Supporters would argue that referendums should be used in the UK. This is for many reasons, such as allowing the public to have control over decision making. In doing so, making that decision is far more representative because it would be the popular choice, therefore making it far more legitimate. Also, because they’re secret ballots it means the voters can be non-partisan furthermore granting the final outcome to be a more justifiable choice due to f the vast amount of voters. In addition, referendums are a form of direct democracy, consequently giving the public control over decision making.
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
Due to the increasing presidential style of recent prime ministers and the party loyalty of the executive one can consider Parliament’s control of executive power minimal. However, due to the development of independent bodies surrounding Select Committees and the delaying of legislation by the House of Lords it can still be argued to be effective. The government usually has an overall majority. This is due to our voting system of FPTP which gives preference to the two main parties, normally giving them majorities (and increasingly large ones) as opposed to coalitions and minority governments which are produced through other voting systems such as AV in Scotland and Wales. Although we are currently in a coalition the government still has a majority through the combination of Conservatives and Liberal Democrats.
In addition, the elections are held at regular intervals, which ensures that the representatives are accountable to the electorate. Furthermore, there is a pluralistic system which means that the electorate have a choice of candidates and political parties, regarded as an essential element of a genuine democracy. For example, in the General Election of May, 2010, the UK electorate had the opportunity to vote for candidates from minority parties, such as the Greens and UKIP, as well as the major parties such as Labour, Conservative and
This is when a minister has to publically support the party’s policies and have to vote with the party or they get fired. There are many reasons for the backbenchers to vote for the party policies, the first is the loyalty of the backbenchers. Many MP’s are loyal to the party for the simple reason they joined the party as they agree with most of the policies. However, they are mainly loyal to the party as if they have a good track record with the party and voting for it then they may get a promotion to a ministerial job. However, even if backbenchers are
Referendums were used this way in the 1998 London referendum on whether to adopt an elected mayor. Using referendums in these ways allows for participation from the people, therefore wider use of them could be said to increase legitimacy since the decisions are made by the people instead of by a government which may have had less public support. Referendums are a form of direct democracy, used besides the UKs
Congress Versus Parliament * The U.S. along has a congress, while Great Britain has a parliament. * Differences affect two important aspects of lawmaking bodies: how one becomes a member and what one does as a member. * A person becomes a member of parliament by persuading a political party to put his or her name on the ballot. Made up of people loyal to the national party leadership who meet to debate and vote on party issues. * A person becomes a candidate
d. Informal powers of the President can contribute to an advantage over Congress because he will be able to persuade the public or persuade congress by negotiations and support. 2a. Litigation is the act or process of bringing about or contesting a lawsuit or all lawsuits collectively. An interest group would choose this technique because their success establishes a firm precedent. Campaign contributions can provide financial resources and can help buy a candidate’s loyalty or support.
To Vote or Not to Vote? Americans elect their senators and representatives. This direct link between the legislature and the people is a very important part of our democracy. Should Congress, then, reflect the will of the people? Or should they pay attention to their own points of view, even if they disagree with their constituents?
1. Explain who decides what will be decided. The justice of Supreme Court is said to have powers in matters like issues involving abortion, women rights, crime laws, military tribunals etc. American president’s election was also decided by court. But in recent years the awareness in people on social and political issues with the help of mass media has helped the people to become the deciders.