1. “Discuss the view that political
parties are essential to the
democratic process”. (30)
How do political parties add to the
democratic process?
Devolution – does this add to the
democratic process?

2. Democracy – Participation -
Representation
 Define each of these terms.
 How does our political party system
enable each of these to take place?

3.  Democracy - is a political form of
government in which governing
power is derived from the people,
either by direct referendum, or by
means of elected representatives of
the people.

4.  Participation – to take part in an
activity.
 Representation – Your ability to
affect the political process. (in this
political sense)

5. What choice is there for people to
take part?
 For each of these people find a party that
can cater for there needs.
 Say how effective each party has been in
elections.
 An environmentalist?
 A communist?
 An extreme Nationalist?
 A Unionist in Northern Ireland?
 A Non conformist?
 A Church man/woman?

6. What can you do if there is no
party for you?
 Martin Bell
 Stood against Neil
Hamilton & Tory “Sleeze”
in 1997.
"Does the Prime Minister agree
that the perception of
wrong-doing can be as
damaging to public
confidence as the wrong-
doing itself? Have we slain
one dragon only to have
another take its place, with
a red rose in its mouth?"
first successful independent
parliamentary candidate
since 1951

7. Therefore…are political parties
“essential” to the democratic process?
 Partly yes…  Partly No…
 Examples of different  Examples of
parties and variety of independent
them. candidates.
 Do they help you to  They have nothing to
participate in the do with parties…
Democratic process?
 Could mention the
main political parties
as well.