The Nature of Citizenship Processes (AQA GCSE Citizenship Studies): Revision Note

Forms of citizen action

• Citizen action refers to the ways individuals or groups try to influence decisions, bring about change or raise awareness of an issue

Ways citizens can take action

Petitions

• Petitions involve collecting signatures to show support for a specific change

  • For example, over 400,000 people signed the petition opposing the expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone across Greater London in 2023, triggering debate and media attention

• Advantages

  • They are easy and quick to organise, especially online

  • Large numbers of signatures show strong public support

  • They can raise awareness of an issue among the wider public

• Disadvantages

  • The petition must clearly explain what change is being requested

  • People may sign without having a real connection to the issue

  • Online petitions often use identical messages, which can reduce their impact on decision-makers

Leafleting

• Leafleting involves handing out or sharing written information about a cause

  • For example, in 2023, some London residents distributed leaflets explaining their objections to Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs)

• Advantages

  • It helps raise awareness at a local level

  • It can reach a wider audience if shared online

  • It is relatively low-cost and easy to organise

• Disadvantages

  • Leaflets usually present only one point of view

  • Many leaflets are ignored or thrown away

  • Few people take further action after reading them

Joining a pressure group

• A pressure group is an organisation that tries to influence government decisions and public opinion about an issue without standing for election

• They aim to bring together people who share the same concerns

  • For example, Just Stop OIl members campaign for an end to new oil and gas licences through protests, fundraising and coordinated direct action

• Advantages

  • Members benefit from working with others who support the same cause

  • Groups are often better organised and more influential

  • They can use a range of methods, such as lobbying and media campaigns

• Disadvantages

  • Individual members have limited control over decisions

  • The group’s actions and priorities may change over time

  • Some groups may use methods that members do not fully support

Lobbying

• Lobbying involves trying to influence decision-makers directly, such as MPs or councillors

  • For example, in 2024, parents lobbied MPs over unsafe concrete used in the construction of school buildings and submitted evidence demanding emergency funding for school repairs

• Advantages

  • It allows direct contact with those in power

  • Arguments can be explained clearly and in detail

  • It can be effective if the decision-maker is sympathetic

• Disadvantages

  • Meetings with representatives are often very short

  • There is no guarantee the decision-maker will act

  • It can be difficult to gain access without influence or status

Joining a political party

• Political parties aim to gain power and influence government policy

  • You can find out more about the main UK political parties here

• Advantages

  • Membership provides a platform to influence decisions

  • Citizens can campaign, shape policy or stand for office

  • Parties have access to funding, media and organisation

• Disadvantages

  • Members must follow party rules and policies

  • Parties cover many issues, not just one specific concern

  • Individual views may be overridden by the party's leadership

Direct action

• Direct action involves taking immediate action to highlight an issue

  • For example, Extinction Rebellion took direct action in London to demand stronger government action on climate change

    • Activists blocked major roads and bridges, including sections of the M25, causing significant disruption to traffic and daily life

• Advantages

  • It attracts public and media attention

  • It can raise awareness quickly

  • It may pressure authorities to respond

• Disadvantages

  • It can involve illegal actions

  • Participants may face fines or arrest

  • Negative media coverage can harm the cause

Boycotts

• Boycotts involve refusing to buy goods or services to apply pressure

  • For example, consumer boycotts of Starbucks and McDonalds in 2024 involved people refusing to buy from these companies because of concerns about their links to the Israel–Gaza conflict

• Advantages

  • They can affect a company’s profits and reputation

  • They allow individuals to take action through everyday choices

  • They can raise ethical awareness

• Disadvantages

  • They need to be large-scale to be effective

  • They may harm workers rather than company leaders

  • Results can take a long time to appear

Using traditional media and social media

• Traditional media refers to established forms of communication that share information with large audiences, such as newspapers, television and radio

• Social media refers to online platforms that allow individuals and groups to create, share and respond to content instantly, such as X, Instagram, TikTok and Facebook

  • For example, in 2023, Martin Lewis and MoneySavingExpert used TV appearances and social media posts to campaign on the cost-of-living crisis and pressure the government to improve support for vulnerable households

• Advantages

  • It spreads messages quickly to large audiences

  • It can attract funding, supporters and publicity

  • Media organisations may take up the cause themselves

• Disadvantages

  • Traditional media may interpret the campaign differently

  • Social media can attract criticism and abuse

  • Messages can be misrepresented or misunderstood

Demonstrations

• Demonstrations involve public protests or marches

  • For example, between October 2022 and 2023, the TUC organised national cost-of-living marches, where tens of thousands of people called for higher wages, better public services and fairer taxation

• Advantages

  • They show the level of public support for an issue

  • They attract media attention

  • They put pressure on decision-makers

• Disadvantages

  • They can be difficult to control

  • Violence or disruption can occur

  • Negative media coverage may follow

Standing for election

• Standing for election allows citizens to seek political power directly

  • For example, in the 2024 local elections, independent candidates in Birmingham stood on single-issue platforms such as housing development, clean air policies and opposition to council cuts

• Advantages

  • It provides a formal position of influence

  • Elected representatives can shape laws and policies

  • It offers long-term opportunities for change

• Disadvantages

  • Campaigning requires time, money and commitment

  • Party-backed candidates must follow party discipline

  • Independent candidates often struggle to gain support

Groups and organisations that give citizens a voice

• Citizens do not always act alone when trying to make a difference

• A range of organisations and groups exist to support citizens, represent their views and help them take action

• These organisations can provide advice, organise campaigns, challenge decisions or offer practical support

How citizens can make a difference

• Citizens can make a difference by raising awareness, working with others and putting pressure on decision-makers

• This can be done through actions such as campaigning, using the media, signing petitions, lobbying politicians or working with organisations

• When citizens act together and use the right methods, they are more likely to influence decisions and bring about change

How the media can bring about change

• The media plays an important role in helping citizens make a difference

  • The media can influence public opinion by raising awareness of issues and promoting campaigns

  • Through investigative journalism, the media can expose problems and hold those in power to account

  • Media coverage can support or damage campaigns, depending on how issues and actions are reported

Examples of the media supporting change

• Celebrity support, combined with traditional and social media, can raise awareness and influence government policy