How democratic is the UK?

What is democracy? Democracy means ‘rule by the people’ or ‘people power’. The term has its origins in the Greek word dēmokratia; a union of dēmos (meaning ‘the people’) and kratos (meaning ‘power’). Democratic systems of government give citizens a say in choosing the politicians, and in some cases even the policies, that will shape their everyday lives.

What forms can democracy take? Pluralist democracy Liberal democracy Representative democracy vs direct democracy

Representative vs direct Representative democracy Direct democracy Citizens elect representatives who enact laws on their behalf. There is no obligation on the part of those elected to seek further approval from citizens before they introduce new policies. Representatives are held accountable through the ballot box at the next election. Citizens are afforded a direct input into the policy-making process. Seen in its purest form in ancient Athens. In Western democracies a degree of direct democracy is often achieved through the use of devices such as referendums and recalls.

Representative democracy in the UK Edmund Burke summed up what many see as the essence of representative democracy: ‘Your representative owes you not his industry only but his judgement…and he betrays you if he sacrifices it to your opinion.’ This Burkean view is that citizens elect individuals to represent them in a legislature and that such individuals are expected to represent the interests of their constituents until the following election. Crucially, however, they are not simply delegates sent with specific instructions or orders to follow.

The main features of UK democracy The existence of multi-level government where policies can be developed and implemented by those best placed to understand the needs of the people. A system of free and fair elections, incorporating a wide franchise and operating under a secret ballot. The protection of basic rights and liberties under the rule of law. The existence of a wide range of political parties and pressure groups, providing numerous avenues for political participation and representation.

Criticisms of democracy in the UK The use of the first-past-the-post system at general elections. The failure to properly reform Parliament. Low turnout and widespread disillusionment with traditional forms of participation. The rise of (often extreme) single-issue groups. The absence of a proper separation of powers and the tendency towards executive dominance. The transfer of government power away from elected bodies towards unelected agencies. The absence of a properly drafted bill of rights incorporated within a codified and entrenched constitution

Is UK democracy in crisis? ‘Yes’ The UK experienced historically low levels of turnout at the 2001 and 2005 General Elections. Lords Reform stalled after 1998 and significant reforms to the House of Commons have failed to materialise. There has been an erosion of civil liberties since the attacks in the USA on 9/11 (2001) and London on 7/7 (2005). Trust in politicians has declined in the wake of a series of scandals.

Is UK democracy in crisis? ‘No’ The removal of all but 92 of the 759 hereditary Peers. A better separation of powers in the wake of the Constitutional Reform Act (2005). The passage of the Human Rights Act (1998) and Freedom of Information Act (2000). Devolution and directly elected mayors. The increased use of referendums.

How might UK democracy be enhanced? Through policies designed to encourage higher rates of turnout. The wider use of referendums and adoption of the system of recalls used in many US states. Extending the programme of devolution and revising plans for English regional government. Extending experiments in e-democracy. Making use of citizens’ juries and citizens’ assemblies in the decision-making process.

How can turnout be improved? By making it easier to vote: Encouraging a greater take-up of postal voting. Extending text voting and web-based voting. Simplifying voter registration. By making voting compulsory, as is the case in Australia By lowering the voting age from 18 to 16 (though low turnout among first-time voters might mean that this does not improve the national turnout figure).

What is a recall? A device that allows citizens to initiate a referendum to remove their elected representative before the end of their term in office. Normally permitted only where there is evidence of corruption or incompetence. Used in a number of US States — most notably California.

2010 manifestos on recalls Conservative Labour LibDem ‘A Conservative government will introduce a power of ‘recall’ to allow electors to kick out MPs, a power that will be triggered by serious wrongdoing.’ ‘We will give you the right to sack MPs who have broken the rules. We would introduce a recall system so that constituents could force a by-election for any MP found responsible for serious wrongdoing.’ ‘MPs who are found responsible for financial misconduct will be subject to a right of recall if Parliament itself has failed to act against them.’

What is a citizens’ jury? A citizens’ jury is a panel of citizens that hears evidence and delivers their verdict on a government proposal. Citizens’ juries are used widely in countries such as the USA and Germany. Citizens’ juries were championed by the prime minister Gordon Brown in 2007. Such juries do not have final say on a given policy.

What is a citizens’ assembly? A citizens’ assembly (or convention) is similar to a citizens’ jury in that it looks to involve a cross-section of the population in the policy-making process Where assemblies differ from juries is: they involve a lot more people (hundreds or thousands as opposed to tens) they are often given more power to decide upon a particular course of action, which can subsequently be put to a public vote through a referendum

Conclusions The UK system is ‘evolutionary’ as opposed to ‘revolutionary’. It appears to be undergoing a period of sustained challenge and change. All three main UK parties appear committed to rebalancing democracy in favour of ‘the people’, by giving citizens a greater input into the decisions that affect them.