Theme D Flashcards
Power & Influence
Opportunities for citizen participation
- Serving in society (magistrates and special constable)
- Local community (charities and volunteering)
Barriers to citizen participation
- Busy lives (work/family commitments)
- Lack of awareness/knowledge
- Apathy
What is direct action?
Action to bring about change, such as demonstrations or strikes
What is indirect action?
Making your case by persuasion rather than action
Examples of direct action
- Joining or starting a campaign or protest
- Boycotting companies
Examples of indirect action
- Join a political party
- Stand in election as MP
- Lobby politicians
- Join a pressure group
What is an interest group?
A group of people that tries to change public opinion or government policy to its own view or beliefs
What is digital democracy?
The use of online methods to support elections campaigns and voting.
What is beneficial about digital democracy?
- Cheaper
- Results are easier to collate
- More assessable
What is risky about digital voting?
- May deter older voters
- High security needed
Advantages of using social media to improve political participation
- Messages targeted to specific voters
- Allows the public to scrutinise the government
Disadvantages of using social media to improve political participation
- Libel/Slander could be spread
- Manipulation of public influence and opinion
Example of a democratic system outside the UK
Norway
Features of Norway’s system
- Most adult citizens can vote (registration is automatic),
Example of a non-democratic system
North Korea
Features of North Korea’s system
- No genuine elections (most ballots contain ne candidate),
Examples of public institutions
Schools/universities
Examples of public services
Police force
What is the purpose of public institutions and services?
To support citizens in their everyday lives
What are charities and voluntary groups?
Non-profit organisations that work to support causes or groups in society
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What are pressure groups?
A group of people that tries to change public opinion or government policy to its own view or beliefs.
What are trade unions?
Group of employees who join go maintain and improve their conditions of employment
Two examples of how citizens working together to attempt to change or improve their communities
-Open Britain (national campaign),