In the SNP, there was division between those who saw devolution as a stepping stone to independence and those who feared it might actually detract from that ultimate goal. [10] The resignation of Harold Wilson brought James Callaghan to power, however his small majority was eroded with several by-election losses and the government became increasingly unpopular during the Winter of Discontent, although an arrangement was negotiated in 1977 with the Liberals known as the Lib-Lab pact and a succession of deals with the Scottish National Party and Plaid Cymru to hold referendums on devolution in exchange for their support, had helped to prolong the government's
Some say a dictatorship is better because the people don’t know what is and isn’t good for them. Others might claim that a democracy isn’t necessarily the better option because there could be a lot hidden between the lines that people vote for without a second through. Both can be abused, and both can be
The question put to the electorate was “do you think the U.K. should stay in the E.C. ?” The government argued that such an important decision, with such major constitutional repercussions, should on principle be put to the general populace for a decision. However, undermining this, the government had previously joined the European Community in 1973 without a referendum. This referendum is more generally seen therefore as a device to avoid a split in a labour government on the issue of the E.C. than as being motivated by principles of direct democracy.
On the other hand, the wording could be too complex for the general citizen to understand causing confusion and a misinterpretation of the question, resulting in a the electorate feeling intimidated and voting just to get it over with and not actually putting thought into the decision. For example, in the 1998 referendum on the Devolution of Northern Ireland, the question posed language like 'Multi Party talks' and Command Paper 3883' which the average citizen would not know and find pressuring. Or the wording of the question could put the electorate off voting for the referendum resulting in a low turnout. This is harmful to democracy as the confusing wording of the question could dismay the electorate and they could not know what they are voting for until the legislature has
This was then followed by The Great Reform Act of 1832, where they introduced a system for the election of MP's, by the 20th century Britain had its separate parties.Then in 1945 the first truly modern election manifesto appeared with a clear program of reform and thus made representation farer. For representative democracy, each MP represents a constituency (incluiding N.Ireland and Scotland) they are expected to represent the interests of the constituency and make its constituents feel like they will be listened to and f needed solve their problems. An MP does not have to be part of a party therefore can have its own ideas on what is best for its constituents and can also use Burkean representation (expect to also use own judgement of best interests of its constituents, he should not be expected to follow instructions of those who elected him). If an MP is part of a party, they can retain independence within the party sturcture as for example in the 19th century, this was described as the 'golden age of the British MP' in doing so, they influenced over government policy. In certain
The more liberal section of the party hold views in more environmental protection and those who seek to modernise the party, which was Cameron’s initiative, by promoting strong social justice. The Party are in conflict over the European Union, pro-union Tories are in conflict with the Euro- sceptics in the party over whether to call an in-out referendum, a division which has been continually worsening over the years leading to conservative MP’s defecting from the Conservatives to UKIP, for example Douglas Carswell defected to UKIP after saying he didn’t feel David Cameron ‘was serious about the change we need’
The important things today are which party has at the moment the right promises for the single voter and which party is better in delivering policy goals. To conclude I would say that neither Partisan Alignment nor party allegiance related to class is what convinces the electorate of the presence. For sure both of these factors are still there in the voting behavior of the United Kingdom but very rare. The modern, educated and open-minded voters do not want to be related to a party because of their social class, they want to decide completely uninfluenced by social factors which party they vote
Handing over the responsibility of making and amending laws to politically inept i.e. the general public is generally not advised. It is misguided to assume that all people are rational enough to choose the decision that is best for them. Most people tend to vote on issues based on their emotional response to them, charismatic campaigns and the opinion of the masses. The results of the referendum will therefore not be based on individual opinion and defeats the whole point of having
I have produced an introduction and some paragraphs for this question which should be helpful in providing you with a guide to the correct approach in essay-type questions. In particular, note the importance of linking the arguments to the wording of the questions and maintaining an objective approach, with supporting evidence. To what extent is the UK a genuine democracy? In assessing whether or not the UK is a genuine democracy, it is important, at the outset, to consider what is meant by democracy and the criteria which need to be met in order to regard a country as being genuinely democratic. Democracy may be defined as a political system in which people exercise power over the decisions which affect their lives.
Where there is a need for an established system of government, it will likely be established whether or not, it has the consent of the people. An individual or group of individuals may take and maintain power by the use of coercive force. From history we can see that this is the usual way by which power is gained, and maintained. However, it has long been understood that people might come together and agree to put someone in power. The process is that groups have to choose a leader.