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Starter task: Can you explain the difference between the different political systems mentioned in the video?
> Democracy > Monarchy > Dictatorship Stretch & Challenge: Can you name a country that is ruled by each one of these systems? |
Lesson 9 - We want democracy |
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Parliament passes laws that determine how we live our lives. By electing a government, we give it the power to do this. If people break the laws, they can be punished. The government is given authority (a mandate) because the population accepts that an election is a fair way of deciding who will hold power for a five year period.
The government is accountable because it has to answer to the voters. If voters do not like what is happening, the government will not be re-elected. |
Influencing laws
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Pressure groups often work to promote a cause such as looking after the environment. Trade unions and other organisations are also pressure groups that work to protect the interests of their members. Pressure groups often engage in the following activities:
> Lobby government > Use adverts, press releases and stunts to stay in the public eye > Sponsor MPs and finance political parties |
Key term: Lobby, to try to persuade MPs to support a particular point of view. This used to happen in the 'lobby' or the hallway, into parliament.
Key term: Public consultation, involves asking the public about their opinion on changes in the law, policies or large-scale developments.
Devolving power
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The Scottish parliament and the Welsh assembly were both set up following referendum. Their had been lengthy campaigns for devolution in both countries who wished to shift power away from London. The Scottish Parliament can now raise taxes and pass laws, however in a recent referendum Scottish people voted against splitting from the UK entirely to become an independent country. The Welsh assembly has less powers and is not able to set its own laws of taxes. However it can spend its allocated budget from the UK government in any way it sees fit.
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