Participation crisis

Question 1

Participation crisis

Answer 1

A lack of engagement by a significant number of citizens to relate to the political process.

Question 2

1. FOR: steady decline in turnout

Answer 2

UK turnout at general elections has been considerably lower than that in several other European democracies.
-76.6% German 2021 FE
-77.7% Dutch 2023 GE
Compared to…
-60% UK 2024 GE
However, this decline in turnout is not confined to just Westminster.
Devolved bodies:
Wales, London Assembly and Mayor, in its entirety has never reached above 50% turnout.

Question 3

2. FOR: decline in membership of parties

Answer 3

UK membership to political parties has been on a downward trajectory since the 1960s.
-In 2022, 1.5% of electorate were members of a party, 50 years ago it was 7%.
-Conservatives: (historically highest membership)
1951 - 2,900,000->2022 - 160,000
-Liberal democrats:
1983 - 183,000->2022-73,544
-Labour:
1951 - 1,005,000 ->2024 - 366,604

Question 4

3. FOR: fall of the trade union movement

Answer 4

Trade unions can be seen headed in the same direction as political parties, as a result of the decline in manual jobs and traditional industry such as coal mining and ship building. With this decline in membership, working people have lost their voice.
-1979- 13.2 million
-2016- 6.23 million (all time low)
-2022- 6.25 million

Question 5

1. AGAINST:

Question 6

2. AGAINST: revival of

Question 7

3. AGAINST: