ScotDem - Participation Flashcards
(3 cards)
Explain the ways that Scots can participate in Scottish politics (8)
One way that Scot’s can participate in Scottish politics is through protesting. This means that they can profess what they believe publicly in the hope for political change. Evidence of this is the Anti racism protests across Scotland in response to violence in England and Northern Ireland fuelled by far-right and anti-immigration sentiment after the Southport stabbings. (August 2024).
One way in which Scots can participate in Scottish politics is by petitioning online. This means that they can create a petition online to try and change something about how our country is run. Evidence of this is “Frank’s law” which was started through an online petition and changed the way that free care is administered based on age.
One way that Scots can participate in politics is voting in referenda. This means that the people of Scotland have the right to make important decisions for their country. Evidence of this is around 65% of people in Scotland voted in the Brexit referendum.
Explain why people participate in Scotlands democracy (6)
One reason why people participate is because they know the importance of it. This means that people understand the how powerful the Scottish parliament is and so, feel the responsibility to have their say to make Scotland a good place. Evidence of this is that scottish people can vote on important devolved matters ie: health and education.
Another reason why some people participate is that they can protect their rights. This means that many countries around the world do not have equal rights for everyone, so those in Scotland take advantage of their right to vote to create political change. Evidence of this is that gay marriage has been legal in Scotland since 2014.
Explain why people dont participate in Scotlands democracy (6)
One reason why people do not participate is because they feel excluded from politics. This means that groups such as young people, women, ethnic minorities and LGBTQ+ communities may feel they are underrepresented by the people in power, so therefore feel unencouraged to vote. Evidence of this is that Nicola Sturgeon had been the only female first minister in Scotland.
Another reason why some do not participate is because they don’t think their participation will matter. This means that they may feel as though their single voice won’t make a difference in protesting or voting, therefore they do not participate. Evidence of this is that a group has been protesting against the nuclear weapons at Faslane in Scotland for many years but the base is still there.
