Democracy & Participation (Edexcel A Level Politics): Exam Questions

Chloe Smith

Our democracy is highly regarded as it provides genuine political debate and offers real choice to the electorate. It is a system so healthy that the people can and do regularly remove governments and elect new ones who then deliver radical change. Our democracy ensures clear accountability of our elected representatives. It protects rights, develops responsibility, encourages trade, and promotes tolerance. Our democracy has produced stability and consensus. Stability given that there is no demand for a change in the system and consensus in that disputes are settled by agreement. It builds a bond of trust in the institutions and our method of government. Our elections function perfectly well in being free, fair, and open. In particular we have a free media which can and does hold governments to account. Our democracy is strong, it is not in deficit.

Unlock Democracy

Democracy in the UK is in danger. There is a clear democratic deficit which emerges. The UK has a problem of legitimacy as governments are elected on minority votes, as are many MPs in their constituencies. The current system used to elect our MPs is broken and unfair. It must be replaced by a system of proportional representation which more accurately reflects how the country voted. Those who are elected need to be held more accountable. Politicians have too much power over individual rights, and they erode them at will. Greater protection is required. Furthermore, voters are disengaged from politics which creates a participation crisis. Ordinary people must become more involved in decisions and events which affect them: only then will real democracy be created. The UK must urgently reform the current democratic system.

Source 2

Dear Editor,

In the 2017 General Election both Conservative and Labour parties made explicit manifesto commitments. MPs should always obey the policies in their party’s manifesto, and not vote against them. They are trustees of political parties and should follow the policies on which they stood. MPs should faithfully represent the constituents who elected them. Our democracy relies on clear manifestos, one of which is converted by the winning party into a legitimate mandate for government. MPs are also expected to implement the outcomes of referendums.

Dear Editor,

Manifesto promises and referendum decisions should be subject to change when facts or public opinion change. Democracy is bigger than any mandate, manifesto or referendum. Edmund Burke in 1774 told his electors in Bristol: ‘Your representative owes you, not his industry only, but his judgment; and he betrays, instead of serving you, if he sacrifices it to your opinion.’ Democracy must mean that MPs are free to change their minds. MPs can or do swap parties or change allegiances. On certain issues they have a right to vote according to their conscience. Political parties have had too much power for too long and democracy should allow greater freedom.