Active Citizenship

Question 1

MAGISTRATE

Answer 1

They are citizens from the local community who volunteer to administer justice in their local magistrates court. They do not have to have a legal backround, as training is provided once they are selected. Advertisements appear in the local press for people to apply to become magistrates. They sit as a ‘bench’ made up of three magistrates. They can also sit alongside a district judge. All criminal cases start in a Magistrates court.

Question 2

DIGITAL DEMOCRACY

Answer 2

Digital democracy is a greater use of internet to see public opinion. The use of the Internet or other computer technologies to enhance governance processes such as voting or participation in public hearings.

Question 3

PETITION

Answer 3

Collecting numbers of signatures does indicate the level of public support for a campaign. It is easy to organise and a low cost campaigning tool.

Question 4

REFERENDUM

Answer 4

A general vote by the electorate on a single political question which has been referred to them for a direct decision.

Question 5

DEMONSTRATION

Answer 5

In 2002, around 400,000 protesters descended on central London for the liberty and livelihood march, which was organisd by the countryside alliance and aimed to increase awareness of rural issues such as low incomes and poor services, and was opposed to any fox hunting ban.

Question 6

PRESSURE GROUPS

Answer 6

These groups often seek outsider status, not wishing to be a part of the system of talks and negotitations. They are often deemed to be outsiders because the methods they have use often direct action. Whilst there are benefits in working with others in pressure or interest groups, there are those who say that they can have too much influence over decision - makers.