1. Session 1 - Political Participation
L.O. You will be able to:
Describe opportunities for participation in political life
Analyse reasons for non-participation
Key terms: Participation, non-participation, political socialisation, pressure group, apathy
Starter:
List all the ways that an adult can participate in politics in Britain.
Participation = actively taking part in the political process

2. There are lots of ways that people can participate in politics…
Voting in the General Election (voting for your MP/the government every 4/5 years)
Voting in local elections (for new councillors etc)
Contacting the local MP to ask questions etc
Joining a political party
Joining a pressure group
Joining other public bodies e.g. school governors etc
Running for MP/ councillor/ mayor
Expressing an opinion in the media
Attending local development meetings and expressing an opinion (e.g. Mrs Sudds attends meetings about the development of the Royal Arsenal estate – and definitely expresses an opinion!)

3. Why is it important to participate in politics?
Quick think
Why is it important to participate in politics?
To have a say in things that affect you
To make a difference
To hold politicians to account
So that political leaders are aware of your wants and needs
To make you feel included
So that people don’t feel they need to resort to riots/terrorism
Quick think
What do you think the term political socialisation means?

4. An important distinction…
Socialisation = the process by which people learn their norms and values
Political socialisation = the process by which people learn their political skills, beliefs and values
An important distinction…
In a Dictatorship, people are politically socialised to follow their leaders without questioning their authority as they don’t get a choice about who is in charge.
In a Democracy, people are politically socialised to participate in politics so that the government can base its policies on the wants and needs of society. People can hold their government to account and vote in someone different if they don’t agree with them.
Task (4 mins): Explain how political socialisation differs between a Dictatorship and a Democracy. (4 marks) (n.b remember to define the key term)

5. Why do so few people participate in politics?
Statistics/Evidence
In 2005…
7% of adults presented their views to a local councillor or MP
7% attended a political meeting
3% took part in a political campaign
More people voted in Big Brother than the General Election!
Why do so few people participate in politics?

6. Why do so few people participate in politics?
Lack of knowledge & understanding
Lack of interest / apathy
Time / money
Think won’t make a difference / will be ignored
Don’t agree with any political parties
Apathy = Don’t care / not bothered
e.g “The reason why people don’t vote is that they are apathetic” or
“The reason why people don’t vote is due to voter apathy”

7. Possible Explanations
Task: (4 mins) Explain why political participation in Britain appears to be low. (4 marks)
Stats/Evidence
In 2005…
7% of adults presented their views to a local councillor or MP
7% attended a political meeting
3% took part in a political campaign
More people voted in Big Brother than the General Election!
Possible Explanations
Lack of knowledge & understanding
Lack of interest / apathy
Time / money
Think won’t make a difference / will be ignored
Don’t agree with any political parties
Extension: Peer assess your partner’s answer and give a mark out of 4, one positive comment and one target

8. Session 2: Voting Trends
L.O: You will be able to:
Describe and explain patterns of voting behaviour in recent years
Explain why some sections of society are less likely to participate than others
Key terms: class alignment, class de-alignment
Starter: When deciding which political party to vote for in the General Election, which 3 things do you think people would look for?
Responses could include…
Personal benefit
Image/reputation of the political leaders
Competence / trust-worthiness
Task: Complete the worksheet in your books

9. Session 3: Government Responses
L.O: You will be able to:
Discuss government responses to non-participation
Starter:
How can Citizenship lessons help to solve non-participation?
A = If young people understand politics and know why it is important to vote, they are more likely to actually do so!

10. Self-fulfilling prophecy!!
The government wants people to participate in politics because…
It is an important part of a democracy
They want to know society’s wants and needs so that they can create policies to please us – so that we vote for their party!
If people are unhappy, they are more likely to riot or resort to terrorism
We are more likely to follow rules if we agree with them or helped to make them
If only certain types of people vote or take part in politics, then only the views of these types of people will be heard e.g.
Lower class, less educated people do not think that they can influence political decisions
They don’t join political organisations
Self-fulfilling prophecy!!
The government is not persuaded to do anything for them
These organisations neglect their views and interests

11. So if you were in the government, how would you try to encourage people to participate in politics?

12. Government action How/why it may help
Task: Copy and complete this table
Government action
How/why it may help
Citizenship education is now compulsory
Immigrants take Citizenship tests, have ceremonies welcoming them into the country and English lessons
Anti-terrorism programmes within schools and communities
Debates between Prime Minister candidates are broadcasted on the TV (like in USA)
People can vote in the General Election by postal vote

13. Task: 12 minutes
Discuss how far sociologists would agree that all individuals and groups have opportunities to participate fully in the political process in Britain today. (12 marks)
Suggestions:
Explain ways that people can participate in politics
Explain evidence that some people don’t take up the opportunity to vote
Explain reasons for non-participation
Summarise government responses
Conclusion – would sociologists agree or disagree that people have the opportunity to participate fully in politics?