Politics and Power notes on the UK system

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Politics and Power

As majority of people don't understand the actual meaning of politics they have a negative view on it. By adopting a narrow view on politics we believe politics to be about elections, political parties, politicians, the government and parliament.

The broad definition states

Power

There are a number of different ways of defining power; one is where an individual or group of people are able to get what they want, despite opposition from others. We have power so far as we can get others to do what we want and exercise power when we influence someone against their will.

The difference between authority and coercion is:

o Coercion involves the use of force. Eg: rapists or killers.

o Authority is exercised over us willingly as we think it's the right thing to do. Eg police or teachers.

UK Democratic

UK Undemocratic

In a democratic society our views count in the process of decision making. In Britain we can participate and make our views known by:

o Voting, eg: in local, general and European elections.

o Starting or joining a political party.

o Starting or joining a pressure group and getting involved in its campaigns.

o Writing to our MP, Member of the European Parliament (MEP) or local councillor.

o Writing to the press.

o Freedom of speech.

However some factors of Britain's political system are not democratic which are shown by:

o An unelected House of Lords.

o A hereditary monarchy.

o Britain doesn't have a bill of rights.

A dictatorship is when political power is in the hands of a dictator, a ruler with absolute authority. Obedience is based on coercion and threats rather then legal authority. An example of this is Hitler in Nazi Germany or Stalin in Communist Russia.

The state refers to the various institutions that organize and regulate society. These institutions include the police, armed forces, civil service and judges; they are all apart of the state.

Two different approaches to the state are pluralist and Marxist view.

Pluralist:

o Political power is spread out among these groups and no single one dominates.

o Government policies are influenced by many groups in society.

o The role of the state is to act as an umpire or referee rather than to side with one group over another.
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Types of election in the UK

Type

How Often

Elects

General Election

Every five years or less

MPs in the House of Commons

By-election

When a commons seat becomes vacant, eg through a death or retirement of a sitting MP

MP in the House of Commons

European election

Every five years

MEPs- Member of the European Parliament

Local elections eg county council

Every four years

Local Councillors

The aim of political parties in the UK is that we are free to ...

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