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

ParticipationVotingcampaigningstanding 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

CampaigningLocal

canvassinghanding out leafletslocal media

interviewswalkabouts in

shopping centres etc

National

Party political broadcasts

newspaper advertising

national media interviews (usually the leader)

Representatives

on ly d ea ls w ith loca l issu es a lw ays in th e w ard

d ea ls w ith :sch oo lsh ou s in g

le isu re fac ilit ies e tc

C ou n c illo rsA b erd een C ity C ou n c il

d ea ls w ith :h ea lth

ed u cationtran sp ort e tc

M S P sS cottis h P a rliam en t

d ea ls w ith :F ore ig n p o licy

d efen ceb en efits e tc

M P sU K P arliam en t

Representatives w e E lec t

Councillors

East Dunbartonshire Council

MSPs

Scottish Parliament

MPs

UK Parliament

Work of an MSP/MPAsk questionsdebate and vote on

BillsCommittee worklobby Ministershold surgeriesvisit local areasattend

demonstrationslobby Councillors

Work of councillorsDebatingvoting on issuescommittee workholding surgeriestaking part in

demonstrationslobbying MPs/MSPs

First Past the Post

AdvantagesAdvantageseasy to understand,

so more democraticeach constituency

has a representative, so feel well represented

provides a strong government

DisadvantagesDisadvantagesall parties are not

fairly representedgovernment may

be elected with less than half the vote

MPs may be elected with less than half the vote

Additional Member System

AdvantagesAdvantagesfairer

representation of parties

government cannot be formed with less than half the vote

DisadvantagesDisadvantagesmore complicated,

so fewer voteweaker, coalition,

governmentsmall parties may

have unproportional power in government

Women and Ethnic Minorities

WomenWomendiscriminationmany women stay

at home to look after children

cost of child care to attend political meetings

Ethnic MinoritiesEthnic Minoritiesdiscriminationpoorer education/

language problems

These groups are often under-represented because:

Pressure GroupsMethods:

demonstrationlobbyingletter writingnewspaper advertspublic meetings

Pressure Groups Rights

demonstrate in London/Edinburgh to influence MPs/MSPs

publish information in newspapers/leaflets about their cause

Responsibilitieskeep the march

peaceful or else lose sympathy

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)