1. Can you explain the reasons for the levels of voting apathy shown in the following table?

2. Year Turnout % Year 1945731974(Feb)79 1950841974(Oct)73 195183197976 195577198373 195979198775 196477199278 196676199771 197072200159

3. Why are we becoming less interested in voting? The rise of apathy among British voters

4. Your task Your task Read Watts p.5-8 explain the possible reasons for the rise in voter turnout in the 2005 General Election. Read Watts p.5-8 explain the possible reasons for the rise in voter turnout in the 2005 General Election. Using pages 5-8 and the reading sheet, Produce a spider diagram / mind map to explain the reasons for the decline in the turnout of voters in major elections. Using pages 5-8 and the reading sheet, Produce a spider diagram / mind map to explain the reasons for the decline in the turnout of voters in major elections.

5. Why was there increased turnout in 2005? In 2005 turnout was higher than 2001 because of prospect of a close contest between Labour & Conservatives. In 2005 turnout was higher than 2001 because of prospect of a close contest between Labour & Conservatives. Dislike of Tony Blair by voters and chance to bloody his nose. Dislike of Tony Blair by voters and chance to bloody his nose. In 2001 result had seemed a forgone conclusion (e.g. Labour were always going to win a significant victory) so people didnt bother to vote. In 2001 result had seemed a forgone conclusion (e.g. Labour were always going to win a significant victory) so people didnt bother to vote.

6. Why have levels of turnout fallen? Apathy & alienation amongst voters. Apathy & alienation amongst voters. Disillusionment with parties in office and with politicians. Disillusionment with parties in office and with politicians. All parties & politicians as bad as each other. All parties & politicians as bad as each other. Media influence of political performance. Media influence of political performance. Little difference between the major parties anymore e.g. New Labour and Tories very similar on some issues. Little difference between the major parties anymore e.g. New Labour and Tories very similar on some issues.

7. Why have levels of turnout fallen? Some people see involvement in environmental and community issues as being of greater importance. Some people see involvement in environmental and community issues as being of greater importance. Pressure groups offer better representation on issues such as equality than parties do. Pressure groups offer better representation on issues such as equality than parties do. Lower turnout could reflect broad contentment amongst voters e.g. they dont vote because they are happy with how things are. Lower turnout could reflect broad contentment amongst voters e.g. they dont vote because they are happy with how things are.

8. Your task Your task Read about other methods of voter participation. Read about other methods of voter participation. In groups put together a campaign on behalf of the electoral commission to increase voter participation. In groups put together a campaign on behalf of the electoral commission to increase voter participation.

9. Homework Homework Create a questionnaire to assess the level of political activity among sixth formers at WGSB. Try to assess their reaction to alternative voting methods, too. Create a questionnaire to assess the level of political activity among sixth formers at WGSB. Try to assess their reaction to alternative voting methods, too. Write up your report on one side of A4, including a chart showing your statistical data. You will need to interview at least 20 different people in the 17-19 age bracket. Write up your report on one side of A4, including a chart showing your statistical data. You will need to interview at least 20 different people in the 17-19 age bracket.

10. Plenary Plenary Does it matter if turnout figures in general elections have been low recently? Does it matter if turnout figures in general elections have been low recently? What are the most effective ways for young people to participate in politics? What are the most effective ways for young people to participate in politics?