Transcript Standard Grade Revision

Standard Grade Revision
Living in a Democracy
Answering KU questions
When answering KU questions you must:
read the question carefully and make sure
you answer it!
EXPLAIN your answer as clearly as
possible
give EXAMPLES whenever possible
Participation
Voting
campaigning
standing as a
candidate in an
election
joining a political
party
attending and
speaking at meetings
Taking part in a
peaceful
demonstration
lobbying MSP/MPs etc
writing letters to
representatives
Reasons for voting
Campaigning
Local
canvassing
handing out leaflets
local media interviews
walkabouts in
shopping centres etc
National
Party political
broadcasts
newspaper
advertising
national media
interviews (usually
the leader)
Representatives
Representatives we Elect
Councillors
Councillors
Aberdeen
City Council
East
Dunbartonshire
Council
MSPs
MSPs
Scottish
Parliament
Scottish Parliament
MPs
MPs
UK
UKParliament
Parliament
deals with:
schools
housing
leisure facilities etc
deals with:
health
education
transport etc
deals with:
Foreign policy
defence
benefits etc
only deals with local issues
always in the ward
Work of an MSP/MP
Ask questions
debate and vote on
Bills
Committee work
lobby Ministers
hold surgeries
visit local areas
attend
demonstrations
lobby Councillors
Work of councillors
Debating
voting on issues
committee work
holding surgeries
taking part in
demonstrations
lobbying MPs/MSPs
First Past the Post
Advantages
Disadvantages
easy to understand,
so more democratic
each constituency has
a representative, so
feel well represented
provides a strong
government
all parties are not
fairly represented
government may be
elected with less than
half the vote
MPs may be elected
with less than half the
vote
Additional Member System
Advantages
fairer representation
of parties
government cannot
be formed with less
than half the vote
Disadvantages
more complicated, so
fewer vote
weaker, coalition,
government
small parties may
have unproportional
power in government
Women and Ethnic
Minorities
These groups are often under-represented because:
Women
discrimination
many women stay at
home to look after
children
cost of child care to
attend political
meetings
Ethnic Minorities
discrimination
poorer education/
language problems
Pressure Groups
Methods:
demonstration
lobbying
letter writing
newspaper adverts
public meetings
Pressure Groups
Rights
demonstrate in
London/Edinburgh to
influence MPs/MSPs
Responsibilities
keep the march
peaceful or else lose
sympathy
publish information in
newspapers/leaflets
about their cause
make sure
information is
accurate or support
will be lost
Bitesize revision
 In what ways can British people participate in politics?
(General 4, Credit 6)
 In what ways can an MSP represent the views of his or
her constituents? (General 4, Credit 6)
 Why are women under-represented in the political
system? (General/Credit 4)
 Describe the rights and responsibilities of pressure
groups in society. (General 4, Credit 6)
 Remember, there’s plenty out there to help you
*(Click the star)