HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN SCOTLAND'S DEMOCRACY

Question 1

STANDING AS A CANDIDATE

Answer 1

POINT- One way individual citizens can participate in Scotland’s democracy is to stand as a candidate.
EXPLAIN - In Scotland you can stand as a candidate for Scottish parliament if you’re over the age of 18 and you are a British , Irish or commonwealth citizen. You do not need to be a registered voter or have any qualifications.
EXAMPLE- For example , Gillian Martin (SNP) stood as a candidate for Aberdeen-shire East in 2016 and 2021 and was elected both times.

Question 2

YOU CAN VOTE

Answer 2

POINT- Another way individuals citizens can participate in Scotland’s democracy is to stand to vote.
EXPLAIN - In Scotland you can register and use your vote if you are over the age of 16 in Scottish elections but you have to be over the age of 18 to vote in UK elections.
EXAMPLE - For example, the recent 2021 Scottish election had the highest turnout of people voting.

Question 3

YOU CAN JOIN A POLITICAL PARTY

Answer 3

POINT- An additional way individual citizens can participate in Scotland’s democracy is to join a political party.
EXPLAIN - to join a political party you have to be over the age of 14 , not in any other political party and you have to be a British citizen or have lived in the uk for a year or more. People join a political party to be informed and make a difference.
EXAMPLE - For example, in the 2021 Scottish election the liberal democrat won four seats up three but lost nearly 1% of their national vote shares.

Question 4

YOU CAN JOIN A PRESSURE GROUP

Answer 4

POINT - A fourth way individual citizens can participate in Scotland’s democracy is to join a pressure group.
EXPLAIN- to join a pressure group you can be any age. People join a pressure group to me more informed and also make a difference
EXAMPLE - For example, insulate Britain protests to get their message across.