case to extend franchise across UK

Question 1

political literacy

Answer 1

-young people have an impact globally e.g. Thunberg’s rising awareness of environmentalism
-social media makes it much easier for citizens to access political information than ever before,this generation may be the most politically educated
-record numbers of students choose to study politics at A-level, gaining an understanding of institutions,ideologies and processes, yet cannot vote

Question 2

political literacy evaluation

Answer 2

While being politically aware and
engaged is important, it does not necessarily mean that someone is capable of making informed and rational decisions on complex political issues.
Scottish independence referendum of 2016. Despite having the knowledge that spending by the UK government on Scotland is 30%higher per person than in England because of the Barnett Formula (a subsidy from the UK government), many young people still voted for independence. Hence, political literacy doesn’t always equate to democratic decisions in the national interest.

Question 3

existing rights and responsibilities

Answer 3

-lack of formal equality in the law across the country
-HRA grants rights to 16&17 year olds, such as the right to marry
-Parliament has granted 16-17 year olds many rights yet the right to vote is delayed
-these existing rights make the case of delaying the vote unjustifiable

Question 4

existing rights and responsibilities evaluation

Answer 4

The argument above does not fully address the reasons why the right to vote is delayed. The ability to vote carries a different level of responsibility and importance compared to other rights and responsibilities, such as the right to drive. It can fundamentally alter the nation’s security, or its economic prosperity. Hence, it is right that citizens are given additional time to develop their critical faculties before exercising their right to vote.

Question 5

apathy amongst young voters

Answer 5

-lowest turnout by age group is 18-24 year olds, in 2019 it was 47%, 27% behind the over 65 range
-if 18-24 year olds do not utilise the franchise, small ‘c’ conservatives question extending it,rather wanting to solve the current issues amongst young voters first
-there is no real drive for the young vote, there is no ‘organic’ demand to do so, so we should not

Question 6

apathy amongst young voter evaluation

Answer 6

There is no justice in denying the right to vote to some because of the apathy of
others. Additionally, while voter apathy may be a contributing factor, there could be other reasons for low turnout. Systemic barriers to voting such
as a lack of education on political issues, or a general sense of disillusionment with the political system (lack of choice; undemocratic voting
system) may explain the apathetic nature of some 18-24-year-olds.

Question 7

social consent

Answer 7

-liberals argue for social consent to make democracy legitimate
-elected representatives at Westminster do not hold the consent of 16 and 17 year olds, so government cannot be said to be fully legitimate
-expanding the franchise expands democracy and the general will
-recent government policies have concerned those who cannot vote e.g. raising tuition fees
-a democratic society would allow young people to vote on such issues

Question 8

social consent evaluation

Answer 8

A small ‘c’ conservative view is that rights (such as the right to vote) should not be universal, but hierarchical in nature. For example, the right to vote should be connected to responsibilities such as
being a taxpayer. The argument also assumes that young people’s interests align with the ‘general will of the people.’ Yet, young people may have