Unit 1: Democracy (direct & indirect) and participation

Democracy explained. Topics include: Direct democracy Indirect democracy Participation Representative democracy Liberal Democracy

Unit 1- Democracy and Participation from mattbentley34

You should be able to link the above to key words like; legitimacy, consent,

Unit 1: Past Question on power, authority and legitimacy

Sorry for the delay, here is the questions I want you to complete at home. Remember, the 5 mark question should be no longer than half a side of A4, the 15 mark question a side of A4.

Distinguish, with examples, between power and authority. (5 marks)

How is legitimacy maintained in the UK political system? (15 marks)

Unit 1: What is Government?

Author and journalist Danny Wallace takes a light-hearted look at the system of governance in the UK.

Unit 1 - Exam Answer

Q What is legitimacy? (5 Marks)

A

Legitimacy means rightfulness. As such it can be seen as an approval term which may sanction political behaviour or conduct. • Legitimacy confers authority on an action, institution or political system. As such it distinguishes between power and authority, authority being power cloaked in legitimacy. • Political legitimacy stems from two sources. Firstly it arises from below, through the consent of the public, usually provided by regular and competitive elections. For example the results of an election may extend legitimacy to a new government, basing their mandate on the content of a successful manifesto. • Second it is based on rule-governed behaviour, in this case achieved through the existence of a constitution. For instance the former PM Gordon Brown initially claimed legitimacy to continue as PM after the last general election results as the constitution conferred the legitimacy to stay in post until the time a new government could be formed with Nick Clegg and David Cameron. • Legitimacy is associated with political stability and order, by contrast, regimes which are seen as illegitimate tend to foster instability and disorder.

AO1

Knowledge and understanding

• 2 marks for each aspect of terms accurately identified

• Up to 3 marks for a more detailed or developed description of the term depicting comprehensive knowledge and understanding.

Power, Authority & Legitimacy

Click here to access a presentation on the first concepts we study in umit one, Government & Politics.