Using the source, evaluate the view that there is more to be hopeful of than
concerned about in the UK’s current democratic system.
Points from the source agreeing with the view:
‘there are laws that protect our rights to vote and be represented’ 3
‘everyone has a vote and governments do change’ 1
‘we can all participate in, and talk freely about, our democracy without fear of facing
consequences’
‘everyone can influence change via voting, standing for Parliament, joining a political party of
their choice, initiating petitions, etc.’ 2
Points from the source disagreeing with the view:
‘there is a lack of honesty and integrity in politics, combined with a lack of clear and unbiased
information form both the government and the media’
‘there is a disconnect between people and the system’
‘there is no clear way to have influence’ 2
‘there are not enough ‘ordinary people’ in parliament and government’3
‘a big part of the population is likely to be dissatisfied due to the nature of the current voting system’
1
Introduction:
D – The UK’s current democratic system = uses FPTP to elect representatives on behalf on
constituents
Democracy = government of the people, by the people, for the people
Hopeful = the UK’s democracy is still functioning effectively
Concerned = the UK’s democracy is ineffective and needs reform
T – Representation in Parliament, the right to vote, influence on Parliament
A - There is more to be hopeful of than concerned about in the UK’S current democratic
system because everyone can vote and there are alternative ways to influence the
government and participate in our government, however, it is true that our Parliament is not
diverse enough or representative of the UK.
Paragraph 1
P – Everyone has the right to vote in general elections, usually every 5 years, meaning
that governments do change. Source – ‘everyone has a vote and governments do
change’.
Shows that the UK’s democratic system is hopeful more than concerning.
E – The HRA (1998) sets out the rights of people in the UK, bringing into effect the rights
set out in the ECHR.
One of which is the right to vote as long as you are 18, not in prison and are a British
Citizen
A – A major principle of democracy is the right to vote and there are not many
limitations in the UK
HRA is set into the legislation of the UK and is rigid
It would be hard to compromise someone’s right to vote
Governments usually change in general elections, not always the party, but the Prime
Minister changes regularly. – 2010 – 2024 – Conservatives had 5 different Prime
Ministers.
A – Although parties don’t change often, Prime Ministers face scrutiny and change
meaning the cabinet changes as well.
Democracy is enacted well as Prime Minister’s cannot become tyrannical due to
the scrutiny that they face in Parliament
C – The system of FPTP limits democracy as it is not a proportionally representative
electoral system. Source - ‘a big part of the population is likely to be dissatisfied due to
the nature of the current voting system’
2019 – Conservatives only won 44% of votes but won 56% of seats - not
proportionally representative to the amount of people that actually voted for them
but had essentially 100% of power.
E – The FPTP is a stable system which therefore leads to a stable democracy
Shows that there is more to be hopeful for than concerned about the UK’s
democratic system.
Is a concern for how proportional FPTP is but democracy is stable overall due to
the system.
Paragraph 2
P – Everyone can have a political influence if they choose to. Source - ‘everyone can
influence change via voting, standing for Parliament, joining a political party of their
choice, initiating petitions, etc.’
Shows that UK democratic system is hopeful because everyone can be involved.
E – Digital democracy- 2020, e-petition for ending child food poverty had 1 million
signatures - government consequently announced £400 million in funding for the next
year to support
A - Democracy has adapted to the modern world – digital – much easier to be
involved
Government does respond to petitions if they receive enough attention and
support
Involvement is more accessible, especially for young people if it is digital
Solves the issue and stigma that there is a participation crisis with young
people
C – Sometimes it is difficult to have an influence as it is unclear how to get involved.
Source - ‘there is no clear way to have influence’.
Some people might feel that their influence doesn’t matter due to the political power
that Parliament has due to them being sovereign
They can dismiss any attempts of influence from the public.
E – Not entirely true – after 10,000 signatures e-petitions are given a response from the
government, 100,000 – considered for debate.
If an issue applies to a considerable amount of people Parliament have to pay
attention
Everyone can have an influence on the UK government if they choose to
The UK’s democratic system has more hope that concern.
Paragraph 3
P – Although the in UK’s democratic system there is more to be hopeful for than to be
concerned with, a major concern is representation in Parliament. Source - ‘there are not
enough ‘ordinary people’ in parliament and government’
E – Certain groups are underrepresented in Parliament – young people because av. Age
of MPs is 50s in 2024. 23% of MPs privately educated when only 7% of the UK population
are.
A - Means that these groups (young people) may feel that they are not being
understood or listened to because they are demographically not represented. Older
people may not fully understand the issues of younger people.
Also, having a private education means that MPs have not had the same
experience of someone who attended state school yet they make major decisions
affecting schools.
C – Representation has improved significantly in the past few years with women now
making up 40.5% of the House of Commons, up from 35% in the last Parliament.
E – This is an improvement but is still not proportionally representative of the UK
showing that this is still a pressing issue within the UK’s democratic system. However,
although this is an issue to be concerned about, there is still more to be hopeful for
because the system has much more positives and still operates well for its function.
Conclusion
J - There is more to be hopeful of than concerned about in the UK’S current democratic
system because everyone can vote and there are alternative ways to influence the
government and participate in our democracy.
C – Parliament is not proportionally representative
Cannot function effectively if its not representative of the people its representing
Also, the FPTP system is seen as undemocratic
And some argue it is not easily to become involved in making a change.
R – Representation truly a major issue but the UK’s democratic system still functions
effectively.
The FPTP could be improved but is the most stable to suit the UK democracy
There are much easier ways to become involved now – online.