Types of Democracy
Individuals express their opinions themselves. For example, the 'Brexit' referendum in 2016.
What is direct democracy?
A type of electoral system, sometimes known as a plurality system, where the candidate with the largest number of votes is elected.
Victory is achieved by having at least one more vote than other contenders.
What is first-past-the-post?
Arguably, the key core value of conservatism, it rejects theory and ideology in favour of practical experience.
What is pragmatism?
Rights that all humans have by virtue of being born, which cannot be taken away.
What is foundational equality?
"The life of man, solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short." – Leviathan (1651)
Who is Thomas Hobbes?
Hobbes argued that without a strong state (the “Leviathan”) to enforce order, humans would fall into violent conflict in the “state of nature.” This supports his case for absolute authority.
A type of democracy where people choose a person (or political party) to act on their behalf.
What is representative democracy?
An electoral system where the electorate number their choices preferentially: 1, 2, 3 etc. In order to be elected, a candidate must reach a quota.
What is single transferable vote (STV)?
The French phrase that encapsulates the idea that nobility and privilege bring with them social responsibilities, notably the duty and obligation to care for those less fortunate.
What is noblesse oblige?
An unofficial agreement shared by everyone in a society in which they give up some freedom in return for security.
What is social contract?
"Where there is no law, there is no freedom." – Two Treatises of Government (1689)
Who is John Locke?
Locke saw laws not as restrictions but as safeguards of liberty. He linked legitimate government to protecting natural rights (life, liberty, and property).
Citizens are more active and engaged in decision making (feature/advantage of)
What is a feature/advantage of direct democracy?
A hybrid electoral system in which the voter makes two choices.
Firstly, the voter selects a representative on a simple plurality (first past the post) system, then a second vote is apportioned to a party list for a second or 'additional' representative.
What is addtional member system (AMS)?
Conservatives have a pessimistic view of human nature, arguing that people are flawed and incapable of reaching a state of perfection.
What is human imperfection?
The theory that people created the state to serve them and act in their interests.
What is mechanistic theory?
“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing,” the alleged quote reads.
Who is Edmund Burke?
Burke, a conservative, emphasised duty, tradition, and gradual reform over revolution. Even if this exact phrasing is disputed, it reflects his belief in moral responsibility and active citizenship.
Citizens pass their authority to members of parliament (feature of)
What is a feature of representative democracy?
A government that takes office but does not have a majority of seats in parliament, it makes passing legislation very difficult.
What is a minority government?
The conservative belief that society is naturally organised in fixed and unequal tiers, where one's social position or status is not based on individual ability.
What is hierachy?
A society organised on the basis that success is based on ability, merit and hard work.
What is meritocracy?
"If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants." – Letter to Robert Hooke (1675)
Who is Sir Isaac Newton?
Newton acknowledged his scientific breakthroughs were built upon earlier thinkers. This reflects Enlightenment ideas of progress through cumulative knowledge.
A type of democracy in which a government makes decisions as a result of the interplay of various ideas and contrasting arguments from competing groups and organisations.
What is a pluralist democracy?
The second UK-wide referendum held in May proposed a change to the UK General Election voting system.
42% of UK citizens took part, 67.9% of whom voted 'No'. As a result, it was rejected by parliament two months later.
What is the Alternative Vote Referendum (2011)?
The idea that society should adapt to changing circumstances by introducing moderate reforms, rather than reject change outright and risk rebellion or revolution.
What is change to conserve?
An 18th-century intellectual movement that rejected traditional social, political and religious ideas, and stressed the power of reason and the importance of tolerance and freedom from tyranny.
Thinkers who were influenced by this movement believed in abolishing traditional restrictions on the freedom of the individual, whether these were imposed by government or the church.
What is the Age of Enlightenment?
"An ounce of action is worth a ton of theory." – Letter to Marx (1851)
Who is Friedrich Engels?
Engels reinforced Marx’s view that practical struggle and revolution are more important than endless theorising. It highlights the activist side of Marxism.