1. Political representation and democracy
This session will develop your understanding of:
What is meant by democracy
The role of manifestos, mandates and referendums in a democratic system
The main levels of government in the UK and their responsibilities

2. What is democracy?
Originated in ancient Athens
Athenian democracy was direct democracy ie all citizens could participate directly in decision making
Why might this type of democracy be difficult to achieve in a country like the UK?
The Landesgemeinde of a Swiss canton. All citizens have a right to attend and vote on decisions.

3. What is democracy? The House of Commons of the UK Parliament.
Modern style of democracy gradually developed in modern Europe following French Revolution
Most modern democracies are representative democracies
Citizens elect representatives in elections to make decisions on their behalf
The House of Commons of the UK Parliament.
Who represents us in the House of Commons?

4. Manifestos and mandates
In a representative democracy representatives (eg MPs) are generally expected to present their policies to the electorate in the form of a manifesto.
Think of one example of a policy which a party might include in its manifesto.
The party which wins the majority of seats usually forms the government and can claim to have a mandate to implement the policies set out in the their manifesto.

5. Referendums
Occasionally the government consults ordinary citizens over very important decisions in a referendum where all voters are given a chance to vote on an issue.
Examples include the decision to enter the European Community in 1975 and the setting up of devolved government in Scotland and Wales in 1997.
Some people have argued that a referendum should be held on the new European constitution.

6. Referendums
Working in a small group think of arguments for and against making more use of referendums to take political decisions in the UK.
List your points on a sheet of paper.

7. Should the government make more use of referendums to make political decisions?
Against
For
Allows citizens to directly have a say in decision making
Voting in elections only allows people to decide on broad party policies . Referendums allow say in specific issues .
Some decisions are too important to be left to politicians eg constitutional changes such as devolution and membership of EU
Costly and bureaucratic to organise.
Voters may be influenced by how the question on the ballot paper in worded.
Voters and often ill informed on issues so better left to politicians who have access to a wider range of information

8. Levels of government
European Union – Council of Ministers, European Commission, European Parliament
National government – Parliament (Commons and Lords)
Regional and devolved government – Scottish Parliament, Welsh Assembly, Northern Ireland Assembly, Regional assemblies
Local government – County/Metropolitan councils, District/borough/city councils, town/parish councils

9. Levels of government
Research what role each level of government plays in governing the UK.
How do representatives get elected or appointed?
What powers does each level of government have?