What are the different types of political participation?
There is more to political participation than voting to elect a government. Over the last few years a new type of less formal political participation has evolved 鈥 helped by the internet and social media.
Online activism and petitions
Online activism is becoming increasingly popular with many people using the internet to organise protests or change popular opinion about a range of issues.
In recognition of the popularity of online campaigns, the UK Government has introduced a policy whereby petitions with over 100,000 signatures can be debated in the House of Commons.
For example, the UK-based campaigning forum, 38 Degrees has over two million members, The group organises and promote campaigns to bring about change across a broad range of political and social issues. These campaigns can be:
- online petitions to have issues debated in Parliament
- physical protests
- support to put pressure on companies by boycotting products
In Scotland, the Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee looks at all petitions published to the Scottish Parliament's petition site. A petition does not have to reach a certain number of signatures to be considered.
Different ways to participate in politics
Other ways to participate in politics include:
- keeping up to date with what's happening in you local area as well as what is going on nationally and internationally
- standing as a candidate
- supporting a candidate during an election campaign by handing out leaflets or canvassing (going door-to-door)
- attending protests and rallies on issues, for example climate change