the government and drawn from an elected legislature.

Majoritarian Democracy

• Government is based on majority support in a given territory.

Direct Democracy

• Citizens have direct input in decision-making.
  • Originated from ancient Athens.
  • Only "freemen" participated historically, excluding slaves and women.
• Examples: Town hall meetings in New England, USA, and referenda.

Interweaving of Democracies

• Different types of democracies can overlap.
  • E.g., Representative democracy can be both parliamentary and majoritarian.
• Direct democracy is often considered separate.

Challenges of Direct Democracy

• Seen as the purest form but difficult to implement in larger populations.
• Coordination and decision-making is complex for large populations like the UK (60+ million citizens).
• Practicality issues for citizens with daily jobs.

Representative Democracy in Detail

• Elect representatives to make legislative decisions on behalf of citizens.
• Edmund Burke Quote (1774): "Your representative owes you not his industry but only his judgement."
  • Reflects the Burkean view of representative democracy.

Discussion Question

• Is direct democracy compatible with representative democracy?
  • Evaluate if they can integrate into a greater whole or should remain distinct.