Current movements to extended the franchise

Question 1

Discuss paragraph one:

Answer 1

P: There are other things that you can do at age 16/17 which indicate responsibility and maturity
E: You can learn to drive at 17, minimum age of enlisting in the army is 16 created by the armed forces bill)
E: much like the representation act in 1969 came at the demand of social change because of the changing role of 16/17 year olds, it would make sense for them

Counter point: There are still some things that people cannot do at 18
E: you cannot buy alcohol, cannot adopt a child, until aged 21, must remain in full time education, cannot marry without parent permission

Question 2

Discuss paragraph two:

Answer 2

Point: Many ways in which young people contribute to society
E: this could be politically such as joining a party, or through signing petitions such as during COVID petitions signed to close down schools, or petitions sign in response to the racial protests. They work, pay national insurance, they are also careers

Counterpoints: unlikely that many 16 to 17 year olds may have not put in a big contribution to society
E: For example they may pay national insurance but this would be on a lower rate as they are paid less. (contribution is limited)

Question 3

Discuss paragraph three:

Answer 3

P: 16-17 year olds are more politically informed than previous generations.
E: We have a more wider access to political education through social media, or learning through the school system

Counter point:
- younger people are less likely to be educated in politics
- ipsos mori found that turnout in the 2019 general election for 18-24 year olds was 47% compared to 74% in over 65. consistenly lower which suggests a lack of interest this could also have an impact on general elections especially in terms of the legitimacy of votes