Rights in a democracy

Question 1

The Right to Join A Pressure Group

Answer 1

One political right that people have in Scotland is the right to join a political pressure group.
A pressure group is group of like-minded people who share similar beliefs or aims. Pressure groups try to collectively put pressure on the government to change a law or keep an existing law.
For example, the Scottish Pressure group Scottish Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) are against nuclear weapons in Scotland.

Question 2

The Right to Vote

Answer 2

People in Scotland have the right to vote and make a decision about government and how the country is run. You can vote in Scottish Elections at the age of 16 and in UK Elections at the age of 18.

For example, Scottish citizens will vote in Scottish Parliament elections every five years. The next election will take place in May 2026

Question 3

The Right to Protest

Answer 3

Scottish citizens have the right to protest if they feel strongly about an issue. A group of like-minded people get together and march down streets/public areas to raise attention about an issue and try to influence the government to make changes,

For example, Extinction Rebellion Scotland are a Scottish environmental protest group fighting against climate change and other environmental issue