Democracy - Participation

Question 1

Explain, in detail, why many people in Scotland choose not to vote in elections.

Answer 1

• Apathy, some people have very little interest in politics. For example; in the 2021 Scottish Parliament Elections a third of voters did not vote.
• Lack of trust, they may think that politicians only care for themselves. For example; scandals involving politicians breaking covid regulations.
• Rights, citizens in Scotland have the right to not use their vote. For example; it is not mandatory to vote in Scotland unlike Australia.

Question 2

Explain, in detail why many people in Scotland choose to participate in the electoral process.

Answer 2

• To make a difference, the Scottish government is very powerful and has lots of influence. For example; it can pass laws on health and education.
• To be heard, people need to participate to make their views be heard. For example; in recent years, young people have gained the right to vote.
• Stop extremists, if less people vote there is a higher chance of smaller extremist parties gaining votes. For example, in the UK Euro election the BNP gained two seats.

Question 3

Explain, in detail, the rights of an individual in a democracy.

Answer 3

• Protest, citizens can hold demonstrations against government decisions. For example; protests on covid regulations.
• Freedom of speech, citizens in Scotland can criticise the government without fear of being arrested if they refrain from using hate speech. For example; racist groups can protest without government interference if the refrain from using hate speech.
• Vote, people in Scotland can vote as a way of expressing their voice. For example; over two million people voted in the Scottish Parliament Elections in 2021.

Question 4

Explain, in detail, responsibilities of individuals in a democracy.

Answer 4

• Use their vote, individuals should vote whenever they get the chance. For example; over two million people voted in the 2021 Scottish Parliament Elections.
• Not use hate speech, individuals are free to criticise the government without fear of being arrested if they refrain from using hate speech. For example; some songs cannot be sung at football events as they use hate speech.
• Protest Peacefully, during a protest people should not damage property or hurt people around them. For example; racist groups can protest without government interference if they refrain from using hate speech.

Question 5

Explain, in detail, why political parties use social media in campaigns.

Answer 5

• Direct, social media allows quick access to information. For example; the Scottish Labour Party heavily invested in Facebook advertising in 2019.
• Target Specific Groups, they can tailor messages to reach specific audiences. For example; reaching young people on twitter.
• Personal, social media allows for a personal touch in campaigns. For example; Nicola Sturgeon has more followers on twitter than her political party.

Question 6

Explain, in detail, ways in which political parties use social media in campaigns.

Answer 6

• Leaders debate, live TV debates put leaders on the spot. For example; the Scottish Leaders debate was broadcasted on both BBC Scotland and STV.
• Facebook, political parties can pay for adverts to appear in your newsfeed. For example; in 2019, the Scottish Labour Party heavily invested in Facebook advertising.
• Twitter, each of the main party leaders has their own Twitter account. For example; Nicola Sturgeon has more twitter followers than her political party.

Question 7

Describe, in detail, two ways that political parties campaign in Scottish Parliament Elections.

Answer 7

• Canvassing, this gives parties the opportunity to go door to door to speak with the public. For example; this may secure votes for the candidate.
• Publishing a manifesto, a manifesto is a collection of policies that a party has. For example; in 2021 the SNP published a manifesto for all students to have a laptop in school.
• The use of media, political parties create mini adverts to be shown on TV and online. For example, the Scottish Labour Party heavily invested in facebook advertising in 2019.

Question 8

Describe, in detail, two roles of individuals during elections and campaigns.

Answer 8

• Get informed, as it is up to individuals to vote they should be informed of each political party. For example; by watching the leaders debates or reading a manifesto.
• Stand as a candidate, if individuals don’t put themselves forward for election then there would be no one to select. For example; Siobhan Brown put herself forward as candidate for Ayr.
• Vote, this is one of the most important roles of an individual. For example; in the 2021 Scottish Parliament Election, over two million people used their right to vote.

Question 9

Explain, in detail, two opportunities individuals have to participate in Scotland.

Answer 9

• Vote, people who are over the age of 16 can participate by voting. For example; over two million people voted in the Scottish Parliament Elections in 2021.
• Stand as candidate, a candidate is someone who puts themselves forward to be elected. For example; Siobhan Brown put herself forward as a candidate for Ayr.
• Join a political party, you can be involved in important decisions by joining a political party. For example; over 100,000 people are part of the SNP.

Question 10

Describe, in detail, two roles of Political Parties during elections and campaigns.

Answer 10

• Promote Candidates, parties have to promote candidates that will be popular with voters. For example; in 2021, all parties except the conservatives introduced more policies to promote female candidates.
• Produce a manifesto, a manifesto is a collection of policies that a political party has. For example; in 2021, the SNP wrote in their manifesto that all students should have a laptop in schools.
• Campaign, this is when the parties organise to go out and promote candidates. For example; in 2021, Siobhan Brown canvassed around Ayr.