Edexcel A2 6GP03 June 2015 Topic B: Introducing Political Ideologies

A question of each topic comes up in the 45 markers no?

How would you answer: "On what grounds have liberals supported democracy"

I was going to talk about constitutionalism but I'm not sure if that is right?

1) You could mention constitutionalism in the sense that democracy allows the people to hold the government to account. Since liberals accept that individuals are primarily self-seeking, there is the risk that humans may use the power they have at the expense of the liberty of others. Therefore, democracy can be used as a constraint against tyranny of the majority.

2) Democracy is a rational exercise - the individual learns about the choices facing him, both in terms of parties and/or issues. Giving the individual choice not only strengthens liberty, it also therefore strengthens rationalism since the individual has to think about the choice. In turn, this aids the development of the individual, allowing each person to fulfil their potential.

3) Utilitarian argument - democracy helps provide the 'greatest good for the greatest number'

4) Supports equality, particularly formal equality in terms of 'one person, one vote'.

5) Creates political stability - people are bound to the political system. Power is distributed amongst the people and pressure groups, for example, instead of concentrated in the hands of a few.

Hope this helps

Thank you! Yes it does, Do you know if they repeat questions or would they create a brand new one... ?

1) You could mention constitutionalism in the sense that democracy allows the people to hold the government to account. Since liberals accept that individuals are primarily self-seeking, there is the risk that humans may use the power they have at the expense of the liberty of others. Therefore, democracy can be used as a constraint against tyranny of the majority.

2) Democracy is a rational exercise - the individual learns about the choices facing him, both in terms of parties and/or issues. Giving the individual choice not only strengthens liberty, it also therefore strengthens rationalism since the individual has to think about the choice. In turn, this aids the development of the individual, allowing each person to fulfil their potential.

3) Utilitarian argument - democracy helps provide the 'greatest good for the greatest number'

4) Supports equality, particularly formal equality in terms of 'one person, one vote'.

5) Creates political stability - people are bound to the political system. Power is distributed amongst the people and pressure groups, for example, instead of concentrated in the hands of a few.

Hope this helps

Hey, could this be a 45m too?

Yeah, it's come up in the past - is liberal democracy a contradiction? (or words to that effect)

Hey guys, are we supposed to know details about key political thinkers who lead to development of ideologies? If yes in how much detail? Have there been questions centered around key thinkers?? PLEAS HEEELLPPP

Maybe one or two for each ideology thats what im doing and say what they suggest thats whats more important for example Locke and h-Hobbes and the social contract and explain what social contract is and relate it to the question asked. Tbh the ideology with the most thinkers is Anarchism so would be ideal to do a few more for that with their anarchist strand and what they believe in.