Politics revision

Modern studies

What is a democracy?

A democracy is a country where decisions are taken by the people - the people have power.

The UK and the USA are democracies because the ordinary people elect representatives to speak for them in Parliament, and from them the government is chosen.

In a democracy the people have a regular chance to vote - in the UK this happens at least every five years.

Other features of a democracy include the right to a fair trial and freedom of speech.

The opposite of democracy is a dictatorship where all the features listed above may be lacking.

In what ways can a person participate in Politics in the United Kingdom

People can participate (take part) in politics in a number of ways. The most basic way is by voting in elections - for local councils, the Scottish Parliament, Westminster or the European Parliament.

People who participate in this way are trying to become representatives.

An MP can represent his / her constituents in a variety of ways. Any MP is supposed to represent all the people of their constituency - not just those who voted for them. Representing people means putting forward their views.

Participating during election campaigns.

Canvassing - this is when people go round the doors, or phone people, asking them who they intend to support. They will try to persuade people to support their party. Canvassing used to all be done by door-to-door methods, but now phoning or emailing is popular.

Displaying Election Materials - Posters, Car Stickers etc. Keen supporters will show which party they support by displaying things like these in the hope that it will get more publicity for their party.

Leafleting - leaflets will be put through the doors of everyone who lives in the constituency. Party supporters will spend hours going round doing this.

Helping on Polling Day - each party uses supporters to provide lifts for people from home to polling stations. This is especially helpful to older people and may convince them to vote for a particular party.

How does the Scottish Parliament work?

For the Scottish Parliament you need to know about the following:

The process by which MSPs are electedWays in which MSPs can represent their constituents.

Parliament. MSPs can represent their constituents in a number of ways, including:

•By voting in the Scottish Parliament (voting is done electronically)

•By introducing Bills on behalf of their constituents (e.g. Tommy Sheridan’s Bill to outlaw warrant sales)

•By speaking in debates

•By asking questions to Ministers

•By taking part in committees.

Remember that you can be asked about the Scottish Parliament and / or the UK Parliament in London.

They represent their constituents by deciding what laws and policies they should vote for on their behalf

They protect the rights of their constituencies by raising matter on their behalf in parliament

They speak and act on behalf of their constituents when matters affecting the area are raised in parliament

Pressure Groups

These are organisations which try to influence M.P.s

views

Constituency Interest

The M. P. may find his/her needs of the constituency are at odds with his/her view or the national need.

Conscience

On some issues the M.P. has to decide what he/she thinks is best

The Whips

This is the M.P.s party’s discipline organisation. They try to ensure that the M.P. always votes with the Party

What M.P.s Do Who tries to influence them