1. IS LIBERAL DEMOCRACY THE BEST MEANS OF PROMOTING OUR INTERESTS?
A PRESENTATION BY IMOGEN, Rosie, aidan, lucy, grace and Helena.

2. What is liberal democracy?
It is a form of government.
A representative democracy with elected representatives, who make decisions on behalf of the people.
Representatives are subject to the rule of law.
Examples are:
Elections
Political parties
Freedom of speech

3. What are our interests? Peace Education Representation Healthcare
Basic standards of living
Consumerism
State support
Career opportunities
Religion
Tradition
Simplicity
Family
Freedom of speech
Preservation

4. HOW DOES LIBERAL DEMOCRACY PROMOTE OUR INTERESTS?
Civil Liberties
Constitution and the Rule of Law
Tolerance and Pluralism
Elections

5. How doesn’t liberal democracy promote our interests?
Elections can be corrupt.
Government institutions may not represent large sections of society.
The constitution undermines voices.
Issues with the voting system.

6. The alternatives: socialism
People may value economic equality.
Nationalisation, welfare, and redistribution of wealth can improve our quality of life.
Socialism would violate liberal democratic principles.
However, socialism can only exist in authoritarian states.
Socialism is not the best means of promoting our interests.

7. The alternatives: ANARCHISM
Liberal democracy disenfranchises many voters
It fails to represent the needs of poorer people, future people and non-human animals
It is inherently unable to deal with the crisis of climate change
Eco-anarchism provides an egalitarian alternative
It prioritises collective responsibility as well as personal freedom
It is applicable to a variety of cultural contexts
It requires some sacrifices in quality of life
It is the only viable long-term option

8. The alternatives: Authoritarianism
A minority government holding absolute power over the majority
Enforces strict laws to maintain its power
Lack of personal freedom
Many do not support their government
Abides by a “one size fits all” rule, which underrepresents many
May cause rising political tensions
Lack of plurality, yet it pragmatic

9. Conclusion:
Dependent on context and location
Differing interests