S3 Modern Studies Summary Notes

S3 Modern Studies Summary Notes Syllabus Area 1- Living in a Democracy Content and concepts In this part of the syllabus you should know: •

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How candidates are chosen for election- British (FPTP), Scottish Parliament(AMS), Local elections in Scotland (2007 => STV) Ways in which people can take part in politics in the UK How elections work in Scotland and the UK How representatives work for their constituents at Westminster, the Scottish Parliament, and on Local Councils Pressure Groups in the UK Trade Unions in the UK

Knowledge and Understanding questions for this Syllabus Area will be based on three different concepts: • • •

Participation Representation Rights and Responsibilities

Questions about Politics in Scotland could be based on the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, the Westminster Parliament in London, or local councils in Scotland. Some Typical Exam Questions: 1. Explain the advantages and disadvantages of the FPTP or AMS? 2. Why is it important that people use their vote? 3. Describe in detail the ways in which MSPs/MPs can represent their constituents- inside Parliament and outside Parliament. 4. Describe the reasons why women are underrepresented in politics. 5. Describe ways in which trade unions represents their members. 6. Describe the ways in which members can get involved in Trade Unions. 7. Give reasons why some workers may not wish to use their right to strike. 8. Explain the ways that a pressure group might participate in a public debate, lobbying parliament and a media campaign.

The UK and Scottish Parliaments Democracy- Government of the people, by the people and for the people. The people also have certain rights and responsibilities in a democracy. Other features of a democracy include- regular elections, a choice of parties and freedom of speech and the press. Representative Democracy- voters choose representatives to act in their interests Participation in a Democracy- voting, pressure groups, standing for election, lobbying MPs, campaigning, protesting, joining a political party Who can stand for electionBritish citizens, over the age of 21, nominated by 10 electors in his/her constituency and able to pay £500 deposit (returned only if they gain 5%+ of the votes) Who cannot stand for electionRoyal Family, Members of House of Lords, Prisoners, The certified insane, undischarged bankrupts. Who can voteBritish citizens (including those who have lived overseas for less than 20 years), over the age of 18, who are registered to vote. Who cannot voteRoyal Family, Members of the House of Lords, Prisoners, The certified insane, homeless people. UK Elections1. Take place at least once every 5 years- last: 2005 2. First Past the Post 3. 646 Constituencies (Seats) 4. Voters put a cross beside chosen candidate. The candidate who receives the most votes in a constituency wins the seat. The Government is then formed by the party winning the most seats 5. Safe Seats- those with a large majority (3,000+) 6. Marginal Seats- those with a small majority that could easily swing to another party at the next election Scottish Parliament Elections1. Take place on a fixed term of every 4 years- last: 2007 2. Additional Members System 3. 129 seats- 73 Constituencies and 56 Regional or List seats 4. Voters get two votes- one for a candidate for their constituency (FPTP) and one for a party (List). 5. In the 73 constituency seats the candidate with the most votes wins. In the other vote, the parties are given additional seats to

bring the percentage of seats they have won into line with the percentage of votes they gained. FPTP Advantages1. Easy to understand and operate 2. Direct link between Mp and constituents 3. Strong single party government based on a majority 4. Tried and tested system Disadvantages1. Disadvantages small parties and works in favour of the 2 party system 2. Many votes are wasted 3. Gives government that most people didn’t vote for 4. Nothing for the runner up- “winner takes all” AMS Advantages1. Fewer votes are wasted 2. Representation for small parties 3. Strong link between MSP and constituents remains 4. Proportional- results in line with what the people want Disadvantages1. Coalitions- no one single party government 2. More difficult to understand- many think second vote is a second preference 3. Too much power to small/ extreme parties- Lib Dems in government with 12% of the vote 4. Weakened link between MSPs and constituents 5. Still not 100% proportional 6. Creates two types of MSP and causes conflict among/between them Role of the MSP/MP MSPs represent their constituents in a number of ways, in and out of Parliament: • • • • • • • •

Speaking in the Parliament during debates Asking questions during Question Time Introducing Private Members Bills on topics of concern to their constituents Lobbying other organisations and individuals on behalf of their constituents Holding surgeries Visiting schools Emails, Letters, meetings, interviews Acts as ‘Go between’- Central gvt, local gvt and constituents

Under-Representation Women• traditional role of women in the home • lack of free time for politics • male dominated system- intimidation • stereotypes- women not confident or strong enough • Late hours of Commons • Childminding issues • Often put fwd in seats they have little chance of winning Ethnic minorities• Few role models • Racist views within electorate and/or political parties in terms of choosing candidates • Often put fwd in seats they have little chance of winning Disabled• Insufficient facilities for some- e.g. access to buildings • Some within electorate cannot see beyond the disability and assume this will affect that person as an MP • Parties see this and don’t chose disabled candidates in case this occurs and they lose seats • Few role models- Anne Begg, David Blunkett Pressure Groups A pressure group is an organisation with attempts to influence people in power, governments, councils. Examples include: Oxfam, Greenpeace, Save the Children, Fathers for Justice. Pressure groups are unelected and unaccountable. Some break the law and use violent means to promote the cause. Methods: • Writing letters or emails • Lobbying elected representatives

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Demonstrations Petitions Blockades Strikes/Boycotts

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Leaflets Adverts Meetings Publicity stunts

Pressure groups have rights to participate in these ways. They have the right to organised and meet peacefully without harassment and have the protection of the law. They are entitled to freedom of speech and are allowed to raise funds. Pressure groups also have responsibilities to obey the law and only use peaceful methods.

They must keep accounts of the money to raise and user and represent views of all their members. TUs- Participation • •

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• •

Workers can join a union and pay their membership subscription. They can then attend union meetings in the workplace and discuss issues like health and safety in the workplace and pay and conditions. Members can also take part in elections. Sometimes these ballots will be to decide whether or not the union should take industrial action, for example the nursery nurses and fire fighters voted before going on strike. At other times the ballot may be to elect a new representative within the union such as a shop steward. Alternatively a trade union member may decide to stand as a candidate in an election for shop steward. The candidate will campaign to try to be elected and if they are successful they will have to represent the views of their members during negotiations and at district meetings. A shop steward may also attend the annual conference as a delegate. Finally, a member may take part in a form of industrial action such as a workto-rule or a strike. The shop steward is one of the most important jobs in the trade union. They are responsible for trying to recruit new members into the union. A shop steward keeps members informed of any new initiatives such as changes to the pay scale. The shop steward is also the first person a member will go to in order to seek help or advice about a problem at work. Finally, the shop steward is the link between the ordinary trade union members and the union head-quarters. They are responsible for distributing newsletters and keep members informed of activities through the union notice-board. Right

Responsibility

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To take industrial action in order to in order to protect the rights of the workers.

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To hold a secret ballot in order to see if the majority of members are in favour of taking the action. To ensure that all forms of industrial action are peaceful and within the law.

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To try to attract new trade union members.

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Not to pressure anyone into joining a trade union.

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Trade unions can ask members about changes in the workplace.

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Trade unions have a responsibility to make reasonable demands.

Ensure that you understand and can explain the different types of action that can be taken: Restrictive Practices- Overtime ban, Go-Slow, Work-to- Rule Strike Action- Token strikes, lightning strikes, Unofficial strikes, Official strikes,

Syllabus Area 2- Changing Society Content and concepts In this part of the syllabus you should know: • • • • • • •

Health needs of the elderly Housing needs of the elderly The needs of the unemployed: jobs, money Inequality between different elderly people because of wealth, health and housing Inequality between families New technology and its impact on jobs The role of individuals, families, government and voluntary organisations in meeting the needs of people such as the elderly, unemployed and those on low incomes Knowledge and Understanding questions for this Syllabus Area will be based on three different concepts: • • •

Equality Ideology Need

Questions could be based on the elderly, employment and unemployment or families in the UK.

Some Typical Exam Questions: 1. Explain why some elderly people are wealthier than others. 2. Describe the ways in which certain types of purpose built elderly housing meets their needs. 3. Describe the ways in which some elderly people suffer more in terms of health than others. 4. Explain the advantages and disadvantages of a Minimum wage 5. Explain in detail the effects on new technology on work. 6. Explain in detail why women/ethnic minorities/ disabled/ older people may have limited job opportunities. 7. Explain the ways in which the government tries to meet the various needs of unemployed/elderly/families.

The Elderly Emotional needs Emotional needs often include requiring companionship. Many elderly people are very lonely, especially after the death of their partner. They enjoy company and appreciate it when people take time to have an interest in them. Financial needs The financial needs of elderly people are met in a number of ways. All elderly people receive the state old age pension, but many have other sources of income. Some have an occupational pension and others have taken out insurance policies or private pensions, which guarantee them a good income when they retire. Others have savings. Some elderly people rely on their children to give them help. Health needs Elderly people make big demands on the NHS. They see their doctor more frequently than other groups and are given many more prescriptions. They also take up a large number of hospital beds, for both acute and chronic conditions. Acute conditions can be treated. Chronic conditions will never be cured, but efforts can be made to make an older person more ‘comfortable‘. Elderly people do not pay for their prescriptions and, like everyone else, they‘re entitled to free health care through the NHS. There‘s a growing number of older people in the population, so they are becoming a bigger burden on health care services. Some have greater needs than others, however. Dementia, Alzheimer’s, mobility, eyesight, hearing all affect people in different ways. Ageing population- these people are most likely to suffer from a combination of health issues. Housing needs Elderly people have specific housing needs. Depending on the health and the mobility of an older person, these can be met in a number of ways: • • • • •

Adaptations to existing housing (e.g. installation of alarm systems, stair lifts…) Purpose built retirement flats (with fittings designed specially for older people) Sheltered housing Very sheltered housing (like sheltered housing, but residents have all their meals cooked for them) Residential Home (a mixture of hotel and hospital, 24 hr care and attention)

Care in the Community is a system where elderly people live at home for as long as possible, and receive special help and attention. This can include home helps, meals on wheels, regular visits from doctors and nurses and help from the social work department. Supporters of Care in the Community say it‘s better for the old person because it gives them more independence. Opponents of Care in the Community

say that sometimes old people are virtually abandoned with no help at all when they can do little for themselves. The Unemployed Unemployment - the role of the government Employment needs: Unemployed people need to find a job. The government tries to help unemployed people find work. Job centres hold details of local job vacancies. Unemployed people can visit job centres to look for work and to meet an advisor who will help them to find a suitable job. There are people on hand to help with CVs, letter writing and interview technique. Financial needs: Unemployed people do not work and so they do not earn an income. In order to be able to buy necessities they receive financial help to meet their basic needs. The government helps to meet the financial needs of the unemployed by providing them with money whilst they are actively looking for work. The money they receive is a benefit known as Job Seekers Allowance (JSA). This money is enough to support the basic needs of themselves and their families. Training needs: Some unemployed people do not have the skills required to get the types of jobs available today. Training is therefore needed to give unemployed people the necessary skills and qualifications to get a job. Examples of a training programmes which the government has set up are the New Deal, Modern Apprenticeships, Training for Work, Skillseekers. New technology - jobs New technology has brought many advantages and disadvantages to the workplace: Advantages

Disadvantages

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Goods can be produced faster and therefore more cheaply using machinery.

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Fewer staff are required which leads to unemployment.

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Production is footloose and can be located almost anywhere.

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Sometimes footloose industries move abroad creating unemployment in the UK.

In some industries such as software design and mobile phone production new technology has created job opportunities. However, in other areas such as newspaper production and car manufacturing, computer systems and robots have replaced the need for workers. New technology has also created opportunities for certain groups of people. People with physical disabilities are now able to do a wider range of jobs and more people than ever before can work from home. However, some older workers have been replaced by new technology and cannot get new jobs because they lack the relevant skills.

Families- Inequality Not all families experience the same standard of living. Some can meet all of their material needs and are also able to enjoy many luxuries. Others struggle to provide even their necessities. Families with a high standard of living can afford to buy their own home. They may own more than one car and go on several holidays a year. Others with a low standard of living may have to rely on a low income and/or benefits, may rent accommodation and can only afford to buy necessities, no luxuries. There are a variety of factors which can create inequality. • •

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Where there are two parents present and both working there will usually be a higher income than in families headed by a single parent. Many single parent families find it difficult to get a job and arrange suitable childcare. They may not work at all or else they may be forced to pay a lot of money in childcare costs. The standard of living can also differ due to the type of job the parents do, the number of children in the family and the housing costs of the area in which the family lives.

A minimum wage The Labour Government introduced the minimum wage. This is the minimum amount of money which workers ought to receive. From October 2006 the minimum wage will be £5.35 per hour for workers aged 22 and over. Those in favour of the minimum wage argue it is good because: • • •

It guarantees workers a minimum amount of money per hour. It has increased the standard of living for those on a low income. The greater disposable income which those on a low income now have has lead to increased demand as people have more money to spend. This increased demand has caused more jobs to be created.

The Advantages: Minimum wage

Increased income

Greater demand for goods and services

More money spent in shops and on services

Increased employment as more people are needed to produce the goods and provide the services

Society gets wealthier

However, critics of the minimum wage argue that it is bad because: • • • •

It is still at too low a level to allow a reasonable standard of living. It prevents business people from running their business the way they want to. The full minimum wage does not apply to workers under 22- this is unfair. If the wage bill in a business rises then the employer may have to make some people unemployed in order to maintain the profit. Alternatively the price of goods/ services may rise meaning that fewer people can afford to buy them.

The Disadvantages: Minimum wage

Increased wage bill for employers

Price of the product goes up

Fewer people want to buy the more expensive product.

Demand for the product falls.

Unemployment follows as workers who are no longer required are made redundant.

WHAT IS AN HYPOTHESIS? A hypothesis a statement about what you expect to find and, during the research process, you will prove whether it is true or false. DO NOT ever be tempted to write a hypothesis in the form of a question. If you were carrying out an investigation into the problems faced by single parents in finding a suitable job:

“Lack of child care facilities is a major problem for single parents, looking for a job” is a relevant hypothesis ”Do single parents face problems finding a suitable job?” is not an acceptable hypothesis

WHAT IS AN AIM OR HEADING? Aims or headings will help you to prove or disprove your hypothesis. Be careful to note whether the questions asks you for either of these, or whether it asks you for a specific type. If you were carrying out an investigation into the problems faced by single parents in finding a suitable job: AIMS

1. “To find out what child care facilities are available in my local area.” “To find out the cost of child care facilities.” are two relevant aims. HEADINGS

“Child Care Facilities available in my local area” “The Cost of Child Care Facilities” are two relevant headings