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Strengths and Weaknesses of Representative Democracy in the UK

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Strengths and Weaknesses of Representative Democracy in the UK
Assess the strengths of representative democracy as it operates in the UK. (25)

Representative democracy in the UK is elected MPs, Peers, parties and pressure groups effectively mobilising the views in the best interests of the country. A representative democracy is arguably government Representative democracy in the UK is elected MPs, Peers, parties and pressure groups effectively mobilising the views in the best interests of the country. A representative democracy is arguably government for the people where citizens interests are at the focal point of representative’s minds. Representative democracy has been able to flourish in recent years as elected individuals who make decisions are arguably more knowledgeable than the electorate themselves. There is a greater sense of accountability to elected individuals to the public and more responsibility taken by those in power to protect the interests of the people by limiting the power of the government. Arguably, the question posed is of popular interest today as Britain has been described as a largely consultative democracy.

A representative democracy is advantageous compared to a direct democracy as elected MPs are of sufficient educational backgrounds and are more superior in knowledge at making the most effective decisions. Arguably the elected MPs are the reason that a representative democracy flourishes with the elected MPs superseding the knowledge of the public. However, it could be argued that MPs have the interest of toeing the party line, or even acting in their own interests rather than the constituent’s interests. Nevertheless, MPs are learned individuals who would make the correct decisions with the interests of their party, their constituency and themselves, effectively fulfilling the role of an MP.
The government within a representative democracy is advantageous as it is held to account for its actions. Arguably, this poses as the best feature of a representative democracy, with the rest of the

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