GCSECitizenship StudiesEdexcelRevision NotesD. Power & Influence1. What Power & Influence Can Citizens Have?Citizen Participation in Politics & Society

Citizen Participation in Politics & Society (Edexcel GCSE Citizenship Studies): Revision Note

Exam code: 1CS0

Michael Mitchell

Written by: Michael Mitchell

Reviewed by: Lisa Eades

Updated on

Opportunities for citizen participation

  • Citizens in the UK have a range of opportunities that allow them to take part in society and influence decisions

Opportunities for citizenship participation diagram showing rights like free speech, assembly, voting, standing for elections, campaigning, and democracy.

Living within a democratic system

  • Democracy encourages participation by allowing citizens to have a say in how the country is run, for example through elections or public debate

Right to free speech (within the law)

  • Citizens can express opinions, criticise the government and raise concerns, as long as they do not break the law, such as those on hate speech

Right of assembly

  • People are allowed to meet, protest and work with others to bring about change, such as joining demonstrations or supporting campaigns

Right to campaign on issues

  • Citizens can campaign for causes they care about, such as environmental protection or better local services, using petitions or social media

Right to vote in elections

  • Voting allows citizens to choose representatives and influence government decisions at local and national levels

Ability to stand for election

  • Citizens who meet legal requirements can stand for public office, such as becoming a councillor or Member of Parliament

Examiner Tips and Tricks

  • Many students think citizenship only means voting

  • Citizenship is broader - it also includes responsibilities, participation in the community, and taking action to bring about change

Barriers to citizen participation

  • Despite these opportunities, some citizens face barriers that prevent or discourage participation

Flowchart showing barriers to citizenship participation: apathy, lack of trust, time pressures, belief it won't help, lack of skills, legal restrictions.

Apathy (lack of interest)

  • Some people do not take part because they feel politics does not affect them or is unimportant

Belief that participation will not make a difference

  • Citizens may feel their vote or actions will not change anything, reducing their motivation to get involved

Lack of trust in politicians or the political process

  • Scandals or broken promises can lead to low confidence in government and discourage participation

  • Public authorities, such as the police, can place limits on protests for reasons such as public safety, which may restrict participation

Lack of knowledge or skills

  • Some citizens do not understand how the political system works or how to take effective action

Time pressures and personal commitments

  • Work, caring responsibilities or education can make it difficult to attend meetings, campaign or volunteer

How citizens can participate in democracy

Direct action

  • Direct action is when citizens take part personally and immediately in democracy to try to bring about change themselves

    • It usually involves public, visible actions rather than working through representatives

Form of action

Example

Explanation

Voting

  • UK general elections allow voters to choose their MP using first-past-the-post

  • Citizens vote in elections and referendums to choose representatives or decide on issues directly

  • Voting allows people to remove governments or councillors who do not reflect public views

Standing for election

  • Independent candidates standing in local council elections to focus on local issues

  • Citizens can stand as candidates for local councils, Parliament or devolved assemblies

  • This allows individuals to directly represent community views in decision-making

Joining a demonstration

  • Climate marches influencing debates on environmental policy

  • Peaceful protests allow citizens to publicly show opposition or support for an issue

  • Demonstrations can attract media attention and pressure those in power to respond

Indirect action

  • Indirect action is when citizens try to influence democracy through others, such as representatives, organisations or groups

    • It involves putting pressure on those in power rather than making decisions directly

Form of action

Explanation

Joining a political party

  • Members help shape party policies and select candidates

  • Parties provide a route for influencing government decisions from within

Joining an interest or pressure group

  • Groups campaign on specific issues and represent shared interests

  • They influence decision-makers through public pressure rather than seeking power

    • E.g. Age UK campaigning on pensions and elderly care

Campaigning

  • Campaigns raise awareness and persuade the public or decision-makers

  • Methods include social media, leaflets and public meetings

    • E.g. Campaigns for free school meals influencing government policy

Advocacy

  • Advocacy involves speaking or acting on behalf of others who may lack power or a voice

  • It helps ensure different groups are represented in democratic decision-making

    • E.g. Disability charities advocating for accessible transport

Lobbying

  • Citizens or groups try to influence MPs, councillors or ministers directly

  • This can involve meetings, emails or providing expert information

    • E.g. Environmental groups lobbying MPs before a vote

Petitions

  • Petitions show levels of public support for an issue

  • Large petitions can trigger debates in Parliament or local councils

    • E.g. UK government e-petitions gaining over 100,000 signatures

Volunteering

  • Volunteering supports communities and strengthens civil society

  • It encourages active citizenship beyond formal politics

    • E.g. Volunteering at food banks or youth groups

Digital democracy

  • Digital democracy refers to the use of digital technology to increase citizen participation in political and democratic processes

    • It aims to make democracy more accessible, inclusive and responsive

Social media and political engagement

  • Social media platforms allow citizens to share opinions, debate issues and follow political events

    • It is especially effective at engaging younger people who are less likely to use traditional media

  • Politicians and political parties use social media to communicate directly with citizens

Raising awareness and campaigning

  • Citizens can use social media to raise awareness of issues quickly and at low cost

    • Online campaigns can reach national and international audiences

    • Hashtags and videos help mobilise support and encourage action

Online petitions and consultations

  • Digital platforms allow citizens to sign Parliamentary and local authority petitions online

    • If enough signatures are gathered, issues may be debated in Parliament

  • Governments also use online consultations to gather public views on policies

Evaluation of digital democracy

Advantages

Disadvantages

  • Digital democracy increases accessibility and participation

  • It reduces barriers to participation such as time, cost and location

  • Citizens can engage without attending meetings or events in person

  • It can increase participation among disabled people, carers and those living in remote areas

  • Not all citizens have equal access to the internet, creating a digital divide

  • Online misinformation and fake news can mislead voters

  • Social media debates can become polarised or abusive, discouraging participation

  • Some citizens may feel excluded if they lack digital skills or confidence

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Author
Reviewer
Michael Mitchell

Author: Michael Mitchell

Expertise: Content Writer

Michael Mitchell is a pioneer of Citizenship education and a former Chief Examiner and Chief Moderator across all qualification levels. Michael's aim is to enable students to participate and become active citizens and not just passive members of society. He designed national specifications and, later, trained the next generation of teachers as the PGCE Subject Leader at the University of Plymouth, where he also ran a national Master's-level CPD program.

Lisa Eades

Reviewer: Lisa Eades

Expertise: Business Content Creator

Lisa has taught A Level, GCSE, BTEC and IBDP Business for over 20 years and is a senior Examiner for Edexcel. Lisa has been a successful Head of Department in Kent and has offered private Business tuition to students across the UK. Lisa loves to create imaginative and accessible resources which engage learners and build their passion for the subject.