To what extent are compulsory voting and lowering the voting age the best ways to improve participation in the UK?
Compulsory voting and lowering the voting age are two ways by which political participation could be increased in the UK - all with potential benefits and drawbacks - Edexcel - A-Level Politics - Question 4 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 4
To what extent are compulsory voting and lowering the voting age the best ways to improve participation in the UK?
Compulsory voting and lowering the voting age are... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:To what extent are compulsory voting and lowering the voting age the best ways to improve participation in the UK?
Compulsory voting and lowering the voting age are two ways by which political participation could be increased in the UK - all with potential benefits and drawbacks - Edexcel - A-Level Politics - Question 4 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
Introducing compulsory voting.
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Answer
Compulsory voting would enhance the legitimacy of elected officials and governments, ensuring that all citizens contribute to the decision-making process. This method can potentially improve overall turnout.
Step 2
Lower the voting age from 18 to 16.
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This change aligns political rights with similar duties and entitlements. It could widen the franchise and emphasize the importance of political engagement among younger citizens.
Step 3
Potential drawbacks.
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Critics argue that 16-year-olds may lack the maturity and understanding to vote effectively. This could lead to lower turnout rates among younger voters.
Step 4
Principle of representative democracy.
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The principle of choice in representative democracy implies that people should have the freedom to decide whether or not to vote, including having realistic choices at the ballot box.
Step 5
Increasing use of referendums and initiatives.
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This approach may enhance participation by giving citizens direct influence over political decisions, but it could also lead to disengagement once the voting process is complete.
Step 6
Digital democracy.
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Implementing digital platforms for participation could facilitate easier access to political engagement, though it raises concerns regarding security and equitable access.
Step 7
Exploring alternative methods.
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Further discussion on other methods to improve political participation could yield additional insights, such as community engagement initiatives or educational programs.
