Citizen participation

• How can citizens use their power and influence ?


  They can participate and contribute to society,politic and democracy in the UK
• What are some opportunities for participation?

  • Politics:by voting or campaigning on a local,national or global issue
  • volunteering for local charities
  • involvement in charities to improve health or campaign for justice or inequality
• What are some barriers to participating?

  • busy lives or lack to time from working long hours
  • lack of interest about politics or community issues,feeling there is no point
  • lack of awareness and education
  • worrying about the process or the impact of their position in society and others
• Direct action


  when people try achieve political goals themselves e.g protesting
• Indirect action


  when people try to influence politicians to act for them e.g.using petitions
• Example of direct action

  • Join/start a campaign, march, protest
  • boycott companies or countries or go on strike
• Example of indirect action

  • Join a political party ,vote in elections and referendum
  • lobby politician/join pressure group that tries to influence policy on a particular cause
• Reasons why people get involved

  • Concern about making a difference e.g environmental issues
  • influence from personal experience
  • influence from cultural background/religion
  • ambition ,a career in politics