ExpertHard8 marksExtended Response
AQA GCSE · Question 05.2 · Life in Modern Britain
'British citizens have a duty to participate in democracy even if they feel apathetic about politics.'
Considering a range of views, to what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
In your answer you should consider:
• the political rights and duties of British citizens
• issues relating to voter apathy.
'British citizens have a duty to participate in democracy even if they feel apathetic about politics.'
Considering a range of views, to what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
In your answer you should consider:
• the political rights and duties of British citizens
• issues relating to voter apathy.
How to approach this question
Structure your answer with an introduction, arguments for, arguments against, and a conclusion. Use the bullet points as a guide. For the 'agree' side, discuss why participation is a duty. For the 'disagree' side, discuss why it's a right and explore the reasons for voter apathy. In your conclusion, weigh the arguments and state your own justified view on the extent to which you agree.
Full Answer
This question asks for an evaluation of the concept of civic duty in relation to democratic participation. A strong answer will explore the tension between individual rights (the right to abstain) and collective responsibility (the duty to contribute to the democratic process). It should acknowledge the valid reasons for voter apathy (e.g., disillusionment, lack of representation) while also considering the consequences of non-participation (e.g., unrepresentative governments, weakened democracy). The conclusion should synthesise these points into a coherent personal judgement.
Common mistakes
Students may focus too much on just voter apathy without discussing the wider concept of rights and duties. It is also a mistake to not offer a clear conclusion that states the extent of agreement or disagreement.
Practice the full AQA GCSE Citizenship Studies Paper 2
28 questions · hints · full answers · grading
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