Author: VidS

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.

Developing countries should not adopt ‘green’ technology in light of other priorities. Discuss.

  • more urgent priorities could include problems concerning drought, famine and sickness
  • the lack of infrastructure and lack of education are also problems.
  • government may lack revenue and inward investment
  • ‘green’ technology is environmentally desirable but is expensive in start-up costs and often costly to run and produce benefits (Read Article)
  • poorer developing countries require cheap energy urgently to supply and support budding industries and commercial developments.
  • climate change impacts developed and developing countries. 
  • Strategic steps must be taken to mitigate climate change and environmental impact.

How difficult is it to feel optimistic, rather than pessimistic, about the future?

The future can be seen in optimistic ways, thanks to science and technology, or in pessimistic ways due to environmental changes.

  • Media tends to focus on negative events. Wide coverage of bad news all the time.
  • Media always shows that there is conflict somewhere in the world
  • Confidence in a country’s political stability and order is often brought to question
  • Future prospects for young people such as education and jobs is questionable
  • Negativity can result in depression and low self-esteem
  • Greater opportunities to change lifestyle exist when one migrates but there is no guarantee.
  • Future depends on personal circumstances and ambitions rather than wider issues

‘Wars do not resolve questions but create further disputes.’ Does this mean that war can never be justified?

• There are likely to be references to more than one war
• Arguments for resolutions of various conflicts may be advanced
• What might be defined as a ‘just war’?
• World War Two, for example, or the Arab-Israeli conflict, the Iraq wars, civil wars
• Examples of where negotiations and/or treaties have prevented conflict
• Distinctions may be drawn between ‘wars’ and terrorism
• The so-called ‘war on terror’ may be mentioned
• One man’s terrorist is another man’s freedom fighter
• Allow for thoughtful interpretations of the term ‘war’

‘Young people are sometimes treated as second-class citizens.’ How far would you agree?

Keywords: ‘Young people’ and ‘second-class citizens’ and ‘How far’.

  • Lack of rights for under 18s
  • Stereotyping of youth is prevalent
  • Most youth are seen as idealistic and labelled as irresponsible
  • Degree of parental control – excessive or liberal – can impact the family and the youth
  • The respect for youth and status in society is non existant
  • Facilities for young people (e.g. employment, youth organisations and counselling are inadequate
  • The degree of exploitation is very high for young people, particularly in employment setting as they are paid low wages or even coerced to work

Examine why some democratic countries find it difficult to hold ‘safe and fair’ elections.

Key words: ‘Examine’, ‘democratic’, ‘difficult’, ‘safe and fair’, elections’

• Change from dictatorship (Arab spring/Libya/Egypt)
• Instability (still supporters of the old regime)
• Elections are complex, involving a whole population (the problem of logistics)
• Open to bribery and corruption (the problem of independent monitoring)
• Violent intimidation prevents turnout
• It can appear a sham eg, present government manipulates the process to win re-election
• Tends to be difficult in developing countries –depends whether there is a tradition of democracy
• Cost and security of election booths
• Some response might choose to emphasise the fairness of the system via discussion of media involvement, smear campaigns etc.