citizens influence (Democracy) Flashcards
Intro
BC- There are many ways that scottish citizens can get involved in the political system
F- Some of these ways are by Voting, Joining a political party, Protesting and joining a pressure group
LA- This essay will discuss how these factors can influence the Scottish political system
Para 1- Voting
P- Voting
E- Citizens have a right to vote. This allows citizens a voice in who represents them. Citizens in Scotland can vote for MSPs, MPs & local councillors.
EX- In the 2021 Scottish elections, pro-independence parties won a majority in Holyrood (SNP with 64 seats, Greens with 8)
A- Citizens can influence politics through voting directly supporting policies &/or representatives & voting out representatives they do not like or wish to keep in power.
H-However, across the UK many votes are wasted due to ineffective voting systems, including FPTP in UK General Elections.
EX- In the 2019 General Election, the Conservatives won with only 43.6% of the vote.
A- The nature of voting systems can mean voter intentions are suppressed & therefore the balance of power is maintained by the larger parties, not the voting public.
Para 2- Joining a political party
P- Joining a political party
E- Citizens who strongly identify with the politics of a party has the right to join the party. Citizens can then influence party policy as a voting member within the party.
EX- Many disgruntled members of the SNP left the party to join Alex Salmond’s newly formed Alba Party in 2021, aiming to gain regional seats in that year’s election.
A- the SNP have refined their approach & policy towards seeking a second independence referendum, in direct response to losing part of their membership to a rival pro-independence party.
H-members of the party do not always see eye to eye with the leadership/Executive & this can limit the influence of grassroots members.
EX-Jeremey Corbyn led an unsuccessful spell as leader of the Labour Party between 2015-20. He was supported heavily by grassroots members but many of his policies were unpopular with the rest of the party’s leadership.
A-Not all members will be satisfied within a party, though it is often a straightforward case of majority rules within any political party. This can significantly restrict member influence.
Para 3- Protesting
P- Protesting
E- Citizens have the right to protest. They are able to hold protests supporting or against something to gain awareness for that cause.
EX-Thousands of people took part in UK wide climate protests in 2019. This included key protests in London & Edinburgh.
A- Protests can force governments to change tact on policy, or motivate further action from other agency bodies.
H-it can be argued that protests are, ultimately, ineffective. If government intention is strong enough, protests will be (largely) ignored.
EX-In 2018, tens of thousands of ‘Remainers’ marched for a second Brexit referendum to be held in the UK before any confirmation of the UK’s exit from the EU.
A-The government’s refusal to change course on Brexit suggests protests can be an ineffective means of citizen influence, as it is often the case that little or no change is achieved.
Para 4- Joining a pressure group
P- Joining a pressure group
E- Citizens have the right to join a pressure group which aligns with their views. These pressure groups will likely be either insider or outsider.
EX-The Scottish Government has passed legislation regarding homelessness in recent years & engaged closely with the pressure group Shelter throughout this process.
A-Pressure groups, especially insider groups, can heavily influence government decision making, reinforcing the ability of citizens to influence change through pressure groups.
H-Some pressure groups, specifically outsider groups, continue to have little or no influence due to lack of engagement with the government.
EX- CND are regularly kept at arm’s length by the UK Government & has no intention of reducing/removing the UK’s nuclear defence capabilities
A- Influence via pressure groups is very inconsistent & largely influenced itself by whether citizens support insider or outsider groups.
