Ways in which citizens can influence government decision making, including pressure groups

Question 1

Petitions 1

Answer 1

10,000 signatures to get any response from the government
100,000 for it to be discussed or debated

Question 2

Petitions 2

Answer 2

For example a petition to refuse wind turbine planning on a Scottish estate as the government didn’t believe it had enough backing. It was classes as inadmissible

Question 3

Petitions 3

Answer 3

In 2016 the government agreed to scrap the 5% VAT Harte on period products. The decision came after years of campaigning and a change.org petition which got 300,000 signatures

Question 4

Publicity stunts 1

Answer 4

XR have used techniques such as smashing windows, gluing themselves to public building as well as around the speakers chair in the House of Commons

Question 4

Publicity stunts 2

Answer 4

XR in 2019 blocked of main roads in 5 major cities, including Edinburgh

Question 5

Publicity stunts 3

Answer 5

Over 2000 people took a YOUGOV poll in 2022 on XR. 75% of people said they have heard of them and 41% disliked them.

Question 6

Society and media 1

Answer 6

Student led by Erin bleaky gathered around George square and outside holyrood to protest the SQA decision. Their cause was largely supported in a sympathies way by media outlets of all sizes.

Question 7

Society and media 2

Answer 7

John swinney was forced to make an emergency statement in parliament where he directed the SQA to reinstate all the downgraded results. “ it’s deeply regrettable we got this wrong, and I’m sorry about that

Question 8

Society and media 3

Answer 8

Later swinney faced a vote of no confidence in the Scottish parliament where MPs were invited to vote on it he should be allowed to continue as education minister. He narrowly survived this.