Democracy, elections and voting in the UK — OCR GCSE Citizenship Studies

Your focus

1. Know and understand the concept of democracy. Know the key features of democratic government including: regular and free elections; secret ballots; an inclusive franchise; a choice of candidates/ political parties. Know the difference between classical democracy and representative democracy. Know that the UK is a representative democracy with a sovereign parliament and that MPs represent constituencies. Know who can and cannot vote in UK parliamentary elections. Know the different ways in which citizens can contribute to parliamentary democracy and hold those in power to account. Understand the rights and responsibilities that apply in a representative democracy. Understand the importance of: the rule of law; personal freedom; tolerance and respect for diversity; and equal opportunity in creating conditions for effective democratic government as values underpinning democracy.