GCSE: Politics
- Peer Reviewed essays 6
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'First-past-the-post should be replaced as a method of electing political representatives.' Discuss.
5 star(s)Some of the advantages of using FPTP as a method of electing political representatives are; there is very little chance of drastic parties being elected to Parliament under FPTP because they are unlikely to gain enough votes in any one constituency. Generally the results of elections using FPTP can be calculated quickly. When necessary, this makes the transfer of power from one party to another much easier. The 1997 and 2001 elections were clear evidence of this. It gives rise to a consistent parliamentary opposition.
- Word count: 1457
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Evaluate the case for using Referenda to decide important issues in the UK
4 star(s)The second type of democracy is 'representative democracy'. Representative democracy is indirect government by the people through representatives elected by the people. In the UK there are 658 constituencies each having their own representatives. People within those constituencies vote for both general and bi elections and depending on which party won in the constituency an MP for a party will go through. Referenda falls under the category of 'direct democracy'. There are many advantages of holding a referendum; one of these is that referendums seek the opinion of the public of whom the matters will affect. This means that the public will have a fair representation on matters.
- Word count: 1061
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Evaluate the case for using referenda to decide important issues in the UK
3 star(s)Referendums should give a clear answer to a question however there are often problems with this. Referendums are also the most direct form of democracy as the people's views are clearly represented and help to make political decisions more legitimate. This leads to a better chance of the people accepting the decision if they feel that they have had a direct input in the decision making. Referendums could also prevent governments from enacting unpopular decisions if they receive a 'no' vote, such as in the 2004 referendum for regional governments in North-East England.
- Word count: 1173
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What have been the effects of the use of proportional electoral systems in the UK?
3 star(s)If a majoritarian or first past the post system was implemented in Northern Ireland, this would result in only a catholic or protestant MP being elected per constituency, which would cause obvious community ruptures. This would also influence the party selected to run the country. For example, it was calculated that if the first past the post system was implemented in Northern Ireland the protestant associated Unionist party would gain a majority and thus form government. Also, the system is more proportional than the first past the post system since all votes are largely of equal value.
- Word count: 1070
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Juvinile Delinquency
If teens think they have the mental abilities to make these decisions, they should take responsibility for there actions. If we keep on letting them go, people are going to be continuously commiting crimes. Although, if we allow teens to go to death row, the juveniles will take precaution, knowing the consequences. Letting these kids go is not benefiting our country, neither is it benefiting society. For some, they think that we should not be giving sympathy for the young or the old if they have the ability to take the lives of innocent people. Why should we feel bad for murderers?
- Word count: 1741
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Evaluate the factors that affect the legitimacy of political systems
A person can have legitimacy but no actual power, they could have a perfectly legitimate government but have no overall majority of power, making them useless. A political group could also have power and authority, achieved through nothing but brute force, the Nazi Party for example, removing all the legitimacy from their system. How can legitimacy be achieved? For a country to have a legitimate government the views of the people need to be reflected and the people need to have a say in how their country is run.
- Word count: 1025
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INquisitorial Indonesia
The theory in this system is that the judge will use his/her skill and knowledge of the law to determine the truth. Indonesia's inquisitorial system and Australia's adversarial system can be contrasted to reveal the many differences between these systems of trial and why they exist. Role of the Judge: The role of the judge is what differs most between Indonesia's and Australia's systems. An Indonesian trial usually consists of 3 judges, one Chair judge and two other less superior judges.
- Word count: 1103
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Child Soldiers - an evaluation
This fact would also suggest the intimate reasons why so many children get involved with the violence, with other motives such as pursuit of national liberation from conflict, social expandatures and religious expression often cited as why children are too often lead with the aspiration to become a "fighter" in the issues surrounding the actions of brutality. The WITNESS estimate of 20,000 children, under the age of 18, having been recruited into government and non-state armed groups, just in the DRC, highlights the growth of conscripting these "volunteers".
- Word count: 1442
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The Government's Aim to begin a severe crackdown on knife related crime
It could be especially distressing for the older generation. A constant reminder of what seems to be happening to our society. Another point to make, anti the campaign, would take into consideration the fact that many young people are used to seeing graphic images and results of violence in their day-to-day lives. A lot of the films and computer games that many of today's teenagers play are surrounded and based on violence and wounds and images like this one, are a regular occurrence on television.
- Word count: 1331
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how can the judiciary protect human rights?
For example, with the Belmarsh detainees case in December 2004. Eight citizens were detained without trial under the Anti-Terrorism act of 2001. Members of the House of Lords declared that this violated the European Convention of Human Rights and violated the citizens' civil liberties. The government were pressured successfully and was forced to amend the Act. Acts such as the Criminal Justice Bill in 2003 which advocated 'double jeopardy' was heavily criticised. The judges in the House of Lords have also obstructed Bills that are deemed to affect the rights of minorities, such as the anti-hunting bill in 2004.
- Word count: 1280
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to what extent do pressure groups influence government
Insider groups do not have marches or demonstrations. Instead they will have regular meetings with the government, either local government, Scottish executive or Westminster level. Through this they are able to establish a relationship between government and the insider group, which will be a constructive and professional. Although the pressure groups and the government may not agree, it does give the pressure groups a chance to be heard. Sometimes insider groups are elevated to the position of stake holder. This occurs when the insider group is seen as a partner, rather than a nuisance.
- Word count: 1049
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Is the President the Most Powerful Man In the World?
Up until the 1970's congress rarely used these 'reserve' powers unless a President was becoming to doctorial. However in recent times, these consent powers are used more often. For example, the Senate refused to ratify SALT 2. For one, although he is the leader of the armed Forces, it is up to Congress to declare war. In addition, the War Powers Resolution 1973 constrained the presidents powers and states that the president can only send the US armed forces into action if Congress authorizes it or the US is under severe attack. If there is no authorization of the war, then military force can only be used for 60 days.
- Word count: 1115
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9/11 Conspiracy Theories
After the Cold War, some of the air defence was dismantled as they thought that attacks would come from outside rather than inside. So, training pilots were only trained to fly out of America and not in. However, there were many problems with this and soon, everyone doubted the official version. From small to massive, conspiracy ideas were popping up everywhere, using the internet to tell their different theories. Although, one thing they all agreed on was that the government was, somehow involved.
- Word count: 1597
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Social Anarchism
Is it not rightful to give the working class and the individuals the right to make all the decisions, is it not they who make the country? What differentiates Social anarchism from other ideologies is in the system of how decisions are to be made. They absolutely abhor states and any form of government. When reading this, the first impression would be that this ideology will never be able to function; however that is not necessarily true. Social Anarchists believe that decision should be made in councils. Now you might be wondering, would that not be a sort of government?
- Word count: 1563
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How much influence does the media have on the political process
In a highly commercialized society like the USA this has shaped the media as a source that provides high volume of unsubstantial information. James Poniewozik says "With cable and now online outlets that can make anything news at any time, the media formerly known as mainstream are dealing with news that can go through several rounds of attack and counter-attack between the morning paper and the evening news "[1]. This trend seems to diminish the influence of the media and to downgrade the level of its quality, which leads to the diffusion of its power among many alternative outlets.
- Word count: 1881
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Is immigration good or bad.
Another key factor for people being against immigration is "feckless" immigrants entering the country with no English, key skills and qualifications therefore draining resources thus increasing workers to pay more tax. All this said I still am certain that immigration will assist Britain because this would apply this country with many advantages like increase the tax revenue that will help the economy. More immigrants would mean it would sustain the society with multi-culturism, which would provide British citizens with an understanding about many fascinating cultures.
- Word count: 1372
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Description of Citizenship Activity Describe how you participated in a school or community based activity.
Signature: Date: Centre Marks Section 1: Planning (AO3) max mark 10 Section 2: Activity Log (AO1) max mark 10 Section 3: Communication (AO2) max mark 10 Section 4: Evaluation (AO3) max mark 10 Total: max mark 40 Response Form Section One: Planning * Describe how you planned the different stages in your activity * Outline your contribution to the activity * Refer to the contributions, views and experiences of others. Planning Stages: Before we started the activity in the main hall, we had to plan what we were going to do, and find information to do it.
- Word count: 1300
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What are the advantages and disadvantages of the devolution process in Scotland and Wales?
Devolution was intended to restore legitimacy to a system of government which had appeared unable to reflect Scottish preferences since 1979. Since the introduction of devolution there has been much evidence to suggest that Scots are in support of the changes that have occurred. In 2003, six years after the Scotland Act, support for devolution is still in the majority, remaining the most popular constitutional option at around 55%. In the 1997 referendum 74.3% voted in favour of devolution, showing a clear majority. Demand for self-government had grown significantly in the run up to the passing of the devolution acts.
- Word count: 1425
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The Labour Governement
World economic output continued to decline until 1932 when it clinked bottom at 50% of its 1929 level. Unemployment soared, in the United States it peaked at 24.9% in 1933. It remained above 20% for two more years, reluctantly declining to 14.3% by 1937. It then leapt back to 19% before its long-term decline. Since most households had only one income earner the equivalent modern unemployment rates would likely be much higher. Real economic output (real GDP) fell by 29% from 1929 to 1933 and the US stock market lost 89.5% of its value.
- Word count: 1378
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The media plays an important role in society. What is its role and to what extent is it independent and why is it important to maintain freedom of speech?
Generally people think that the media can do whatever they want but ask yourself, who buys the newspapers? Who watches the news? Do we have to buy and watch the news and things they publish? The general public who are on the receiving end are in control. The media can only be successful with people being interested in their articles. Media is only successful if it produces programmes or articles that the 'people' like - therefore the people control the media.
- Word count: 1903
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Gun control
The media today promotes the use of guns through movies and advertisements. Since television can be shown to the general audience, anyone can easily be influenced to use guns. For example, children can be in danger because of guns shown through cartoons that can be represented as destruction, which can corrupt the minds of the young. If gun control is not fully in effect, kids can also be in danger of using guns, in the future. The Virginia Tech incident is another example which greatly supports the reason why gun control should be strictly enforced.
- Word count: 1228
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citizenship data task
And it was a group activity as we were a team of 6 girls. The planning stages Date Actions Who involved? Success Criteria Completed? 1. Do research on Kenya - unanimously agreed that we would all go and do some research on Keny All group members Each member of the group has done some sort of research and brought it with them 2. Go and visit the children at Turnfurlong and find out anything about the school and children - Amy, Sarah and Sheena volunteered to go and do this Sheena Amy Sarah A written or verbal report is produced
- Word count: 1965
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Referendums. Although Referendums can provide clear decisive answers on difficult political issues, they also have many disadvantages to them.
2/ 3 referendums that occurred in the UK in recent years were on the Devolution of Power to Wales (1997), the Good Friday Agreement for Northern Ireland (1998) and the Devolution of Power to Scotland (1997). All produced different outcomes, and different circumstances surrounded each one. The Devolution of Power to Wales was a Pre-legislative referendum in 1997. There was only a 50.1 % turnout, suggesting voter apathy and a lack of knowledge or interest in the subject. The result was extremely indecisive with votes for yes narrowly surpassing those for no (YES: 50.3% -NO: 49.7%).
- Word count: 1092
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Why has Britain changed in the 20th century?
Also, the democracy in Asia and Africa forced Britain to speedily hand back power. I believe the main reason Britain lost the majority of its Empire in the 20th century was due to the fact that they could not cope with trying to limit the demand for independence, and with both wars, it seemed easier by the end of the century to just hand back land. The wars were the main reason why Britain's Foreign Policy had changed as well. In 1914, most of Britain's policy was based around its empire and control of the seas.
- Word count: 1139
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Multicultural Britain
When investigating the reasons why people choose, and chose, to migrate, one must consider the push and pull factors. Push factors are matters that force individuals from a place. They include things such as difficult living conditions, government persecution, or discrimination. Pull factors are conditions that draw people to a new place. Pull factors include good economic forecast, family members and fellow compatriots who have migrated there which promises a smooth beginning in the new place. From 1880 most of the migration to Britain was that of the Jews from Eastern Europe, mainly Russia. Many left to escape the persecution and find an enhanced living abroad.
- Word count: 1795
