Representative and Direct Democracy Direct Democracy – citizens are granted the right to speak/vote on all issues. The majority view becomes law. Representative Democracy – citizens choose others to represent them, making important decisions on their behalf. Also known as ‘Indirect democracy’. Direct Democracy in Switzerland Everyone can decide how the state, the cantons, and the communities are organised. Landsgemeinde is a form of direct democracy Appanzel Inner Rhodes are the two last cantons where residents entitled to vote gather every spring to decide on laws and expenditure In the whole of Switzerland residents vote on average 4x a year on various issues concerning their community, their canton, or their whole country. Every 4 years the people elect the 246 members of the national parliament – consisting of 2 chambers: o The House of Representatives (representing the people) o The Senate (representing the cantons) This system gives less popular cantons more political weight Parliament makes laws and elects the national government which consists of 7 members of various parties o People can overturn laws made by parliament by launching referendum o If 50,000 signatures are collected in 100 days bill must be voted on by the public The people’s initiative Enables citizens to make alterations to the Swiss constitution. To hold public vote on an initiative, 100,000 signatures have to be collected within 18 months. Pros of this system Gives 2/3 citizens a lot of power in decision making Several times a year they can make decisions on who runs the country and also concrete proposals Cons of this system Makes decision making slower There’s a lot of political actors involved in this parliamentary administration, the government interest groups, and the people: it’s often unclear tat the end who has been responsible Some criticised the system for allowing people to accept initiatives that might contradict constitutional law or international accords. Similarities and Differences between Direct Democracy and Representative Democracy A prevalent similarity between the two is that the people’s opinions are expressed, and their views are able to be represented in law. For example, public conventions and petitions happen for views to be heard. On the other hand, in a representative democracy, it is not the actual people who express their views, it is the elected representatives that make decisions. Additionally, representative democracy is not majoritarian whereas direct democracy is. Simply, direct democracy gives the public more power as it is a true democracy compared to representative democracy. Referendums in the UK A referendum is a vote on a particular issue which usually requires a yes/no response. It is an example of direct democracy within a representative system. The difference between a referendum and an election is… Elections Legally required. Must be held at regular intervals – every 5 years Propose a range of different policy issues instead of 1 question. Referendums Are not legally required. It’s a political choice for government to secure public backing. The government proposes the question. Why Referendums are held in the UK: Legitimising a major government initiative To demonstrate public support before making irreversible constitutional changes. Getting a government out of a difficult situation When the government faces serious internal disagreement, the decision is handed to the people. It is insisted that colleagues rally behind the popular verdict. A result of a deal between political parties David Cameron agreed to hold a vote to change the electoral system for Westminster as this was the liberal democrat’s demand as part of the coalition agreement in May 2010. In response to pressure to hold a referendum Cameron didn’t initially want to hold an EU in/out Eu referendum so joined the Liberal Democrats and Labour in 2011 to defeat Conservatives who were in favour of the referendum. When the demand refused to go away, he announced that he would hold the referendum if re-elected in 2015 – in order to keep conservative voters from voting for UKIP instead. How is direct democracy used in the modern world? Direct Democracy – citizens are granted the right to speak/vote on all issues. The majority view becomes law. Remain or Leave EU Scottish Independence 55.3% no 51.9% leave Change alternative vote for Westminster electoral system 67.9% no Approval of the good Friday agreement 71.1% yes Extension of powers for Welsh assembly London mayor and assembly 72% yes 63.5% yes Establishment of a Welsh assembly 50.3% yes Creation of an elected regional assembly Tax varying powers fir Scottish parliament 63.5% yes 78% no Establishment of Scottish parliament The United Kingdom European Communities membership referendum The Northern Ireland border poll Why 74.3% yes 98.9% remain 67.23% yes Result UK Scotland UK Wales North-east England Northern Ireland London Wales Scotland Scotland United Kingdom Northern Ireland Where June September May March November May May September September September June March When 2016 2014 2011 2011 2004 1998 1998 1997 1997 1997 1975 1973 All UK Referendums since 1973 Switzerland Semi direct democracy Operates as a representative democracy – with elected legislatures – however any law that is passed by the federal legislature can be vetoes by the general public if put to public vote: a referendum. Citizens can petition to change the constitution Citizens can ask for a referendum Assemblies occur for people to cote on the laws of their society Swiss citizens vote regularly on political issues – e.g. financial approval of a building – and constitutional changes, or on foreign policy Switzerland allows for the recall of elected representatives The UK Parliamentary democracy – a form of representative democracy Until 1970s direct democracy hasn’t been used Referendums used frequently at local levels Only 3 nationwide referendums have occurred Electors have the right to recall/dismiss an MP before the end of their elected term in office if they are in prison/suspended – policy put in by liberal democrats Before this policy (2010), voters were unable to dismiss an MP who broke rules United States No true direct democracy at the federal level. Elements of direct democracy at state and local levels Direct democracy occurs through referendums, town meetings, and recall elections, in different states. Individual states decide on how they manage their own democratic processes In referendums, citizens of state/local government can revoke local law if they achieve majority vote. Citizens of a state/local government can create a local law if they achieve majority Examples of direct democracy at state level: California Recall: Californians can fire their elected officials if enough voters sign a petition. Referendums: voters can reject legislation proposed by the state Initiatives: voters propose their own rules New England New England is a region consisting of many states. Most towns practice a limited and local form of direct democracy. They decide local affairs through the direct democracy in the US.
