The politics of the UK Revision Notes

Democracy and Participation

• Democracy: A system where power is exercised by the people, either directly or through elected representatives.
• Participation: The ways citizens engage with politics – voting, campaigning, protests, lobbying, etc.

Suffrage History

| Period | Key Reform | Who gained the vote | Impact on politics | |--------|------------|---------------------|--------------------| | 1832 | Great Reform Act | Middle‑class men | Broadened electorate, reduced aristocratic dominance | | 1918 | Representation of the People Act | Women over 30, all men over 21 | First step toward gender equality | | 1928 | Equal Franchise Act | Women over 21 | Full gender parity | | 1969 | Electoral Registration Act | Minorities, lower‑income groups | More diverse representation | | 2000 | Electoral Registration Act | 16‑17 year olds | Youth engagement increased |

Chartists, Suffragists & Suffragettes

• Chartists (1838‑1850s) demanded a *People’s Charter* – universal male suffrage, secret ballot, annual elections, and no property qualification for MPs.
• Suffragists (late 19th‑early 20th c.) used peaceful, lawful campaigns (e.g., petitions, public meetings).
• Suffragettes (early 20th c.) adopted militant tactics (arson, hunger strikes) to force change.

Evaluation

• Consider how each movement’s tactics affected public perception and political outcomes.
• Reflect on the role of class, gender, and ethnicity in shaping their strategies.

Direct vs Representative Democracy

| Feature | Direct Democracy | Representative Democracy | |---------|------------------|--------------------------| | Decision‑making | Citizens vote on each issue | Elected officials decide | | Scale | Practical in small communities | Needed for large states | | Accountability | High, but can be chaotic | Structured, but can distance voters |

Application

• Analyse the 2016 EU referendum as a case of direct democracy.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the UK’s parliamentary system in representing diverse interests.

Political Participation Patterns

• Voting: Highest participation in general elections; lower in local elections.
• Protests: Rise during economic crises or contentious policy debates.
• Lobbying: Dominated by business and industry groups.

Evaluation

• Discuss how media coverage shapes participation rates.
• Examine the influence of social media on mobilising younger voters.

Elections & Referendums

• Parliamentary system: First‑past‑the‑post (FPTP) in general elections.
• Devolved bodies: Single transferable vote (STV) in Scottish Parliament, proportional representation in Northern Ireland.
• Referendums: 1975 EU membership, 2011 Scottish independence, 2016 EU membership.

Analysis

• Compare FPTP and STV in terms of proportionality and stability.
• Evaluate the impact of the 1997 general election on party dominance.

Political Parties

• Conservative: Historically centre‑right, market‑oriented, unionist.
• Labour: Centre‑left, trade‑union roots, welfare‑state focus.
• Liberal Democrats: Centrist, pro‑EU, emphasis on civil liberties.

Evaluation

• Analyse how party manifestos influence voter choices.
• Discuss the role of party funding and media relations.

Pressure Groups

• Insider groups: Directly engage with politicians (e.g., trade unions).
• Outsider groups: Mobilise public opinion (e.g., environmental NGOs).

Analysis

• Examine the influence of think tanks on policy formation.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of lobbying strategies.

European Union

• Aims: Economic integration, political cooperation, peace, and stability.
• UK’s relationship: Participation in EU institutions, influence on domestic policy, and the 2016 referendum.

Evaluation

• Assess the extent to which EU policies have shaped UK law.
• Discuss the implications of Brexit for UK sovereignty and policy autonomy.