UK A-Levels Politics Practice Exam

What occurs when government institutions fail to meet democratic principles?

1. Political stability

2. Democratic deficit

3. Authoritarianism

4. Political harmony

The correct answer is: Democratic deficit

When government institutions fail to meet democratic principles, it leads to a situation known as a democratic deficit. This term describes the gap between the ideals of democracy (such as representation, accountability, and participation) and the actual functioning of political institutions. In scenarios of democratic deficit, citizens often feel that their voices are not heard or that they lack meaningful participation in governance. This can manifest in various ways, such as low voter turnout, public disillusionment with political representatives, or decision-making processes that do not reflect the will of the people. A democratic deficit can destabilize political systems as it erodes trust in institutions and can lead to calls for reform or more significant changes to the political framework. In contrast, political stability, authoritarianism, and political harmony present different challenges and characteristics that do not directly arise solely from a failure in democratic principles. Political stability refers to a situation where a government can maintain control and order, while authoritarianism signifies a shift away from democratic processes toward centralized power and repression. Political harmony involves consensus and mutual agreement among political factions, which is often a desired outcome of effective democratic governance.