BLOGPROMPT NUMBER 8

Education for Citizenship

Education for Sustainable Development also includes making learners aware of their role as 'Active Citizens'. Studies of 'citizenship' are intended to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed for effective and democratic participation. It helps learners become informed, active citizens who have the confidence and conviction to work together to take action in their communities.

It is important to know about rights, responsibilities, duties and freedoms and about laws, justice and democracy. Citizenship encourages respect for different national, religious and ethnic identities.

2010 is election year. What is your attitude concerning people who are not planning to vote in the general election? What main concerns do you have that may influence your vote?

Every individual should know their rights because we are all duty biund to abide by the laws and justice system which governs our country. We live in a country that prides itself on freedom of speech and democratic rights. As Citizens we are openly encouraged to speak up, practice our religious beliefs and display our different ethnic identities.

Britain is a circular state that supports ethnic and religious differences and being citizens of Britain, we should respect all differences within the country.The way people actively participatein democracy is by voting in elections both nationally and locally. Elections are held every four ti five yearsin constituencies or wards. The outcome of the elections is only determined by the amount of people who vote for one particular political party. However, the MPs or local councillors can only represent the people who vote for them; as those people who do not bother to vote, can not effect change.

As an individual, every one should know about their righrs, responsibilities, duties and freedoms, if justice and democracy are going to work. It is essential that we exercise our democratic rights and vote at elections. Failure to do so may lead to a lack of individual choice in all aspects of life. Freedom of speech allows us to express ourselves without fear of being contradicted. It also allows for a diverse range of political and religious views to be expressed freely and these can be accepted or challeged in equal measure. In reality people who fail to register their votes do not realise their responsibilities in voting for justice, freedom and democracy.

One can understand why people elect not to exercise their democratic right to vote. The MPs expenses saga has further damaged the confidence of the electorate and the way they view MPs and local politicians. However, if change is going to happen, then individuals need to exercise their democratic right and vote for honesty and change.

The main concerns with voting is that MPs and councillors who are elected fail to represent their electorate. The individual has to consider whether or not the person and the party that they vote for represents the majority of their wiews and this is a difficult challenge. The idea of voting is that if we dont like something or someone then we can chane it. However, change can only be effective if ther is a concensus among people for similar ideas and values.

I live in Woughton Constituency.

My local MP is Phylis Starkey, Labour Party.

My Local Council is Milton Keynes Council.

Party dorminates my local Council - Liberal Democrats.

Reference: Office of National Stasistics [accessed on 30/03/10]