Topic 5 - Democracy And Active Participation Flashcards
Who can we elect in Northern Ireland ?
- Local councillor
- MLA (Member of the Legeslative Assembly) - stormont
- MP (Member of Parliament) - Westminster that represent us
What are features of a democracy ?
- An elected parliament/ assembly that makes laws
- Regular free and fair elections every 5 years
- A choice of political parties
- Freedom of expression meaning citizens can express their views openly as can the press and media
- Right to action meaning an individual can influence government decisions by taking part in petitions, demonstrations and peaceful protests
- Protection of human rights
What is meant by democracy ?
Democracy means rule by the people and it is when people have a say in how their country is run.
What is representative democracy ?
This is when we elect other people to make descions on our behalf
What are some countries which are non- democratic states and are led by dictatorship?
China, Russia
What are some features of Non-democratic states / Dictatorships ?
- People don’t have the right to vote for who they want to represent them in parliament. Sometimes if elections are held, they aren’t by secret ballot and are controlled by the government
- There is no freedom of speech, the views of different people are not allowed to be heard
- There is no free press meaning that the government controls the media and what is shown to people (censorship)
- ## There is usually abuse of human rights for example there is torture or imprisonment without a fair trial or discrimination against an ethnic or religious minority
What does the strength of a democracy depend on ?
The strength of a democracy depends on people’s participation in the democratic process. In a democracy everyone has rights and also a responsibility to participate in public life and the decision making processes.
What does everyone in a democracy have the right and responsibility to do ?
Everyone in a democracy has rights but also responsibility to participate in public life and decision making processes which bring about change for the benefit of society.
Give examples of how actively participation in Democratic processes:
- Voting/ holding votes
- Supporting petitions
- Participating in informed political debate
- Lobbying (persuading the government)
- Taking part in peaceful protests
Give examples of how schools can provide opportunities for active citizenship ?
- Having a school council as students vote for who they wish to represent them on the student council which will discuss a range of issues
- Pupil voice, this is where the will ask pupils views on important issues or decisions which are being made, often done through student focus groups
- Student Evaluations, opinion from students is sought on various issues through surveys, questionnaires and feedback forms
- Volunteering, by participation in volunteer projects, pupils can plan and organise events to support the school or the community
- Class debate or discussion as these activities help young people become more confident in speaking in front of others, present reasoned arguments to others and to listen and respond to others
Give examples how young people can be active citizens in the local community ?
- By becoming aware of important issues in their local community such as poverty, discrimination and homelessness
- By reporting abuses to the police
- By challenging inappropriate views of others
- Donating or volunteering for a local charity
- Participating in a community project through a youth club
- Joining a pressure group yo try and influence MLAs or MPs like an NGO
- Using social media to connect with others and to raise awareness of important issues and gain support about the issues
Give examples of how young people can be active citizens in the wider world ?
- By Volunteering with a global NGO, whether in fundraising shops or going abroad
- Organising fundraising events
-Raising awareness among adults and peers - Becoming aware of global issues such as poverty, hunger, lack of clean water, poor healthcare and war
- Making responsible consumer choices like buying ethical products eg Fairtrade
- Using social media to connect with others and raise awareness of important issues and gain support
- Taking part in a peaceful demonstration
- Joining a pressure group to try and influence MPs or MLAs
Why can young people being active citizens can influence change for the benefit of society ?
- Because children’s and young peoples issues and views are given greater importance in society
- It means that changes can be introduced which benefit the whole of society
- Communities gain from the energy and ideas of young people
- When young people participate in this way then democracy and human rights are enhanced for everyone
How do young people themselves benefit from being active citizens ?
- They are developing their knowledge and understanding or local and global issues which affect them
- They become familiar with the democratic processes they will use as an adult
- They are developing self-esteem, confidence and motivation
- They are developing skills in communication, teamwork, problem solving, and self management
- These skills are all appealing to employers so their career will be enhanced
- The skills and aptitudes will help them to cope more effectively in their social lives and in their communities
