Are You Politically Savvy?

Young People, Voter Apathy, and Pressure Groups

• Citizenship Education was introduced as a curriculum subject in 2003 to encourage young people's involvement in politics and society.
• Many young people participate in political protests and volunteer for charity causes, but some are only interested in single issues such as university fees.
• There is a concern about the lack of citizen involvement in politics, as membership of political parties and voting in elections have declined, especially among young people.
• The future of democracy relies on citizens' engagement and participation in society, and a healthy democracy depends on the degree of citizen involvement in the political process.
• Responses to voter apathy include making it easier to vote by postal and online voting, having voting over several days, education about the importance of voting and policies, and changing the voting system to proportional representation.
• Barriers to participation in democracy include lack of interest, lack of trust in politicians or the political process, issues being raised that are not important to them, and language barriers or poor access to education or health.
• Active citizens have the knowledge, skills, and understanding to participate fully in society and bring about change.
• Democracy is a society where citizens can vote in regular elections, and the electoral system is fair and open, with respect for human rights and a free press.
• Pressure groups are groups of citizens who join together to bring about change on an issue they believe is important, using various tactics such as petitions, lobbying, boycotts, leaflets, demonstrations, social media, celebrity support, and media promotion.
• Successful campaigns depend on public/media interest, support from many people and financial resources, media coverage, effective methods, and the status of the group as either an insider or outsider group.
• Recent campaigns include Jamie Oliver's "Sugar Tax" campaign and Junior Doctors' protests against the government's new contract.
• Historical campaigns such as the Suffragettes and the Ford Dagenham Factory strike for equal pay for women used direct action to promote their causes, and pressure groups and the media hold representatives such as MPs and local councils to account for their actions.