Political Participation

Question 1

Give examples of two traditional methods of political participation

Answer 1

Voting
Writing to MPs
Demonstrations 
Signing a petition 
Go on strike

Question 2

Give examples of two modern methods of political participation

Answer 2

Boycotting products
Protesting on social media
Emailing a MP
Signing an E-petition

Question 3

Which in your opinion is the most important method of participation

Answer 3

To stand for public office

• create a direct change
• power to influence other people’s opinions
• legislative power

OR

to protest

• news coverage
• shows a collective opinion
• un -ignorable

Question 4

Name as many reasons as to why people don’t vote

Answer 4

• dislike/distrust all politicians
• don’t like the candidates
• ‘hapathy’
• do not know enough to make an informed choice
• ‘apathy’

Question 5

What was….. in 1984 vs in 2000

Voting in GE
Signed a petition

Answer 5

83%>72%

63%>42%

Question 6

What was ….. in 1984 vs 2000

Boycotted a product
Contacted the media

Answer 6

4%>31%

4%>9%

Question 7

Define ‘slacktivism’

Answer 7

Online forms of participation which are not effective and have no impact

Laziness

Question 8

What are the consequences of low voter turnout

Answer 8

• makes us question the governments mandate
• suggests DISENGAGEMT with political process and a break down in our social responsibilities
• questions how healthy our democracy really is if people don’t participate

Question 9

What could happen as a result of not participating

Answer 9

The politicians could begin to centre there manifesto around those who do turn out

Could lead to neglect of certain groups

Question 10

Who created the concept of ‘apathy’

Answer 10

Milbrath & Goel