Month: June 2018

How important is it for a government to respect popular opinion?

Keywords: ‘How important’ and ‘government’ and ‘respect popular opinion’.

• Define popular
• Popular uprising – people power can be effective (e.g. Arab Spring)
• Minority governs the majority
• Respect basic human rights
• Communication through technology – quick to organise protests
• Media – greater awareness of global events
• Is it popular or just the powerful influence of minority groups (e.g. fundamentalism)
• Can respect popular opinion but still a need to adopt unpopular measures (e.g. austerity measures)
• The mandate to govern in a democracy/must be seen as transparent
• Repression – lack of respect – violent outcome (e.g. war in Syria)

To what extent is ‘people power’ the key to achieving a democratic society?

For and against points for ‘people power’ the key to achieving a democratic society

  • Keywords: ‘To what extent’ and ‘people power’ and ‘key’ and ‘democratic society’.
  • Democracy is supposed to bring Equality and Accountability
  • Can remove repression/dictatorship (e.g. Arab Spring)
  • There is little alternative if the country is undemocratic (e.g. Libya)
  • Violence – innocent victims (e.g. Syria and Yemen)
  • Power vacuum
  • Opportunity for the military/fundamentalism to take over (e.g. Egypt)
  • Can fail (e.g. Bahrain/Zimbabwe)
  • Democratic elections do not always give power to the people
  • Electoral colleges give as much weight to the few as the many

How far would you agree that the Internet is helping to improve the health and well-being of society?

Keywords: ‘How far’ and ‘agree’ and ‘Internet’ and ‘improve’ and ‘health and well-being’.

  • Access to health information from around the world
  • Minor ailments can be self-diagnosed. People are well informed.
  • Encourages more self-awareness
  • People can share common health problems via social media
  • One can join specific groups, especially local support groups
  • Easy to download and print off medical information
  • Plenty of health instructions and videos posted online
  • Can encourage hypochondria and even misdiagnosis
  • Anything can be put on the Internet – selling of suspect medicines, blotched surgery and misinformation
  • People could perceive doctor or hospital visits as unnecessary
  • False information and conflicting information about exercise routines, diet and superfoods

Modern technology used in weapons and communications means that war is now far less likely. To what extent do you agree with this statement?

  • modern technology enables war to be conducted impersonally and at a distance (Read Article1 and Article 2)
  • weapons can act as a deterrent to war; the effects of their devastation are widely acknowledged
  • laser technology allows for greater accuracy of weapons
  • the purpose of satellite surveillance technology is defensive; designed to avoid war
  • in the hands of terrorists or a military dictator, weapons can be used aggressively and can provoke conflict
  • weapons do not cause war or keep the peace; that is the remit of those who control them
  • communication systems can direct weapons.
  • non-lethal weapons can be developed.