GCSE Citizenship

Knowledge Planner

Theme 1: Life in Modern Britain

1
Topic Page Number/s
British Values 3

Identity 4

Migration & Immigration 5&6

Role of the Media 7

UK’s Role in International Organisations 8

UK’s Role in International Organisations – European Union 9

UK’s Role in International Organisations - Syria 10

UK’s Role in International Organisations - NGOs 11, 12 & 13

UK’s Role in International Organisations – Conflict Resolution 14

How citizens can make a difference in a democratic society 15

Pressure Groups 16

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Key Words: Fundamental British Values:
British Values: the standards which reflect As of November 2014, schools must now promote British values. British Values are
the ideals that are associated with living in identified by the Government as:
modern Britain. Democracy
Fundamental: being an essential part of, a • This means everyone has a say in the decision-making process.
foundation or basis of e.g. society or a • The government is held to account by its citizens e.g. through voting, writing to their
law. Values at the heart of British society. MPs, forming pressure groups etc.
Values: Standards of behaviour that are The Rule of Law
accepted by a society. Important and • No matter who you are, you must obey the law
lasting beliefs or ideals shared by the • This is essential to creating a society that has order and basic fairness
members of a culture/community about Individual Liberty
what is good or bad and desirable or • Individuals all have basic freedoms that no-one can take away
undesirable. Morals or ethics people live • These include freedom of speech, freedom of worship and freedom of the press
their lives by. Mutual respect for people of different religions and none
Liberty: freedom or a right that someone • Everyone, no matter what their faith is, is entitled to respect and fair treatment
has e.g. we have the right to free speech. • No-one should be discriminated against on the basis of their religion
Mutual: shared/common respect for
others. The phrase ‘British Values’ Commission for Racial Equality Survey on ‘What is
Discrimination: treating others differently means those values associated Britishness’ (2003) found that:
on the basis of their characteristics e.g. with modern British society – it In Scotland and Wales, white and ethnic minority
race, age, gender etc. does not mean that these participants identified more strongly with each of
Multicultural Society: a society that is values are unique to Britain or those countries than with Britain.
made up of people from a range of that they were invented by the In England, white English participants perceived
cultural and religious backgrounds. British. themselves as English first and as British second,
National identity: an identity associated while ethnic minority participants saw themselves as
with being a citizen of a particular country. British; none identified as English, which they saw as
Citizenship Test: meaning exclusively white people
People from other countries
British Social Attitudes Survey (2013): asked who wish to become citizens of
people what they felt are important aspects the UK have to take a
of being British, some of the answers were: Citizenship Test. There is a
• Speak English (95%) section of the test which is
• Have British citizenship (85%) based on ‘The values and
principles of the UK’. It states
• Respect for political institutions & laws
that these values are based
(85%) upon history and traditions.
• Live life in Britain (77%) They are protected by law,
• Been born in Britain (74%) custom and expectations. 3
Key Words: ‘Britishness’
Identity: characteristics/qualities that make British Identity
Belief that those who live in the UK have
a person who they are e.g. age, gender, Social Identity – the social groups
shared values which should be accepted we attach ourselves to by age,
religion, regional location, job etc.
by all – fairness, justice, equality. gender of interest e.g. we identify
Multiple Identities: an individual assumes a
range of identities i.e. part of a family, the with our friends at school.
area they come from’ linked to a school or a Integration – growing diversity in UK Political Identity – a sense of
supporter of a football team etc. population and whether individuals and belonging to a political culture
Britishness: the ​state of being British, groups have integrated into UK society. based on shared political values
or ​qualities that are ​considered typical of e.g. a democratically elected
British ​people. parliament with political parties and
National Identity: identity associated with the right to vote.
being a citizen of a specific country e.g. Economic Identity – the state of our
English identity or Scottish identity. personal finances gives us a status
Discrimination: unfair treatment of others and identity. Some make reference
based on their race, gender, sexuality, age, to the North/South Divide within
disability, religion etc. the UK.
Prejudice: to pre-judge, have an Cultural Identity – a sense that the
unreasonable dislike for a person or group
media normally covers the whole of
of people, view not based on experience.
the and is in English, this develops a
Stereotyping: a generalized view about a
single national identity.
group of people linked to a personal
characteristic e.g. hair colour, where they
live, their way of life etc.
Racism: deliberate act whereby an
individual believes that a group of people Multiple Identities
are inferior to other groups based on their Individuals may have
race or ethnicity. differing identities in
Tolerance: an acceptance based upon different situations e.g.
mutual respect for others, and acceptance Someone from
of things that you might disagree with. Portsmouth, whose
Equality Act (2010): law which legally parents were born in
protects people from discrimination in the Pakistan watching a Test
workplace and in wider society. Match at Lords might
Inclusion: a policy which encourages all have multiple identities
groups within society to feel equally when England are
playing Pakistan.
included and not denied access to any
aspect of community life. 4
Key Words: NET MIGRATION STATISTICS - UK Commission for Equality and Human
The latest net migration statistics Rights
Immigration: the act of someone show that in the year ending An independent statutory body with the responsibility
moving into another country. to encourage equality and diversity, eliminate unlawful
September 2015, net migration to
Immigrant: a person who moves discrimination, and protect and promote the human
into another country to live, with the UK was +323,000. rights of everyone in Britain.
the intention of staying there
permanently. Shared Values
Migration: the movement of people
from one country to another – Our Values in Society Our Values in Law Our Values as Individuals
some moving in and others moving
out. Political system What is accepted behaviour & Right to worship freely
Net Migration: the difference what is unlawful
between the total number of Democracy Right to justice Rights at differing ages
people in and out of an area over a
given period of time. If more people
in the figure is a plus and if more Constitutional Monarchy Legal system separate from the Freedom of speech and
people leave the figure is a minus. political system association
Community Cohesion: working Participation – citizens’ Laws to protect citizens e.g.
towards a society where everyone involvement Discrimination, rights at work
shares a sense of belonging and etc.
A ‘free’ media
common values – people live
together peacefully and everyone
feels valued. Pattern of Migration to the UK Impact of Migration:
Equal Opportunities: allowing all to
have equal access to all • After World War II Britain needed people to come
and fill job vacancies as many men had lost their With the ability to travel, the speed of
opportunities on offer throughout
their lives.
lives in World War II. People from Republic of news, 24/7 media the world is becoming a
Ethnicity: a person’s racial, religious
Ireland and from the former British Empire especially ‘smaller’ place – this means there is a
India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, the Caribbean, South Africa,
or national grouping. Kenya and Hong Kong were given the opportunity to quicker impact of something happening
Multiculturalism: a society where migrate to Britain. elsewhere on the UK.
•
there are a variety of ethnic groups. By 1972, legislation meant that a British passport holder
born overseas could only settle in Britain if they, firstly,
Celebration of different cultures had a work permit and, secondly, could prove that a Immigration to the UK has had an effect
and diversity leads to community parent or grandparent had been born in the UK. on the way we talk, the music we like, the
cohesion. • Freedom of movement and residence for persons in the latest fashion and the food we eat.
EU was established by the Treaty of Maastricht in 1992.
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Key Words: Push and pull factors of Migration: Arguments FOR Immigrants coming TO the UK
Push factors are the reasons why people leave an
Democracy: a form of area. They include: Between 2004 and 2015 immigrants have
lack of safety
government in which people high crime contributed over £5 billion more to the UK economy
choose leaders by voting, people Drought than they have taken out in form of benefits and
are treated equally and have equal flooding
public services.
poverty
rights. War
Identity: characteristics/qualities We are not about to run out of places to live any
that make a person who they are. Pull factors are the reasons why people move to a time soon. In fact, 635,127 homes in the UK are
Immigration: the act of someone
particular area. They include: currently empty
higher employment
coming to live in another country. more wealth
Immigrants can fill job vacancies and skills gaps.
better services
Immigrant: a person who moves good climate
into another country to live, with safer, less crime Immigrants bring cultural diversity to the UK e.g.
the intention of staying there political stability food, music, art etc.
permanently.
Immigrants can help sustain economic growth –
Refugee: a person who has been Immigrants from OUTSIDE the EU coming to setting up new businesses, contributing to taxes.
forced to leave their country in the UK have much stricter regulations they
order to escape war, persecution, must follow and strict criteria they must
meet! Arguments AGAINST Immigrants coming TO the UK
or natural disaster.
Britishness: the ​state of being
British, or ​qualities that Immigrants are a drain on resources – e.g. the NHS,
are ​considered typical of schools.
British ​people.
Immigrants are only coming to the UK to get
benefits – this money could be used to help British
Citizens.

EU Citizens are free to Immigrants make no contribution to UK society and

move to, live in , work in fact add to problems in communities.
in ANY other EU
There’s not enough space in the UK to take in more
country – including the
people.
UK. Of course this
applies to UK Citizens Prepared to work for lower wages so take jobs from
moving to other EU British workers.
countries too!
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 Media Responsibilities:
Code of Practice relates to:
Key Words: 1. Accuracy
Censorship: is the suppression of speech, 2. Give people the opportunity to reply
public communication or other information 3. Privacy
which may be considered harmful, sensitive, 4. Harassment
politically incorrect or as determined by 5. Intrusion into grief or shock
governments, media outlets, authorities or 6. Children
other groups. 7. Hospitals
Freedom of Press:/Free Press in a free, open 8. Reporting of crime
and democratic society the press should be Free Press – this DOES NOT mean free 9. Victims of sexual abuse
free from political interference and be able newspapers! It is the idea that the media 10. Discrimination
to print stories they wish. is free from political interference and 11. Confidential sources
Mass Media: communicating to a large should be free to print the stories they 12. Payments to criminals
audience at the same time. wish. There are laws which protect 13. Witness payments in criminal trials
Traditional Media: consists of several types individuals from newspapers printing
of communications: television, radio, false stories, but restrictions on the press
newspapers, magazines, websites. Media Influence:
should be limited. Stories believed to be
New Media: internet-related means of ‘in the public interest’ are allowed to be
communication – increasingly used by 1. 2009 MPs Expenses Scandal – Daily
printed. Television is also covered by Telegraph exposed widespread misuse
citizens to gather information. laws and has to be politically neutral e.g. of expenses and allowances by MPs.
Ofcom: Office of Communications.
not biased towards one political party. Report led to sackings, resignations,
Government established independent
Newspapers do not have to be politically public apologies and repayment of
regulator for the UK communications
neutral. expenses. Several members or former
industry. members of the House of Commons,
Press Complaints Commission: independent and members of the House of Lords,
body which deals with complaints about the Leveson Inquiry:
were prosecuted and sentenced to
content of newspapers, magazines and their terms of imprisonment.
websites. A government inquiry, led by Lord Leveson
Social Media: internet forums, blogs, was set up in July 2011 to investigate
2. 2013 Edward Snowden – Wikileaks -
podcasts, posting of photographs/videos, phone hacking accusations against the the Guardian newspaper reported that
rating sites (Trip Advisor), Facebook, Twitter, press. Looked at the role and the US National Security Agency (NSA)
Instagram. responsibility of the media. The inquiry was collecting the telephone records of
recommended: tens of millions of Americans. The
Media and Politicians: Guardian reported that the NSA tapped
Media and politicians rely on each other. 1. Newspapers should continue to be self- directly into the servers of nine internet
Media wants latest stories and politicians want regulated - and the government should firms, including Facebook, Google, Microsoft
the media to promote their message. Short have no power over what they publish. and Yahoo, to track online communication.
‘sound bites’ or ‘quotes’ are used rather than 2. There had to be a new press standards UK spy agency, GCHQ, was also sharing vast
long speeches. The media also has a role in body created by the industry, with a amounts of data about UK internet users
holding politicians/government to account. new code of conduct. with the NSA, its US counterpart.
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Key Words: United Nations (UN):
Civil War: a war between citizens of the
The United Nations is an international organisation founded in 1945. It is currently made up of
same country.
193 Member States – it’s role is maintaining international peace, solving international problems
Refugee: a person who has been forced
and promoting human rights. The UN is based n New York.
to leave their country in order to escape
war, persecution, or natural disaster. Takes action on the issues confronting humanity in the 21st century, such as peace and security,
Conflict: a serious disagreement or climate change, sustainable development, human rights, disarmament, terrorism, humanitarian
argument, state of open, often and health emergencies, gender equality, governance, and food production.
prolonged, fighting, a battle or war.
Conflict Resolution: the ways in which General Assembly: main policy making part of the UN – all 193 member states are represented.
conflicts are resolved other than by The decisions it makes are not legally biding on its members.
military means e.g. negotiations,
agreements which promote the peaceful UN Security Council: responsibility, for the maintenance of international peace and security.
end of a conflict. Meets as and when issues arise. Has the power to pass resolutions which can impose sanctions
Human Rights: basic rights and or lead to UN troops being deployed. It has 5 permanent members: UK, USA, Russia, China and
freedoms all humans are entitled to. France and another 10 elected every 2 years.
Human Rights Abuses: actions taken that
go against agreed international charters World Health Organisation (WHO) – responsible for taking a lead on global health issues.
on human rights.
International Conflict: a conflict that United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) – promotes
involves at least 2 states in disagreement nations working together on education, culture, science and communication.
with each other.
North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO): The Commonwealth:
International Co-operation: countries Military alliance between several governments Association made up of former British colonies
working together to achieve a goal. – based on the North Atlantic Treaty signed in that are now independent countries. Aims to
International Humanitarian Law: agreed April 1949. Based in Brussels in Belgium. develop democracy, provides aid and financial
law in regard to human rights, normally Member states can agree to collective defence assistance, technical and education support to
written by international bodies i.e. The in response to any attack. 28 member states – member countries. Commonwealth heads of
United Nations. including the UK. Currently, NATO is operating in government meet each year. The Queen is
Afghanistan, Kosovo, the Mediterranean and off the head of the Commonwealth. There are 53
European Union: Horn of Africa. member states including: Australia , New
Set up in 1957 to create a common market Zealand, Nigeria, Canada, Malta, India and
for goods, workers, services and capital G20 – is made up of the finance ministers and Pakistan.
within member states. There were 6 central bank governors of 19 countries,
founding members: France, Germany, Italy, including, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, G7/G8 – Most powerful democracies - Canada,
Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg. Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Japan,
UK joined in 1973 – along with Ireland and South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, the United and the United States. Leaders’ Summit of
Denmark. Now 28 members, 9 of which Kingdom, the United States of America, world leaders also meet annually to discuss
use the Euro. Has it’s own parliament, discusses key issues about the global and attempt to solve global issues.
elected by EU citizens. economy. 8
Key Words: European Union:
Brexit: term used to refer to Britain Set up in 1957 to create a common market for goods, workers, services and capital within
exiting the EU following a ‘leave’ vote in a member states. There were 6 founding members: France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands,
referendum in 2016. Belgium and Luxembourg. UK joined in 1973 – along with Ireland and Denmark. Now 28
Referendum: a general vote by the members, 9 of which use the Euro. Has it’s own parliament, elected by EU citizens.
electorate on a single issue which has
been referred to them for a direct The European Parliament: The Court of Justice:
decision e.g. in June 2016 all registered represents all people in the EU. Its members makes sure that all EU countries stick to the
are chosen in an election every five years laws that they have agreed on. The Court also
voters in the UK were asked whether the
where all adult citizens in the EU have the right checks that these laws respect "fundamental
UK should remain in or leave the EU.
to vote. rights", such as the freedom of speech and the
Immigration: the act of someone
The Parliament discusses and decides on new freedom of the press.
moving into another country. EU laws together with the Council.
Immigrant: a person who moves into
another country to live, with the The European Council: The European Commission:
intention of staying there permanently. is the voice of the EU countries. Government is made up of 28 politicians ('Commissioners'),
ministers from every EU country meet one from each EU country. They are helped by
Why is Britain leaving the European Union? regularly to pass new EU laws. In the European experts, lawyers, secretaries and translators.
A referendum - a vote in which everyone Council all the leaders of the EU countries Their job is to think about what would be best
(or nearly everyone) of voting age can take (Presidents, Prime Ministers or Chancellors) for the EU as a whole and to propose new EU
part - was held on Thursday 23 June, 2016, get together to set Europe's general strategy. laws.
to decide whether the UK should leave or
remain in the European Union. Leave won
by 51.9% to 48.1%. The referendum Arguments for REMAINING in the EU Arguments for LEAVING the EU
turnout was 71.8%, with more than 30
million people voting.
The EU has laws which make member states act The free movement of workers has led to the
What date will the UK will leave the EU? responsibly towards the environment. reduction in wages as there is higher demand for
For the UK to leave the EU it had to invoke jobs.
Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty which gives
the two sides two years to agree the terms There are 500 million people in the EU so there is a If one country using the Euro economy collapses, it
of the split. Theresa May triggered this big marketplace for European businesses. affects the economy of all other countries using the
Euro.
process on 29 March 2017, meaning the
UK is scheduled to leave on Friday, 29 There is a lot of competition between European Laws can be introduced in the EU that the countries
March 2019. businesses to keep prices low for consumers. do not agree with and but they still have to be used.
What is Article 50?
Everyone in the EU has the right to move freely and Taxes from successful countries have to be used to
Article 50 is a plan for any country that
live anywhere in the EU without a visa. support countries whose economies are failing.
wishes to exit the EU. It was created as
part of the Treaty of Lisbon - an agreement If there is unemployment in one country, you can You cannot stop people from the EU immigrating
signed up to by all EU states which became move to another in search of work. into your country if you are in the EU.
law in 2009. European products cost less as there is no tax of It is difficult for ordinary people to have any say in
their sale in the EU. the way the EU is run. 99
Key Words: Civil War in Syria – Key Facts (Context for refugee crisis)
Global Citizenship: a global citizen is 2011 – Pro-democracy protests after the arrest and torture of some teenagers who painted
someone who is aware of the wider revolutionary slogans on a school wall. Security forces open fire on demonstrators, killing
several. This triggered nationwide protests demanding President Assad’s resignation.
world and their role as a world
2011/2012 – violence escalates and country descends into civil war with rebel forces forming
citizen, respects and values diversity, to battle against government forces for control of cities, towns and countryside.
understands how the world works 2013 – by June 2013 the United Nations said 90,000 people had been killed in the conflict.
politically, economically, socially, Hundreds were killed by the use of chemical weapons.
culturally, is outraged by social 2015 – by August 2015 the United Nations said that the figure of dead was now 250,000.
inequalities, participates in their 2015 – September, Russia carries out its first airstrikes on Syria.
community, is willing to act to make 2016 - conflict is now more than just a battle between those for or against Mr Assad. It has
acquired sectarian overtones, pitching the country's Sunni Muslim majority against the
the world more sustainable and is
president's Shia Muslim sect , and drawn in regional and world powers. The rise of the
responsible for their actions. extremist group ISIS has added a further dimension.
Non-Governmental Organisation 2016 – UN has evidence that all parties to the conflict have committed war crimes - including
(NGO): organisation that are not murder, torture, rape and enforced disappearances. They have also been accused of using
controlled by the government but civilian suffering - such as blocking access to food, water and health services through sieges -
work closely with the government. as a method of war.
They tend to provide services and 2016 - The UN Security Council has demanded all parties end the indiscriminate use of
weapons in populated areas, but civilians continue to die in their thousands.
support for those in need. Example
2016: December , government troops, backed by Russian air power and Iranian-sponsored
= The Red Cross. militias, recaptures Aleppo, the country's largest city, depriving the rebels of their last major
Pressure Group: a group of people urban stronghold.
working together to achieve an aim. 2017 : January , Russia, Iran and Turkey agree to enforce a ceasefire between the government
Participation: taking part in society and non-Islamist rebels, after talks between the two sides in Kazakhstan.
through formal processes such as
voting or standing for election or
informal actions such as
volunteering.

‘Change will not come if we wait for some

other person or some other time. We are
the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are
the change that we seek.’

Barack Obama, President of the USA 10

Pressure Groups & NGOs – What are the rights of NGO’s? What are the responsibilities of What are the methods of
International Campaigns: NGO’s? NGOI’s?
Oxfam – developed as a
response to poverty and They have a right to criticise They have the responsibility to base Internet
campaigns to bring an end They have the right to hold their criticism on fact. Emails
to global poverty. demonstrations, meetings and rallies. They have the responsibility to have Websites
Greenpeace – campaigns in They have the right to protest peaceful legal rallies and meetings. Letters
regard to environmental
They have the right to make their They have the responsibility to Leaflets
issues such as climate
change. views known to the media inform local authorities and the Advertising
Amnesty International – They have the right to campaign and police when they are protesting. Lobbying
campaigns on human rights make funds They have the responsibility not to Petitions
issues. intimidate. Demonstrations
Mass Media Campaigns.

NGO’s and Syria

Since 2012 the UK government has allocated over £900 million to 30
partners including NGOs and the Red Cross to meet the needs to of the
population of Syria. The key outcomes of this funding were:
• Food
• Water
• Health
• Shelter
• Education

11
The Migrant Crisis 2016
UK Government response to
refugee crisis.
In 2016, the EU faced mass
influx of migrants from
The UK government has refused
conflicts across Africa and the
to take part in any European
Middle East. Daily news stories
Quota system which meant that
showed distressing stories of
18,000 refugees would be
migrants trying to get into
allowed into the UK. Instead 216
Europe.
have been accepted. David
Cameron called for safe havens
The pressure group and charity
to be made near the Turkish
Save the Children is
borders, but would allow up to
campaigning to bring into the
15,000 refugees to come to the
UK children who are living in
UK, however there were certain
camps in the Middle East and
conditions for their entry:
Europe who have no families.
• Victims of torture
• Victims of sexual violence
The campaign has been given
• Elderly
lots of media coverage and
• Disabled people
questions have been asked in
Parliament.
Parliament 25th March 2016 voted
to amend the ‘Immigration Act
2016’, to allow 3,000 child
refugees into the UK, a decision
that was revoked after entry of
350 children. (Dubs Amendment)

Key Dates:
Migrant Crisis 2016
Immigration Act 2016
Dubs Amendment March
2016 12
Red Cross What is the Jungle? Medicins sans Frontieres (Doctors
without Borders)
The British Red Cross has a long tradition of The "Jungle" camp is near the port of
providing practical and emotional support to Calais, and close to the 31-mile What do they do?
vulnerable refugees and asylum seekers in Channel Tunnel. Provide medical assistance during
the UK. Officially, about 7,000 migrants live war, natural disasters. Send medical
in the camp - humanitarian groups equipment to countries in need.
The Red Cross supports refugees in a wide
say the number is closer to 10,000. Where do they work?
variety of ways. These include offering
Despite an increasing population, Around the world (in nearly 70
emergency food, clothes or small amounts
of cash to those facing severe hardship. the camp's size was halved earlier countries).
They also help refugees access services and this year.
offer friendly advice to the most vulnerable. But the camp's population has The International Rescue Committee
continued to rise, and reports of (IRC)
They work with young asylum seekers and violence have increased. Many What do they do?
refugees, aged from 15 to 25 years. Women migrants attempt to hide themselves Help support new mothers, create
refugees overwhelmingly come from in cargo vehicles entering the fresh drinking water supplies, build
countries where their rights have been Channel Tunnel library services, inspire young girls.
severely restricted. They often lack the The area has been hit by protests Where do they work?
language skills and self-confidence to cope
and the UK government shut the Tanzania, Afghanistan, Pakistan,
independently in an unfamiliar new
camp at the end of 2016. Jordon.
environment.

The British Red Cross’ women in crisis

projects provide one-to-one social and
emotional support, helping women to access
their basic rights and rebuild their lives.

Between January and September 2016 they

provided financial assistance to cover the
travel costs of 1,551 people, mostly women
and children, who were accepted by the
Home Office under refugee family reunion.

13
Key Words: ‘The Troubles’ in Northern Ireland – Case Study
Mediation: a process of involving outsiders in a • There were several attempts, between 1968 and 1998, to reach a peaceful solution to the
conversation to try and end a dispute between conflict in Northern Ireland between the opposing Unionists and Nationalists but these
two parties (e.g. two governments, two groups, had failed.
two individuals). • The UK government imposed direct rule from Westminster.
Sanctions: measures taken by a state against • 1971 – first soldier shot dead in Northern Ireland.
others to achieve a change in policy or action. For • The bombing and killing spread from Northern Ireland to the UK mainland.
example, restrictions or controls on trade with a • This included 5 people being killed when the IRA bombed the Tory Party Conference in
country. 1984, Tory MP was murdered by an IRA car bomb in 1990, 2 children were killed by IRA
Boycott: refusing to buy goods or use a service as bomb in Warrington (near Liverpool) in 1993, the IRA bombed a pub in Canary Wharf in
a form of protest or to achieve a desired political London in 1996 killing 2 people and in the same year they bombed a shopping centre in
outcome. Manchester which injured more than 200 people.
International Court of Justice: is like a ‘world court’ • By 1993, there was an outline agreed for a peace agreement – this was based on the idea
and settles legal disputes between countries. of ‘consent’: that any agreement can only go ahead if the people of Northern Ireland
Peacekeeping Mission: UN officials and armed agree (give consent).
personnel from different member states of the • In 1996, the former US Senator, George Mitchell, agreed to chair the Northern Ireland
UN entering conflict zones to keep the peace and peace talks – this meant it was a neutral person who led the negotiations.
protect civilians. • After talks, an agreement was announced on Good Friday 1998.
Humanitarian Aid: non-military aid (help) given to • This ‘Good Friday Agreement’ was put to the people of both Northern Ireland and the
countries and people in need e.g. food, shelter, Republic of Ireland in a referendum. They both voted in favour of the agreement and
medical help. this is still in force today.
Civil War: war between citizens within the same
country.
Geneva Conventions are rules that apply only in UK intervention in Kosovo 1998-2008 – Case Study
times of armed conflict and seek to protect • Tensions in Croatia, Serbia and neighbouring areas was a concern to the UN, NATO and
people who are not or are no longer taking part in the EU in the 1990’s. UN attempts to maintain peace and protect civilians had broken
hostilities; these include the sick and wounded of down.
armed forces on the field, wounded, sick, and • Civil war in an area known as Kosovo caused particular concern because the Serbian
shipwrecked members of armed forces at sea, government resisted international pressure to stop the fighting.
prisoners of war, and civilians. • Many thousands of people, mainly Muslims, became refugees and the number of civilian
causalities was rising.
• UN peacekeeping operations and sanctions against Serbia had failed to end the conflict.
• NATO decided that only armed intervention would prevent more civilians losing their
lives.
• In 1998, UK troops intervened as part of a NATO force.
• At the height of the conflict, the British Army had 3,000 military personnel fighting
alongside allies including, the USA, Germany, France, Italy and Norway.
Kosovo • This strategy led to Serbian surrender and the formation of the independent state of
Kosovo.
• British army personnel remained in the area until 2008 as part of a successful
peacekeeping force. 14
Key Words: How can citizens bring about change?
Lobbying: a person or group of people • Join a pressure group and help them to campaign for change.
meeting or taking action to try to persuade a • Join a political party and help them to campaign to gain power (this could be at
politician to take up their cause. local level or national level).
Petition: a formal, written request, usually • Stand for election – either for a political party or as an independent.
signed by many people, which appeals to the • Campaign – sign a petition, go on a march, write letters.
authorities to bring about change in regard • Lobbying – for example, meet with your local MP to persuade them to take
to a particular issue. action on a cause you are campaigning about.
Campaigning: actions or events organised by
an individual or a group if people to achieve Voter Apathy – so what?
an aim. There is concern about the lack of citizen involvement in political process.
Active Citizenship: participating in society to 1. Membership of political parties is in decline – particularly amongst young
bring about change. people.
Democracy: a system of government, where 2. Young people often don’t vote in elections.
the citizens are able to vote in regular and 3. If young people don’t become engaged what is the future of democracy?
fair elections for representatives, who will 4. A ‘healthy’ democratic can be judged on the degree to which citizens are
make laws and decisions on their behalf. involved in society.
Demonstration: a public meeting or march 5. Number of people who vote in elections has declined since WWII.
protesting against a specific issue. 6. Political parties have difficulty raising funds.
Participation: to take part in something. 7. This can all mean small groups or individuals have too much influence on the
Apathy: lack of interest, enthusiasm, or political process.
concern e.g.
Voter Apathy is a lack of interest in voting, Young People & Participation Responses to Voter Apathy?
not casting your vote.
Citizenship Education – introduced as a Make it easier to get a postal vote or
Barriers to participation in democracy: curriculum subject in 2003. consider use of on-line voting
• Lack of interest/apathy. (concerns over fraud here).
• Believe that participation will not make a Many young people are involved in political
difference. protests via a range of groups and Having voting over several days –
• Lack of trust/faith in politicians or the organisations. including a Saturday when people have
political process. more time to vote.
• Issues being raised are not important to A large number of young people do
them. voluntary work and raise money for people Education about importance of voting
• They lead busy lives so no time. in need. and also policies of different parties.
• Language barriers, lack of access to
Young people often interested in ‘single Changing the voting system e.g.
education.
issues’ e.g. University fees Proportional Representation. 15
• Disability/poor health. 15
Keywords:
Tactics used by pressure groups:
Active Citizen: having the knowledge, skills
Petitions, Lobbying, Boycotts, Leaflets,
and understanding to participate fully in
society and the ability to bring about
Demonstrations e.g. marches,
change. Social Media, Celebrity Support,
Democracy: a society where citizens are able Media Promotion
to vote in regular elections. The electoral
system is fair and open. Respect for human
rights and a ‘free press’. Successful campaigns? Recent Campaigns:
Pressure Group: groups of citizens who join • The cause attracts public/media
together to bring about change on an issue interest. Jamie Oliver’s ‘Sugar Tax’ campaign – TV
they believe is important. • Lots of people support the programme on impact of sugar on diet,
cause/belong to the pressure appeared on various TV programmes to get his
Campaign: organised series of events that
message out, set up online petition, lobbied the
seek to influence the views of others. group.
government. Government has announced plans
Direct Action: campaigning which includes • Finance available to support to introduce a ‘sugar tax’ on sugary drinks in
non-violent OR violent activities which target cause. 2018.
people, groups or property which are seen • Media actively supports cause. Junior Doctor Protests – Junior Doctors are
as offensive to the protester. • Methods used get currently taking strike action because they
Indirect Action: campaigning that can attention/promote the cause. disagree with the change in contract the
include support for a group, signing • Status of the group – insider OR government are forcing o
petitions, lobbying on behalf of a pressure outsider group. n them. Their basic pay would go up BUT extra
group. pay received for unsociable hours is to be
removed, as well as guaranteed pay increases
Target Groups: the people/organisations
Insider group – a pressure group given for length of time in the job.
that a pressure group is trying to influence –
the target group has the power/ability to working with those in power e.g.
British Medical Association (BMA). Historical Campaigns:
bring about the change wanted by the
pressure group e.g. to stop a local youth Suffragettes – votes for women in the early 20th
club being closed the target groups might be Outside group – pressure group
Century. Used direct action – including illegal
the young people in the area/local which has no real contact with
activities to promote their cause.
council/local councillors/local media/local those in power e.g.
MP. Fathers4Justice. Equal Pay for Women - Ford’s Dagenham Factory
(1968) – took strike action to demand equal pay.

16 Pressure groups & the Media hold representatives e.g. MPs, local councils
to account!