Introduction

In this topic, you will consider the features of representative democracy and direct democracy in the UK, the similarities and differences between them and their advantages and disadvantages. You will look at the case for reform of the UK democratic system, including the contention that the UK suffers from a democratic deficit and/or a crisis of participation.

For a broad introduction to the topic, watch the following Pre-Chewed Politics lesson video in the Democracy and Participation section:

- 1. What is Democracy?

WATCH – Democracy and Participation Video 1 (Pre-Chewed Politics)

You might also find it helpful to watch this short MASSOLIT lecture on the concept of democracy:

WATCH – UK Politics – How Democratic is the UK? 1. What is Democracy? (MASSOLIT)

Read and Make Notes

Read pages 2 to 9 of Colclough and make notes.

Tasks

Watch the following Pre-Chewed Politics lesson videos and complete the associated worksheets:
- 2. How do we use Direct Democracy in the UK?
- 3. How does Representative Democracy Work in the UK?

WATCH – Democracy and Participation Video 2 and Video 3 (Pre-Chewed Politics)

Watch this video contrasting direct and representative democracy and make brief notes.

WATCH – Contrasting Direct and Representative Democracy (YouTube)

Read this essay and summarise the arguments for and against there being a democratic deficit in the UK.

READ – Is there a Democratic Deficit in the UK? (ALevelPolitics.com)

Watch the following Pre-Chewed Politics lesson video and complete the associated worksheet:
- 4. Is the UK Experiencing a Participation Crisis?

WATCH – Democracy and Participation Video 4 (Pre-Chewed Politics)

Read the ‘Pause & Reflect’ box at the bottom of page 7 of Colclough. Make brief notes on the evidence that supports both views given here, i.e.:
- There is a crisis of participation in the UK.
- There is a change in the way that people participate in politics in the UK.
Watch the following Pre-Chewed Politics lesson video and complete the associated worksheet:
- 6. How Could Participation and Democracy be Improved In the UK?

WATCH – Democracy and Participation Video 6 (Pre-Chewed Politics)

Case Studies

Read this Pre-Chewed Politics case study on voter turnout in recent elections.

READ – Has Turnout at Recent Elections Been Both Higher and Lower than Previously Thought? (Pre-Chewed Politics)

Wider Reading and Research

If you would like to explore the issue of participation further, watch the following MASSOLIT lecture:

WATCH – UK Politics – How Democratic is the UK? 2. Participation (MASSOLIT)

If you want to go beyond the specification and think about the nature of the UK as a Liberal Democracy, you might also want to watch the following Pre-Chewed Politics video and complete the associated worksheet:
- 5. Is the UK a Liberal Democracy?

WATCH – Democracy and Participation Video 5 (Pre-Chewed Politics)