Parliament

What is participation?

• Participation means taking part; joining in on an activity.

How can people participate in politics?

• Voting
• Joining a political party
• Joining a pressure group
• Becoming a candidate
• Helping at elections

What is Democracy?

• Democracy is "Government by the people"
• The people have a say in how the country is run
• It involves elections, and sometimes referendums

What is a representative?

• Usually chosen by the people
• A person who takes decisions on our behalf
• Examples include MPs, MSPs, councillors and trade union reps

What is a right?

• A right is something people are entitled to from society
• An example is the right to free speech

What is a responsibility?

• A responsibility is something society is entitled to get from an individual
• An example is we have a responsibility to tell the truth about people

What is a candidate?

• A candidate is a person who stands for election
• In the UK candidates can stand for the European Parliament, UK Parliament, Scottish Parliament or local government
• Candidates are chosen by the local party's selection panel

How can supporters help a political party during an election campaign?

• Handing out leaflets
• Displaying posters e.g. on windows, lamp posts, or bumper stickers on cars
• Canvassing - asking people door-to-door who they intend to vote for
• Give lifts to known supporters of they can get to the polling station
• Help scrutinise the count
• Attend public meetings supporting the candidate, or criticising an opponent
• Writing letters to a local newspaper

Why are women under-represented in politics?

Election	Males	Females	Percentage Female
2003 Scottish Parliament	78	51	39.5%
1999 Scottish Parliament	81	48	37%
2001 UK Parliament	541	118	18%
1999 Scottish Local Council	946	276	23%

52% of the UK population is female.

• The stereotyped attitude of some people who think that women should be kept busy at home
• Political parties can be male dominated. Some party members are misogynist i.e. they openly dislike women
• Westminster working hours are unsuitable for many women with families
• Women may take career breaks to look after their children. This means they could be out of active politics for a while
• Lack of suitable childminding and creche facilities at Westminster

Why are ethnic minorities under-represented in politics?

There are no ethnic minority MSPs in the Scottish Parliament

• Political parties are usually dominated by white people
• Some members of political parities have racist views
• Some voters have racist views, and would not vote for a candidate of different ethnic background
• There has been a shortage of role models in the past

Why are people with disabilities under-represented in politics?

• Lack of suitable facilities at Westminster e.g. wheelchair access
• Some members of selection panels regard a disability as a drawback, which will make it harder to get the candidate elected

The First Past The Post Electoral System

Advantages

Disadvantages

It is an easy system to understand There is a direct link between the MP and the constituents Extremist parties (e.g. Fascists and Communists) are unlikely to get MPs Tends to produce an overall majority for one party, there is no need for compromises as you would have with a coalition government

Smaller parties are under-represented (e.g. Liberal Democrats), or are not represented at all (e.g. Green Party) Encourages apathy as some people believe their vote is wasted in constituencies with a large majority (safe seats) A party can have most of the MPs despite gaining less than half of the votes. In 2001 Labour received 42% of the votes, yet has 63% of the MPs It can lead to sudden lurches in government policy after a general election First Past The Post has been abandoned by other countries as being not fully democratic

The Additional Member Electoral System

The Scottish Parliament version of Proportional Representation

Advantages	Disadvantages
There is a more proportional link between votes and elected representatives There still is a link between the MSP and the constituents Smaller parties can get representation (e.g. Green Party, Scottish Socialist Party) Some people feel their vote is less likely to be wasted	It tends to produce coalition governments, which would have to involve compromise There are two types of MSPs - constituency MSPs and list MSPs - which can lead to conflict Nobody votes for a coalition Small parties, or even individuals, can hold the balance of power which gives them a lot of influence

How can backbench MPs and MSPs represent their constituents?

Inside parliament, they can for example

• Take part in debates
• Discuss legislation (laws) in committees
• Question the Prime Minister at Question Time (MPs), or the First Minister (MSPs)
• Question other Ministers (government leaders)

Outside parliament, they can for example

• Attend meetings and surgeries
• Write and respond to correspondence
• Lobby (try to persuade) important decision takers

Why do people have a responsibility to vote?

• If you don't vote you don't have the right to criticise what the government does
• People have died in the past fighting for the right to vote
• It will ensure that the UK and Scotland stay democratic
• If the turn out is very low those elected may not represent the views of the electorate

Why may it be difficult for MPs and MSPs to represent their constituents?

• They may have to follow the party line, which can sometimes conflict with local issues
• Their constituency party may support a particular point of view
• Lobby groups such a businesses and trade unions will express their views

How can councillors represent the views of people in their wards?

• By debating and voting in committees and full council meetings
• By working with council officials and departments
• By lobbying influential people

Why may councillors be the best people to represent locals?

• Usually live in the ward they represent
• Often work in jobs alongside the local people
• They also use the council services they are responsible for

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