Theme B Democracy

What is a hustings?

• When people knock on doors to try to persuade others to vote for their party in an election.

• A meeting at which candidates in an election speak to voters.

• The area represented by an MP.

• A group of MPs who head major government departments.

What sort of democracy is the UK?

• Representative

• Direct

Which voting system do we use in the UK?

• First past the post

• Proportional representation

What are the disadvantages of proportional representation? Select all that apply.

• The number of votes case for a party does not reflect the number of seats won.

• People may vote tactically.

• The elected MP has no local link in a big constituency.

• Small parties can have unfair power over the larger parties by threatening to withdraw from a coalition.

What are the advantages of first-the-post? Select all that apply.

• No votes are wasted.

• Extremist parties are unlikely to be elected.

• The number of seats the parties win reflects the percentage of votes cast for each party.

• The result becomes clear very quickly.

How often does the Cabinet meet to make decisions about government policy?

• Daily

• Weekly

• Monthly

• Annually

Which part of the British Parliament is the most powerful?

• House of Commons

• House of Lords

What does the judiciary do?

• Draws up policy and puts it into action.

• Makes law.

• Makes judgements about the law.

What is the first draft of a new policy called?

• Green paper

• White paper

What is an Act of Parliament?

• A proposal to change something into law.

• An idea a government wants discussed.

• A law passed by Parliament.

• A detailed draft of government policy to be discussed.