Unit 1: Essay question and mark scheme

Evaluate the effectiveness of the various ways in which participation and democracy could be strengthened in the UK. (25 Marks - 2/3 sides of A4)

Democracy and participation could be strengthened by the following methods:

• The introduction of compulsory voting for all citizens. This automatically
increases participation levels and makes the elected representatives more
accurately reflective and thus advanced democratic legitimacy. However to
force someone to make a choice and vote may be unreal, there may be no real
choice for them. Many former regimes cited turnout in the high 90% but the
choice on offer was false.

• Reducing the voting age to 16. Here it is argued that matching the voting age to
other ‘maturation’ levels is just and fair. It will develop political engagement
and prevent frustration. The counter position notes that at 16 young adults are
still not experienced enough to make that choice.

• The greater use of referendums. As a means of direct democracy this instantly
advance legitimacy to decisions. However the public can soon tire of
referendums and their creation may reflect government drives as opposed to
democratic advancement.

• The use of initiatives and the process of recall. It is argued that this would
invigorate life into politics and add democratic power to the public. Opposition
hints that this creates political instability where a sensitive and scheming media
may really create puppets out of the electorate.

• The introduction of more electronic technology to aid participation. This makes
both the process of voting easier and the scope of participation levels to be
more accurate, swift and expansive. Opponents hint that this may simply
alienate the public further and set them akin to a frivolous TV vote show as
opposed to a major life changing decision.

• A change to the voting system for Westminster elections. On the one hand this
could revitalise politics especially at Westminster if PR were to be introduced, it
would make citizens feel that their vote was equal and counted. However there
is no agreed electoral system that commands universal approval. In addition
where PR has been introduced it has not especially delivered increased level of
participation.

• Increased provision of political education. It is argued if the public in school and
beyond were allowed greater levels of political education then levels of
participation would increase as people both valued and understood the political
process.

• Constitutional reform by governmental structure may improve both participation
and democracy – the House of Lords reform may be cited.