This document provides an overview of key concepts related to political representation and democracy in the UK. It defines democracy, explaining that modern democracies are generally representative rather than direct, with citizens electing representatives to make decisions on their behalf. It discusses the role of manifestos in outlining party policies, and the concept of mandates for the party that wins a majority of seats. Referendums are described as a way to directly consult citizens on important issues. Finally, it outlines the different levels of government in the UK, from local to national to European Union levels.

1. Political representation
and democracy
This session will develop your
understanding of:
• What is meant by democracy
• The role of manifestos,
mandates and referendums in a
democratic system
• The main levels of government
in the UK and their
responsibilities

2. What is democracy?
• Originated in ancient
Athens
• Athenian democracy
was direct democracy
ie all citizens could
participate directly in
decision making
Why might this type of
democracy be difficult
to achieve in a country
like the UK?
The Landesgemeinde of a
Swiss canton. All citizens
have a right to attend and
vote on decisions.

3. What is democracy?
• Modern style of
democracy gradually
developed in modern
Europe following French
Revolution
• Most modern
democracies are
representative
democracies
• Citizens elect
representatives in
elections to make
decisions on their behalf
The House of Commons of
the UK Parliament.
Who represents us in the
House of Commons?

4. Manifestos and mandates
• In a representative democracy
representatives (eg MPs) are generally
expected to present their policies to
the electorate in the form of a
manifesto.
Think of one example of a policy which a
party might include in its manifesto.
• The party which wins the majority of
seats usually forms the government
and can claim to have a mandate to
implement the policies set out in the
their manifesto.

5. Referendums
• Examples include the decision to enter the European
Community in 1975 and the setting up of devolved
government in Scotland and Wales in 1997.
• Some people have argued that a referendum should be held
on the new European constitution.
Occasionally the
government consults
ordinary citizens over very
important decisions in a
referendum where all
voters are given a chance to
vote on an issue.

6. Referendums
• Working in a small group think of arguments
for and against making more use of
referendums to take political decisions in the
UK.
• List your points on a sheet of paper.

7. Should the government make more
use of referendums to make political
decisions?
For
• Allows citizens to directly have
a say in decision making
• Voting in elections only allows
people to decide on broad
party policies . Referendums
allow say in specific issues .
• Some decisions are too
important to be left to
politicians eg constitutional
changes such as devolution
and membership of EU
Against
• Costly and bureaucratic to
organise.
• Voters may be influenced by
how the question on the
ballot paper in worded.
• Voters and often ill
informed on issues so
better left to politicians who
have access to a wider
range of information

8. Levels of government
European Union – Council of Ministers, European
Commission, European Parliament
National government – Parliament (Commons and
Lords)
Regional and devolved government – Scottish
Parliament, Welsh Assembly, Northern Ireland
Assembly, Regional assemblies
Local government – County/Metropolitan
councils, District/borough/city councils,
town/parish councils

9. Levels of government
• Research what role each level of government
plays in governing the UK.
• How do representatives get elected or
appointed?
• What powers does each level of government
have?