UK Politics:Democracy & participation- Political participation Flashcards
What is active participation?
Active participation involves engaging in activities that contribute to political processes, such as contributing to an online discussion forum. Watching a television program is not considered active participation.
What are traditional methods of political participation?
Traditional methods include voting in elections, joining a political party, joining a pressure group, organizing or signing a petition, going on a march, going on strike, writing a letter, and standing for public office.
What are modern methods of political participation?
Modern methods include e-petitions, blogging, protesting on social media, and organizing demonstrations via social media.
What is ‘slacktivism’?
‘Slacktivism’ refers to minimal effort forms of participation, such as clicking ‘like’ on social media, which do not require significant engagement or commitment.
Is there a participation crisis in the UK?
Yes, concerns have been raised about a participation crisis due to decreasing turnout in elections and a fall in membership of UK political parties.
What was the general election turnout trend from 1945 to 1992?
General election turnout was usually above 75%, reaching 84% in 1950, indicating a high level of participation.
What was the lowest general election turnout recorded?
The lowest general election turnout was 59% in 2001.
What is the significance of party membership in political participation?
Party membership allows individuals to engage with political activities and campaigns, reflecting a level of participation in the political process.
What trend has been observed in party membership since the 1980s?
There has been a rapid decline in party membership, with less than 1% of the population currently a member of any political party.
What is corporatism?
Corporatism refers to the process of incorporating different groups into the workings of government, often seen in the partnership between the government, business, and trade unions.
How has pressure group membership changed since the 1980s?
Membership of pressure groups has increased markedly, with many groups having millions of members, indicating alternative forms of participation.
What are the two main types of pressure groups?
The two main types are sectional groups, which represent specific interests, and causal groups, which campaign for broader causes.
What distinguishes insider groups from outsider groups?
Insider groups have a special relationship with the government and access to decision-makers, while outsider groups lack such connections and may use public campaigns to gain attention.
What methods do pressure groups use to influence political decisions?
Methods include lobbying, research and publishing reports, giving evidence at hearings, organizing publicity campaigns, public demonstrations, and civil disobedience.
Why do people join pressure groups?
People join pressure groups to represent specific interests or causes that may not be addressed by political parties, allowing for focused advocacy.
What is the purpose of pressure groups?
Pressure groups secure the rights of their members and ensure those rights are protected.
How do Chapter Groups promote their causes?
They may set up websites and use social media to publicise events and create viral campaigns.
Why do people join pressure groups?
People join pressure groups for various reasons, including representation, personal beliefs, participation, material benefits, and necessity.
