Issues with Engagement
Democratic Process

What Is This?

This tool consists of some observations, questions and links.

What Is Its Use?

This tool is food for thought.

The Democratic Process

All of us tend to take for granted the advantages of living in the UK in the 21st century. Turning on the TV we see pictures from the around the world, reminding us of what we stand to lose.

As a country we have fought for and continue to fight for our democratic freedoms. With the right to freedom and other rights come responsibilities. That’s what citizenship is all about.

But the world changes, democracy changes, citizenship changes, but are these changes encouraging people to get involved? Judging by the numbers voting at elections, the answer may well be no.

Some questions and links:

  • 1. If we are to become better citizens, do we need a better democracy?
  • 2. In a better democracy would our elected representatives be more
        accountable to the electorate? – Not just every 4 or 5 years.
  • 3. Would a deliberative democracy make better citizens of us?   
    Check out: http://www.deliberative-democracy.net/
  • 4. Human rights and citizen rights – more or less the same?
    For a Welsh young people’s view: http://www.teachers.tv/video/23587
  • 5. Is access to all healthcare services a human right?