Votes at 16 Flashcards
1
Q
What is votes at 16?
A
A coalition of groups in support of extending the franchise to 16 year olds
2
Q
What do votes at 16 use to justify their aims
A
The idea that 16 year olds have lots of rights and responsibilities that should entitle them suffrage
3
Q
Name 3 things 16 year olds can legally do
A
- Give full consent to medical treatment
- Leave school and enter work or training
- Pay income tax and NI
- Obtain tax credits and welfare benefits
- Consent to sex
- Enter marriage/civil partnership
- Change name by deed poll
- Become a company director
- Join the armed forces
- Join a TU
4
Q
When were 16 year olds able to vote for the first time?
A
In the 2014 Scottish independence referendum
5
Q
When was the franchise extended to 16 year olds in Scotland?
A
2016
6
Q
When was the franchise extended to 16 year olds in Wales?
A
2020
7
Q
List the votes at 16 resources
A
- Adopt a lord
- Draft email to send to local MP
- Resources provided to set up debate and discussion
- Resources to lobby school leaders and students
- Advice on how to lobby local representatives/ set up local campaigns
8
Q
What have been the three key indicators that the campaign has been gaining strength?
A
- The franchise has been extended to 16 year olds in Scotland and Wales
- Local councils and political parties have stated their support
- Increased parliamentary debates on the issues indicates more support from MPs and lords
9
Q
List the arguements in favour
A
- Social media and citizenship education means young people are more informed than ever
- Encourages political engagement
- They have civic rights and responsibilities that should warrant the right to vote
- The radicalism of the young could act as a useful counterpoint to the extreme conservatism of the elderly
10
Q
List the arguements against
A
- Too young to make rational judgements
- Issues too complex for them to understand
- Few pay taxes so have a lower stake in society
Excessively radical as they have not had a chance to consider issues properly
