How can citizens try to bring about political change?: Practice Questions

• a.

  Using social media platforms to increase voter engagement and participation

• b.

  Writing a physical letter to a Member of Parliament (MP)

• c.

  Joining a trade union to represent workers' rights

• d.

  Standing as a candidate in a local council election

• a.

  Organising a peaceful protest march through the town centre.

• b.

  Standing as a candidate for the local council in an upcoming election.

• c.

  Directly contacting or meeting with an MP to persuade them to support a specific cause.

• d.

  Volunteering to help a local charity provide support to the elderly.

• a.

  Meeting with their local Member of Parliament (MP) to present evidence and persuade them to support a specific change in legislation.

• b.

  Organizing a flash mob in a public park to raise general awareness about global warming among teenagers.

• c.

  Boycotting all local businesses that do not use biodegradable packaging for a period of six months.

• d.

  Standing as an independent candidate in a local parish election to gain a seat on the council.

• a.

  Advocacy is illegal in the UK, whereas lobbying is a required part of the democratic process.

• b.

  Advocacy is publicly supporting a cause or policy, while lobbying involves direct attempts to influence the decisions of government officials.

• c.

  Lobbying is used only for local issues, while advocacy is used only for international humanitarian crises.

• d.

  Advocacy can only be done by individuals, whereas lobbying must be done by large trade unions.

• a.

  It is the only legal way to force a Member of Parliament (MP) to change their vote in the House of Commons.

• b.

  It provides a visible sign of public opinion and pressure, though success depends on how those in power respond to the collective voice.

• c.

  It guarantees an immediate change in policy because the government is legally required to follow petition results.

• d.

  It is less effective than volunteering because it does not involve the use of social media or digital democracy.

Write your answer out first, then check it against the worked solution.

Write your answer out first, then check it against the worked solution.