Key Question 2: Does Democracy Work? Revision

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 ’

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)

The Main 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 It is the largest political party in the UK, and is currently the largest single party in the House of Commons with 306 seats. It governs in coalition with the Liberal Democrats, with party leader David Cameron as Prime Minister. The Conservative Party emerged in 1834 out of the old Tory Party, which dates to Official colour is Blue Leader is David Cameron, the Prime Minister

Political Parties 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 At the 2010 general election, 57 Liberal Democrat MPs were elected, making them the third largest party in the House of Commons, The Liberal Democrats formed a coalition government with the Conservatives, with Clegg becoming Deputy Prime Minister and other Liberal Democrats taking up government positions The Liberal Democrats have been led by Nick Clegg since 2007.

Political Parties The Labour Party is a centre-left democratic socialist political party in the United Kingdom. The Labour Party was last in government between 1997 and 2010 under Tony Blair and Gordon Brown. This party won 258 seats in the 2010 general election. 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 The Party's current leader is Ed Miliband MP

Political Parties The Green Party is a formally organized political party based on the principles of Green politics, which is founded in many countries. These principles usually include social justice, reliance on grassroots democracy, nonviolence, and an emphasis on environmentalism. "Greens" believe that the exercise of these principles leads to world health. They were founded in 1980 Caroline Lucas and the voters of Brighton Pavilion constituency made history on 6 May 2010 when she was elected as the UK's first Green MP, taking the seat from Labour.

UKIP 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’ LEADER: Nigel Farage

What is an election?

3 Elections for 3 Governments! In our democracy we are given the opportunity to elect representatives in three governments: Central Government Local Government European Parliament Their job is to talk for us, and fight for the things we want changed or kept as they are.

Central government. It looks after national matters, such as health, defence, foreign policy and the environment. is responsible for the welfare of all citizens and protects the most vulnerable in our society

Every 4 years people vote Representatives are called councillors. Many councils elect a Mayor, who chairs (keeps order) of the council. Local Government

Local government (your council) is responsible for: Roads and Transport Education Housing Policing The Fire Service Waste Disposal/Street Cleaning

European Parliament Elections are every 5 years. There are 785 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) Responsible for maintaining peaceful political and economic relations in Europe

How does voting work?

What is a constituency?

What are the 3 parts of parliament?

What is the difference between parliament and government?

Parliament

Government

What is a ‘Bill’?

Give a brief description of how laws are made

What is MP short for? and what does an MP do?

Who are the suffragettes and why are they important?

United Nations

24th October 1945 Originally 45 members now 193 Meet in General Assembly Makes non binding ‘resolutions’ The senior official is Ban Ki Moon Headquarters are in New York FOUNDED When and why was the UN founded?

The goals of the United Nations 1.To keep world peace 2.To help countries get along 3.To improve living conditions for people all over the world 4.To make the world a better place.

THE FIVE PERMANENT MEMBERS OF THE UN SECURITY COUNCIL THE USA, CHINA, RUSSIA, FRANCE AND THE UNITED KINGDOM

Central Principles of Democracy 1.CITIZEN PARTICIPATION 2.EQUALITY 3.POLITICAL TOLERANCE 4.ACCOUNTABILITY 5.TRANSPARENCY 6.REGULAR FREE AND FAIR ELECTIONS 7.ECONOMIC FREEDOM 8.CONTROL OF THE ABUSE OF POWER 9.BILL OF RIGHTS 10.ACCEPTING THE RESULTS OF ELECTIONS 11.HUMAN RIGHTS 12.MULTI PARTY SYSTEM 13.RULE OF LAW

Current Understanding of ‘British Values’ 1.An understanding of how citizens can influence decision-making through the democratic process; 2.An understanding that participation in elections by those opposed to democracy should be allowed by law, but the success of such candidates is undesirable for the well-being of society if it would lead to the end of democracy; 3.An appreciation that living under the rule of law protects individual citizens and is essential for their well-being and safety; 4.An understanding that bodies such as the police and the army can be held to account to the people, through the democratic organs of government; 5.An understanding that the freedom to hold other faiths and beliefs is protected in law, and an acceptance that other people having different faiths or beliefs to oneself (or having none) should not be the cause of prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour; 6.Understanding of the problems of identifying and combatting discrimination (based on protected characteristics as listed in the Equality Act 2010). 7.Attempts to promote systems that undermine the principles comprising these fundamental British values would be inconsistent with this part of the standard.