DEMOCRACY IN THE UK

The UK can be said to be democratic in that it has:  Free and Fair Elections  Representative institutions – Parliament  Free press and media  Rule of Law  Pluralistic party system operating freely  Freedom for Pressure Groups  Little political corruption  Permanent civil service which is impartial

The UK can be said to be undemocratic in that it has:  An unfair electoral system which leaves large numbers unrepresented  Many unelected people in positions of power  Over-strong executive, at expense of Parliament  No Bill of Rights  Hereditary monarchy  Prime Minister able to use royal prerogative  Unelected second chamber

In Sum:  The UK operates a liberal democratic system, but with too few checks on the power of an executive that can still draw authority from an ancient royal prerogrative.  Suggested reforms could include the production of a written constitution; a change in the electoral system; and more frequent use of referendums.

Referendums in the UK  Have been used infrequently  Mainly on issues of constitutional importance, such as Europe or Devolution  Since 1975, there have been only 5 referendums in the UK.

Arguments in favour of referendums include:  They increase democratic participation  Can act as a check on ‘elective dictatorship’  Are a device for resolving controversial issues, and providing unity  Help to ‘reconnect’ people with the political process  Can use traditional ballot boxes as well as electronic media for operation.

Arguments against referendums include:  Undermines doctrine of parliamentary sovereignty  Over-simplifies important issues – many cannot be subjected to yes/no questions  Possible bias in questions asked  Timing of referendums can be manipulated by ruling party  Over-use could result in voter apathy  Many voters may not properly understand complex issues

To conclude:  Referendums could, if used carefully, enhance the level of democratic participation in the UK  However, the balance of judgment is likely to be in favour of retaining the principles of a representative democracy, and reforming some of its mechanisms, such as the electoral system, the checks on the executive, and constitutional clarity.