Citizen influence Flashcards
BI
Citizens have a lot of say over how U.K is run due to it’s democratic system
Gov can’t make all decisions without input from citizens
System without flaws and citizens can sometimes be ignored
LOF
Consultations, petitions and pressure groups
LOA
Essay will look at advantages and disadvantages of all and conclude the most effective way citizens can have their voices heard
P1
One way that citizens can influence the government is by responding to consultations
P1 explain (key points)
Consultations - when gov obtain dif viewpoints from the public regarding a proposed change.
Helps to influence gov as they will take on appropriate decisions depending on what the public stated to remain in favour and in power
Especially seen when proposed change is controversial or popular
P1 example
97% of people who the Scottish gov consulted regarding implementing tougher penalties for harming wildlife wanted this and it eventually became law in 2020
P1 analysis
To some extent, consultations allow citizens to influence the gov as the gov may take on feedback and implement changes regarding what the citizens want
P2
Arguably, consultations aren’t fully effective as the gov don’t have to take on feedback
P2 explain (key points)
Gov can ignore what citizens want if it doesn’t align with their supporters or they don’t think it’s right
P2 example
In 2017, the U.K gov consulted on letting disabled voters vote electronically and despite receiving support, this idea was scrapped a year later
P2 analysis
To some extent, not successful as governments can choose to ignore what citizens report back
P1 + P2 link
Consultations are effective to some extent as allows citizens to voice their opinions on a particular matter
Not always effective as gov may simply choose to ignore responses
P3
one way that citizens can influence government decisions making is by signing a petition
P3 explain (key points)
petitions often started by individuals or groups to demand action regarding a certain issue
More people who sign it = more influential
P3 example
Finn’s law, a law about having better protection for police animals was implemented in 2019 by the U.K gov after the petition received 130,000 signatures
P3 analysis
Somewhat effective as gov can implement new laws and policies due to high demand from citizens
P4
As effective as petitions may be in some cases, the government can ignore them
P4 explain (key points)
Petitions may be ignored because it’s not in gov’s vest interest or may not be popular with their supporters
Petition may not have received enough signatures to make it worthwhile
P4 example
Despite the petition to ban Donald Trump and cancelling Brexit receiving a collective 7 million signatures, both these petitions were ignored by the U.K’s Conservative government
P4 analysis
Petitions aren’t always effective in influencing the government as they can be ignored or not receive enough support
P3 + P4 link
Overall, petitions = effective to some extent as they allow citizens voices to be heard
Aren’t always effective as the gov can ignore them
P5
Citizens can also influence government decision making by joining a pressure group
P5 explain (key points)
pressure groups = groups of citizens who come together to raise awareness and enact change regarding a certain issue
use a variety of methods: lobbying + petitions
Insider - work with gov (most effective)
Outsider - defy gov as they don’t agree with them, use illegal methods
P5 example
Due to the pressure group TIE, in 2021, Scotland became the first country in the world to have an LGBTQ+ inclusive education system
P5 analysis
Pressure groups are effective to some extent as they place pressure on the gov which can then create changes as gov wants to remain in favour
P6
Though some groups have had some success, not all do.
P6 explain (key points)
If a pressure group is campaigning about an issue that the government disagree with, they’ll be ignored
Pressure group may openly defy the gov so gov don’t want to be associated with them
P6 example
Despite going on for fourty years, the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament have been ignored by the both the Scottish and U.K government
P6 analysis
Pressure groups aren’t always effective as they can be ignored especially if they are using illegal methods
P5 + P6 link
Pressure groups are effective to some extent but the government can ignore them and their issue
