Why are political participation and democracy important?

government/state, power/authority, legitimacy, citizenship, rights/obligations, democracy,

- a basic introduction to the nature of power and how power becomes legitimate authority. An understanding of citizenship and of the role of political participation in preserving the rights and freedoms of the individual.

- a knowledge of the different forms of democracy and, in particular, of the main features of a representative democracy.

Do elections guarantee democracy?

representation, proportional representation, electoral mandate, referendums

- an awareness of the relationship between elections and democracy and a comparative knowledge of the different types of electoral system used in the UK and of their implications. A knowledge of how and why referendums are used and an ability to discuss their value. (The issue of electoral reform is covered in Unit 3.)

What is the role of political parties?

political party, consensus/adversary politics, liberalism, Conservatism socialism

- a knowledge of the functions of political parties and an ability to discuss the relationship between political parties and democracy. A knowledge of the ideologies, theories and traditions of the major UK political parties. (The issue of the party system is covered in Unit 3.

How important are pressure groups?

pressure groups sectional/promotional groups insider/outsider groups pluralism

- a knowledge of different categories of pressure group; the factors that contribute to their success; the relationship between pressure groups and democracy.