In more detail
Local democracy isn’t just voting. Councils were set up, originally, in English cities, like Manchester and Birmingham, not because people voted for them, but because people campaigned for them. Taking part - participation - is an equal part to local democracy as is representation and voting for representatives. Neither participative not representative democracy is better than the other – though each may be better suited in different situations. One thing seems clear - successful neighbourhoods have active participative and representative democracy: people turn up and vote and people turn up and do. Turning up and doing is as much part of a healthy local democracy as voting in the election.
Representative Democracy
Representative democracy is where the people or members of an organisation elect representatives to serve them in the governance (decision-making) of a council or other organisation. Representatives are said to be ‘democratically accountable’ to the people or the members of the organisation – not just the ones who voted for them, but all the people in the area they represent. Local councils are organisations run on the basis of representative democracy. Decisions are often made in councils and representative democratic organisations by voting. It is fair, because everyone gets a say and we go along with whatever the majority says.
Participative Democracy
Participative democracy is where the people or members of an organisation are able to take part in the work and decision making of the organisation. In general, people who put a lot of work in to an organisation may expect to have their voices heard and counted in decisions, but everyone who is a member can be involved. Most community groups are run on the basis of participative democracy. Decisions are often made in community groups by discussion and consensus (which means working out a decision that everyone is at least reasonably happy with). It is fair, because everyone gets a chance to take part and no one has to go along with something they don't believe in.
There are advantages and disadvantages of both forms of democracy. They generally work best in different situations and councils, for example, will use both kinds of democracy to achieve different things. A successful neighbourhood is served well by both representative and participative organisations and organisations – like local councils and community groups – which can use both approaches when needed.
| Key Facts:
Representative democracy means voting fairly and honestky for people to represent us. Participative democracy means working working for those things we believe in regardless of who votes for it. Both forms of democracy are legitimate and help make neighbourhoods what they are. |
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BIRMINGHAM COMMUNITY PLANNING TOOLKIT DEFINITION SHEET This sheet may be reproduced in paper or electromic or any other form but please mention it was made by Chamberlain Forum Limited for Birmingham City Council supported by Department for Communities and Local Government.
| created: 2016-06-25 15:36:24 | by: admin | status: f published |