Political participation

Question 1

Brief history of the vote

Answer 1

1. The first nationwide election was held in 1853. Initially only men with property were allowed to vote. There was a pluralist voting system in which those with multiple properties were allowed more than one vote. The maaaaoris were allowed to vote in 1867.
2. In 1879 the property requirement to vote was removed.
3. In 1889, pluralist voting was replaced by the modern, one man one vote.
4. In 1893, women were given the right to vote.
5. The first NZ political party, The Liberals, was formed in the early 1890’s. Labour was formed in 1916 while National was formed in 1936.

Question 2

Low cost Participation

Answer 2

Voting in local and national elections as well as in referendums. Paid membership to become a member of a political party or social movement. The accessing of political blogs and media in order to keep up to date with the political environment.

Question 3

High cost participation

Answer 3

Becoming a parliamentary candidate or running for local elections. Submitting proposed legislation to parliament. Taking part in local community action against local situations. It is also very costly to take part in an electoral campaign. These costs can be major deterrents to political participation.

Question 4

Unconventional costs

Answer 4

Civil disobedience and public protest. Can also be arrested for urging people not to vote.

Question 5

Pluralist democracy

Answer 5

This infers that society is split up into different groups of differing interests (interest groups) and that the political power is widely distributed and everyone has the same level of access to the government and to resources. It is the role of the government to act as a mediator between these groups and arbitrate based on consensus, majority and fairness.

Question 6

Neo-pluralism

Answer 6

This model believes that pluralism is flawed and that not all groups, nor individuals have an equal amount of political power or influence. It also assumes that the government is not neutral to all groups and that they will favor those which provide some sort of benefit to them as well as if they are part of their electorate constituency. For example, National has the Federated Farmers while Labour has the Council of Trade Unions.

Question 7

Why are interest groups and social movements important?

Answer 7

They represent freedom of association which is an important right in a democratic state. They also promote participation and accountability.

Question 8

Define Interest groups

Answer 8

Groups that try to influence public policy but are not actual political parties. They are privately organised by a group of people with common goals and agendas.

Question 9

What are the types of interest groups?

Answer 9

1. Sectional (representing a common interest within a section of society) - Promotional (promote a particular cause).
2. Closed - Open.
3. Insider - Outsider.

Question 10

Roles and strategies of interest groups:

Answer 10

1. They evoke public participation which is more direct than only voting.
2. They bring issues into the government and public agenda.
3. They can assist and lead to the formation of new policies.

Question 11

What are the 4 strategies that interest groups use?

Answer 11

1. Direct.
2. Indirect.
3. Media and mobilisation.
4. Political donations.

Question 12

Explain the direct approach:

Answer 12

This is the immediate face to face interaction between the interest group or lobbyists with the person they are trying to persuade.

Question 13

Explain the indirect approach:

Answer 13

This is when the interest group actually makes their point to people in the public and tries to urge them into contacting the government or group of interest.

Question 14

Explain the media approach:

Answer 14

The point is put across through the media in the hopes of reaching a wider audience as well as potentially the group of interest as well. Can use propaganda in an attempt to mobilise the public.

Question 15

Advantages of interest groups:

Answer 15

1. They provide an alternate means for participation.
2. They can counteract strong executives and give smaller parties a voice.
3. They can be a means for suggesting new policies.
4. Provide feedback on existing policies.

Question 16

Disadvantages of interest groups:

Answer 16

1. They are only affordable to some- not free entry.
2. They only look after the interests of their members rather than public interest.
3. They can be elitist due to their exclusivity.
4. Change is often slow.

Question 17

How is the success of interest groups measured?

Answer 17

1. Through any new implementation of policies or legislations.
2. Through public awareness and increasing exposure.
3. If they continue to be funded.

Question 18

Define insider groups:

Answer 18

These groups have access to the government and as a result can have more influence. This gives groups a voice through which to be heard within parliament.

Question 19

Define outsider groups:

Answer 19

No direct contact within the government and as a result are less influential. They are more likely to be focused around public perception. Will often be promotional rather than sectional. Social movements are always outsider groups.

Question 20

Define social movements:

Answer 20

A group of people who come together in order to challenge the current political order and achieve a common objective.

Question 21

What are the objectives of social movements?

Answer 21

1. Policy change. Either trying to have a new policy passed or resist the introduction of an incoming one.
2. Mobilisation and engagement of the public in order to try and achieve some sort of political change.
3. Societal changes through a shifting in the publics cultural beliefs and values.
4. Personal change and empowerment.

Question 22

Strategies of social movements:

Answer 22

1. Mobilisation of the masses towards a common goal.
2. Passive resistance as well as more disruptive acts such as active protesting or even illegal actions.
3. Media campaigning in order to try and ‘name shame’ certain individuals.