Key Question 2: Does Democracy Work? Revision

The word come from the Greek words demos meaning ‘the people’. Democracy The word come from the Greek words demos meaning ‘the people’. Kratos meaning ‘rule’ Therefore Democracy means ‘Rule for the people by the people’ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OuY-DVsU4BY

Types of Democracy There are different forms of Democracy: Direct - People make decisions for themselves Representative democracy - Politicians make these decisions on our behalf.

Definition of Democracy “A political system in which the supreme power lies in a body of citizens who can elect people to represent them.” (Kid.net au) “Parliamentary democracy, democratic form of government in which the party ( or coalition of parties) with the greatest representation in the parliament forms the government It’s leader becoming the prime minister . The parties in the minority serve in opposition to the majority and have a duty to challenge it regularly.” (britannica.com)

Arguments for democracy include: It increases participation in politics It raises awareness and informs the public Decisions are seen to be more legitimate Direct democracy is a pure form of democracy

Arguments against direct democracy include: Involvement in the decision making process is impossible for the large majority of citizens. Direct involvement in the political process would slow down politics and would potentially damage democracy The problems for referendums include the lack of technical knowledge on the part of citizens that limits their ability to take informed decisions Democratic legitimacy of referendums may be questioned if public are not presented with a balanced view of the issue The influence of the media and of other business interests may be cited in respect of both referendums and more direct involvement in the political process The potential conflict that may arise out of direct decisions being reached differing from the views of those democratically elected to govern

A government ruled by a king, queen, emperor or empress. Monarchy A government ruled by a king, queen, emperor or empress.

Dictatorship A country ruled by a single leader. The leader has not been elected and may use force to keep control.

Autocracy Government by a single person having unlimited power; despotism (domination through threat of punishment and violence).

Communism The government owns property such as businesses and farms and provides its people's healthcare, education and welfare.

A situation where there is no government. Anarchy A situation where there is no government.

The ruling group that forms when a government is overthrown by force. Revolutionary The ruling group that forms when a government is overthrown by force.

Oligarchy A government in which a few people such as a dominant clan or clique have power.

Totalitarian country with only one political party People are forced to do what the government tells them and may also be prevented from leaving the country.

UK case study- Political Parties

Political Parties The Conservative Party is a centre-right political party in the United Kingdom that adheres to the philosophies of conservatism. It believes in the maintenance of traditional institutions and supports. Some conservatives seek to preserve things as they are, emphasizing stability and continuity The Liberal Democrats are a social liberal political party in the United Kingdom. Formed in 1988 by a merger of the Liberal Party and the Social Democratic Party. The Liberal Democrats support social liberalism, constitutional and electoral reform, progressive taxation and civil liberties

Political Parties UK Independence party – Rights Wing party. The Labour Party is a centre-left democratic socialist political party in the United Kingdom. The Labour Party is a member of the Socialist International. • social justice  • strong community and strong values  • reward for hard work  • decency  • rights matched by responsibilities UK Independence party – Rights Wing party. Founded in 1993 Principles: Against Britain's membership in the EU; Anti-immigration; Skeptical of climates change; Anti- Gay Marriage; Opposed to multiculturalism; it would like to bring back smoking in pubs; would like to end ‘political correctness.’ A call to brining back ‘British values’

USA case study- Political Parties

Political Parties The Democrats believe in modern liberalism Promotes social and economic quality and welfare state It pursues a mixed economy by providing government intervention and regulation in the economy Promotes social programs, support for labour unions, moves towards universal health care and equal opportunity. The Republicans believe in American conservatism Support for free markets, capitalism, free enterprise and business A strong national defense, restrictions on labour unions, social-conservative policies and traditional values.

Who are the suffragettes and why are they important?

What is a Suffragette? A suffragette is a woman who fought for the right to vote in political elections. The Suffragette movement happened in the late 19th Century to the early 20th Century.

What started the Suffragette Movement? In the 19th Century, woman had very little rights. They had to look after their home and care for their children whilst their husbands were at work. Women could not: Vote Fight in the war Keep the money she earned Go to university Wear trousers!

Women had fought for the right to vote before Women had fought for the right to vote before. However, these attempts had failed . But this time, it was different.

Why is Emmeline Pankhurst so important? She became angry about women’s lack of rights. With her two daughters, she formed the Women’s Social and Political Union in 1903. This became a very popular group and gained thousands of members. She wasn’t afraid to use violence to get her way!

The Suffragette were violent? Really? Yes! The Suffragettes were determined and used a number of violent methods to get their demands listened to. What kind of things do you think they did?

They broke the all shop windows in Oxford Street and vandalized buildings.

They burned down Churches if they didn’t support women’s rights!

They chained themselves to the railings of Buckingham Palace!

Many Suffragettes were arrested (including Emmeline Pankhurst).

While in prison, many suffragettes went on hunger strike and had to be force fed. Why do you think they were force fed?