2006-12-07 05:06:50 · 22 answers · asked by nikierajean 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Government
We have an unelected (and much cosseted) royal family; we have an unelected house of Lords, and are dictated to by unelected and largely anonymous quangos. Every four or five years we are allowed to vote for a candidate chosen by the party they represent; we have no say on who is the prime minister. We are not entitled to referenda on issues that directly effect us, or to demonstration when we feel agrieved. If this is a democracy, God help us.
2006-12-07 06:08:47 · answer #1 · answered by Trumptonboy 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The simple answer is yes and no. Britain is a democracy in the sense that the Prime Minister is elected in to position and that every British citizen over the age of 18 years has the right to vote for the candidate of their choice. It isn't a democracy in the sense that it is also a Monarchy because they have a Queen. Rule in Britain is split between the Monarch and the State, technically at least. The power is split between the two, so that there cannot be an absolute Monarch and the State cannot be absolute either. [I'm talking about a Constitutional Monarchy here, as Crusader 1189 said above, I just couldn't remember the name.]
Also, if you mean a "true" democracy then no where is a democracy because if somewhere were a "true" democracy then if even a single person was against an action it wouldn't happen.
2006-12-07 05:21:45 · answer #2 · answered by Arwen M 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Britain or UK plc, is not a democracy, it is a Constitutional Monarchy.
The US is not a democracy either, it is a Constitutional Republic.
In really and in all but name, UK is the 51st State.
2006-12-08 19:46:34 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sadly, one which lets 42% of the people elect the government, meaning 58% didn't want them.
Absolutely it's a democracy.
2006-12-07 08:35:43 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Technically, Britain is classified as a Constitutional Monarchy but it is a de facto parliamentary republic. Almost all legislative power is in the hands of the House of Commons whose members are elected to represent districts of people. The Lords and Monarch retain their ceremonial positions as leaders of the Kingdom but have little power.
2006-12-07 05:17:01 · answer #5 · answered by Crusader1189 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Democracy depnds upon an accurate electoral register and in avoidance of malpractice at elections. These are currently matters for concern in the UK.
2006-12-07 05:36:55 · answer #6 · answered by Philosophical Fred 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I agree with Leviathan - you get to vote for your MP, but party whips force them to toe the line when voting on white papers etc.
In a true democracy, MPs would have a free vote on every issue, making them far more accountable to their constituants.
2006-12-09 04:25:50 · answer #7 · answered by Cale 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely! The problem is people vote for those who -they think- represent them! Politicians lie all the time to win voters support! that is why there is always big disappointment which each elected government!
2006-12-09 09:33:09 · answer #8 · answered by Abularaby 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
not a direct democracy, but surely some kind of democracy
2006-12-07 05:13:16 · answer #9 · answered by verklaerte_welt 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Haaaa haaa haaa!! Democracy?! No such thing mate.
Lots of countries have tried, not one of them has genuinely suceeded. Ah well, guess we'll just have to keep trying.
2006-12-07 05:51:16 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋