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3.5 Nature and Role of Political Participation

6 min readdecember 28, 2022

kelly-cotton

kelly-cotton

I

Isabela Padilha Vilela

kelly-cotton

kelly-cotton

I

Isabela Padilha Vilela

Unit 3 - Nature and Role of Political Participation

In Topic 3.5, you will be expected to explain how is impacted by a ’s use of and .

There are five specific components to this topic. Let's break down each component individually.

  1. Understand that can be voluntary or coerced (forced) as well as done on an individual or group basis.

    1. The two most common forms of are voting 🗳 (formal and individual) and 📢 (informal and group). Voluntary or can occur in both authoritarian or democratic regimes. For example, voting is a requirement of all citizens in Australia (democracy) and North Korea (authoritarian ). The only one of the course countries that has is Mexico, but there are no sanctions and no enforcement... so is it really compulsory? (we will talk more about voting and elections on Unit 4!)

    2. are another form of that can occur in authoritarian or democratic regimes. Now, remember that is the shared interests, purposes, and values of typically non-governmental agencies that attempt to enhance the participation of citizens in policymaking. In democratic regimes, there is typically a much more robust that allows citizens to have their collective voices heard. However, in , it is common for the government to coerce individuals into in order to diminish the impact of protestors and their influence. Two course countries that typically use this tactic are Russia 🇷🇺 and Iran 🇮🇷.

  2. can be in support of or against a and that participation can be independent of the state or under the direction of the state. To illustrate this, let's refer back to our last discussion in which Russia often employs counter-protestors in order to diminish against the government. So, these are under the direct of the state to make sure that all citizens comply with the Russian Government.

  3. Certain political conditions make it more likely that citizens will engage in , especially when citizens feel that their more conventional options are ineffective or unavailable. In all 6 course countries, we have seen at one time or another on the part of citizens. Let's look at one example from each country:

    1. In all 6 course countries, we have seen at one time or another on the part of citizens. Let's look at one example from each country:

      1. UK (Northern Ireland) 🇬🇧 —The IRA (Irish Republican Army) committed acts of violence in order to regain independence for Northern Ireland. The UK responded with army occupation to try and end IRA attacks.

      2. Mexico 🇲🇽 —In 1994, the declared war on the Mexican Government demanding work, land, education, etc. for the indigenous populations of Chiapas. The result was an expansion of indigenous rights.

      3. Nigeria 🇳🇬 — is a terrorist group that seeks to create an independent state in Nigeria. It uses violence, kidnapping, etc. to challenge the Nigerian government. The Nigerian government has responded with violence.

      4. China 🇨🇳 —2009 erupted in the capital city of Xinjiang. The riots were sparked by Uyghur dissatisfaction with how the Chinese government handled the deaths of Uyghur workers during a previous uprising. This is a good time to go back to Topic 3.2: Political Culture. Nationalism is extremely important in China, being Han Chinese or part of the majority population can lead to tension and mistreatment of minority groups like the Uyghur who are Muslim Turks in terms of ethnicity. The Chinese government has responded with violence, even going as far as to set up concentration camps trying to shape the political socialization of the Uyghurs.

      5. Russia 🇷🇺— and wars have raged for years in Russia. Chechens, an Islamic minority group, continue to resist Russia’s control of the once independent nation. Currently, Chechnya is once again under Russian rule after the Russian military violently attacked insurgents in the area.

      6. Iran 🇮🇷 —In 2019-20, there were nationwide over the significant increases in oil prices in Iran. Protestors were initially peaceful but became more violent with some calling for the removal/overthrow of the Supreme Leader. Iran responded by shutting down the internet for 6 days, as well the government killed hundreds of protestors.

      7. Extra 💡 - Russia-Ukraine conflict began to escalate back in 2014, when Russia annexed Crimea to its territory. The President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, had sometimes been vocal about wanting to take over the Ukraine territory as a whole. In february 2022 the Russian army launched a major attack on Ukraine, leaving thousands of deaths and over 14 million people displaced. There are debates of whether the Russian population agrees with the annexation of Ukraine or if the Russia government has imposed this fight on its own population.

  1. Formal (including casting ballots in elections) can be encouraged across types to enhance , gather input, act as a , or apply a check on governmental policies.

    1. Time to discuss a few terms here to better understand this key concept. First, the term refers to the right to rule as determined by citizens. The second term is , or processes that allow discontented citizens to express themselves in order to prevent rebellion or revolution.

    2. Let's tackle first. In each of the course countries, regardless of type, is used to enhance . For instance, in the UK, Mexico, Russia, Iran, and Nigeria citizens are allowed to directly vote for the legislative or executive branches. This is done to provide the people a say in government and therefore increase or the right of those leaders to rule.

    3. , , and items such as referendums allow for safety valves to prevent all-out rebellion. We can go back to the Zapatista’s in Mexico that, through their violent , placed pressure on the Mexican government and saw the Mexican government respond with new programs to help the indigenous people of areas like Chiapas.

    4. There is one observation or tendency that needs to be shared prior to moving onto our next key concept: are more likely to use citizen participation to intimidate opposition or give an illusion of influence, while democratic regimes hold elections to allow citizen control of the policy-making process.

  • Our final key concept in this topic is the referenda, which we mentioned above briefly with Mexico and the Zapatista . A referenda or referendum allows citizens to vote directly on policy questions which is one more way that citizens can participate in politics.

Referenda can be used for a variety of reasons including as a means to promote democratic policymaking, to allow a chief executive to bypass the legislature, and to oblige citizens to make difficult and potentially unpopular decisions on public policy issues and it is an example of a practice. An example, mentioned directly in the CED, is the United Kingdom, which has used referenda to decide questions about the of powers to regional assemblies, the separation and creation of an independent nation-state, and their withdrawal from the . 🇪🇺

You can see in the graphic below in red 🟥 the regions that voted to leave the , and in blue 🔵 the regions that predominantly voted to stay:

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-6xOZ1iVzAH4u.png?alt=media&token=ea259d93-6960-4089-bbac-ca5c4e291657

In the next guide we will continue to discuss , but now we will analyze the forces that impact it. ➡️

Key Terms to Review (26)

Authoritarian Regimes

: Authoritarian regimes are political systems characterized by centralized power held by one individual or a small group who exercise authority without meaningful checks from other branches or institutions. These regimes often suppress dissenting voices and limit civil liberties.

Authority

: Authority refers to the legitimate power or control that individuals or institutions have over others within a specific context.

Boko Haram

: Boko Haram is an extremist Islamic terrorist group based in Nigeria that aims to establish Sharia law throughout the country. They are known for carrying out violent attacks, including bombings, kidnappings, and mass killings.

Chechen conflict

: The Chechen conflict refers to the ongoing political and military struggle between the Russian government and separatist groups in the region of Chechnya. It has been marked by violence, terrorism, and human rights abuses.

Civil Society

: Civil society refers to the space outside of the government and business sectors where individuals come together voluntarily to pursue common interests, advocate for their rights, and engage in social activities.

Coerced Participation

: Coerced participation refers to individuals being compelled or forced to engage in political activities against their will. It involves external pressures, such as threats, intimidation, or manipulation, that leave individuals with no choice but to participate.

Compulsory Voting

: Compulsory voting is a system where citizens are legally required to vote in elections.

Counter-Protests

: Counter-protests refer to organized demonstrations held by individuals or groups who oppose the views expressed in another protest.

Democratic Governance

: Democratic governance refers to a system of government where power is vested in the people, who exercise it directly or through elected representatives, and decisions are made based on majority rule while respecting minority rights.

Devolution

: Devolution is the transfer of power and decision-making authority from a central government to regional or local governments within a country. It aims to decentralize political power and give more autonomy to subnational units.

Direct Democracy

: Direct democracy is a system where citizens have direct participation in decision-making processes rather than relying solely on elected representatives.

European Union

: The European Union (EU) is an economic and political union consisting of 27 member countries in Europe. It aims to promote economic cooperation, ensure peace among its members, and create common policies on various issues.

IRA (Irish Republican Army)

: The IRA (Irish Republican Army) was an armed paramilitary organization formed in 1919 with the goal of ending British rule in Northern Ireland and establishing an independent Irish republic. It has been involved in various acts of terrorism and guerrilla warfare throughout its history.

Legitimacy

: Legitimacy refers to the acceptance and recognition of a government or political system by its citizens as having the right to rule and exercise authority.

Political Participation

: Political participation refers to the actions taken by individuals or groups to influence or support political processes and decision-making. It includes activities such as voting, joining political parties, attending protests, and contacting elected officials.

Power

: Power refers to the ability of individuals, groups, or institutions to influence or control the behavior and actions of others. It can be exercised through various means, such as coercion, persuasion, or authority.

Protests

: Protests are organized public demonstrations or gatherings where individuals express their grievances, demands, or support for a particular cause. They often involve large groups of people advocating for social, political, or economic change.

Referenda/Referendum

: A referendum is a direct vote by citizens on a specific issue or proposal put forth by the government. It allows people to directly participate in decision-making processes.

Regime

: A regime refers to the set of rules, institutions, practices, and norms that determine how power is exercised within a country. It encompasses both formal structures (such as constitutions) and informal arrangements (such as unwritten traditions).

Safety Valve

: A safety valve is a political mechanism or policy that allows for the release of public pressure or discontent in order to prevent more extreme forms of protest or revolution.

State-Directed Participation

: State-directed participation refers to a political system where the government actively encourages and controls citizen involvement in political activities, such as voting or joining state-sponsored organizations.

Supreme Leader in Iran

: The Supreme Leader in Iran holds ultimate authority over all branches of government and serves as both the highest political and religious figure in the country.

Uyghur riots

: The Uyghur riots refer to a series of violent clashes between ethnic Uyghurs, a predominantly Muslim minority group in China's Xinjiang region, and the Chinese government. These conflicts stem from tensions related to cultural assimilation, religious freedom, and human rights abuses.

Violent Political Behavior

: Violent political behavior refers to actions taken by individuals or groups that involve physical force with the intention of achieving political goals or influencing governmental decisions.

Voluntary Participation

: Voluntary participation refers to individuals willingly engaging in political activities or processes without any external pressure or coercion. It is the act of freely choosing to be involved in political affairs.

Zapatista Army

: The Zapatista Army, also known as the EZLN (Zapatista National Liberation Army), is a revolutionary leftist group in Mexico that advocates for indigenous rights and social justice. They gained international attention in 1994 when they staged an armed uprising against the Mexican government.

3.5 Nature and Role of Political Participation

6 min readdecember 28, 2022

kelly-cotton

kelly-cotton

I

Isabela Padilha Vilela

kelly-cotton

kelly-cotton

I

Isabela Padilha Vilela

Unit 3 - Nature and Role of Political Participation

In Topic 3.5, you will be expected to explain how is impacted by a ’s use of and .

There are five specific components to this topic. Let's break down each component individually.

  1. Understand that can be voluntary or coerced (forced) as well as done on an individual or group basis.

    1. The two most common forms of are voting 🗳 (formal and individual) and 📢 (informal and group). Voluntary or can occur in both authoritarian or democratic regimes. For example, voting is a requirement of all citizens in Australia (democracy) and North Korea (authoritarian ). The only one of the course countries that has is Mexico, but there are no sanctions and no enforcement... so is it really compulsory? (we will talk more about voting and elections on Unit 4!)

    2. are another form of that can occur in authoritarian or democratic regimes. Now, remember that is the shared interests, purposes, and values of typically non-governmental agencies that attempt to enhance the participation of citizens in policymaking. In democratic regimes, there is typically a much more robust that allows citizens to have their collective voices heard. However, in , it is common for the government to coerce individuals into in order to diminish the impact of protestors and their influence. Two course countries that typically use this tactic are Russia 🇷🇺 and Iran 🇮🇷.

  2. can be in support of or against a and that participation can be independent of the state or under the direction of the state. To illustrate this, let's refer back to our last discussion in which Russia often employs counter-protestors in order to diminish against the government. So, these are under the direct of the state to make sure that all citizens comply with the Russian Government.

  3. Certain political conditions make it more likely that citizens will engage in , especially when citizens feel that their more conventional options are ineffective or unavailable. In all 6 course countries, we have seen at one time or another on the part of citizens. Let's look at one example from each country:

    1. In all 6 course countries, we have seen at one time or another on the part of citizens. Let's look at one example from each country:

      1. UK (Northern Ireland) 🇬🇧 —The IRA (Irish Republican Army) committed acts of violence in order to regain independence for Northern Ireland. The UK responded with army occupation to try and end IRA attacks.

      2. Mexico 🇲🇽 —In 1994, the declared war on the Mexican Government demanding work, land, education, etc. for the indigenous populations of Chiapas. The result was an expansion of indigenous rights.

      3. Nigeria 🇳🇬 — is a terrorist group that seeks to create an independent state in Nigeria. It uses violence, kidnapping, etc. to challenge the Nigerian government. The Nigerian government has responded with violence.

      4. China 🇨🇳 —2009 erupted in the capital city of Xinjiang. The riots were sparked by Uyghur dissatisfaction with how the Chinese government handled the deaths of Uyghur workers during a previous uprising. This is a good time to go back to Topic 3.2: Political Culture. Nationalism is extremely important in China, being Han Chinese or part of the majority population can lead to tension and mistreatment of minority groups like the Uyghur who are Muslim Turks in terms of ethnicity. The Chinese government has responded with violence, even going as far as to set up concentration camps trying to shape the political socialization of the Uyghurs.

      5. Russia 🇷🇺— and wars have raged for years in Russia. Chechens, an Islamic minority group, continue to resist Russia’s control of the once independent nation. Currently, Chechnya is once again under Russian rule after the Russian military violently attacked insurgents in the area.

      6. Iran 🇮🇷 —In 2019-20, there were nationwide over the significant increases in oil prices in Iran. Protestors were initially peaceful but became more violent with some calling for the removal/overthrow of the Supreme Leader. Iran responded by shutting down the internet for 6 days, as well the government killed hundreds of protestors.

      7. Extra 💡 - Russia-Ukraine conflict began to escalate back in 2014, when Russia annexed Crimea to its territory. The President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, had sometimes been vocal about wanting to take over the Ukraine territory as a whole. In february 2022 the Russian army launched a major attack on Ukraine, leaving thousands of deaths and over 14 million people displaced. There are debates of whether the Russian population agrees with the annexation of Ukraine or if the Russia government has imposed this fight on its own population.

  1. Formal (including casting ballots in elections) can be encouraged across types to enhance , gather input, act as a , or apply a check on governmental policies.

    1. Time to discuss a few terms here to better understand this key concept. First, the term refers to the right to rule as determined by citizens. The second term is , or processes that allow discontented citizens to express themselves in order to prevent rebellion or revolution.

    2. Let's tackle first. In each of the course countries, regardless of type, is used to enhance . For instance, in the UK, Mexico, Russia, Iran, and Nigeria citizens are allowed to directly vote for the legislative or executive branches. This is done to provide the people a say in government and therefore increase or the right of those leaders to rule.

    3. , , and items such as referendums allow for safety valves to prevent all-out rebellion. We can go back to the Zapatista’s in Mexico that, through their violent , placed pressure on the Mexican government and saw the Mexican government respond with new programs to help the indigenous people of areas like Chiapas.

    4. There is one observation or tendency that needs to be shared prior to moving onto our next key concept: are more likely to use citizen participation to intimidate opposition or give an illusion of influence, while democratic regimes hold elections to allow citizen control of the policy-making process.

  • Our final key concept in this topic is the referenda, which we mentioned above briefly with Mexico and the Zapatista . A referenda or referendum allows citizens to vote directly on policy questions which is one more way that citizens can participate in politics.

Referenda can be used for a variety of reasons including as a means to promote democratic policymaking, to allow a chief executive to bypass the legislature, and to oblige citizens to make difficult and potentially unpopular decisions on public policy issues and it is an example of a practice. An example, mentioned directly in the CED, is the United Kingdom, which has used referenda to decide questions about the of powers to regional assemblies, the separation and creation of an independent nation-state, and their withdrawal from the . 🇪🇺

You can see in the graphic below in red 🟥 the regions that voted to leave the , and in blue 🔵 the regions that predominantly voted to stay:

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-6xOZ1iVzAH4u.png?alt=media&token=ea259d93-6960-4089-bbac-ca5c4e291657

In the next guide we will continue to discuss , but now we will analyze the forces that impact it. ➡️

Key Terms to Review (26)

Authoritarian Regimes

: Authoritarian regimes are political systems characterized by centralized power held by one individual or a small group who exercise authority without meaningful checks from other branches or institutions. These regimes often suppress dissenting voices and limit civil liberties.

Authority

: Authority refers to the legitimate power or control that individuals or institutions have over others within a specific context.

Boko Haram

: Boko Haram is an extremist Islamic terrorist group based in Nigeria that aims to establish Sharia law throughout the country. They are known for carrying out violent attacks, including bombings, kidnappings, and mass killings.

Chechen conflict

: The Chechen conflict refers to the ongoing political and military struggle between the Russian government and separatist groups in the region of Chechnya. It has been marked by violence, terrorism, and human rights abuses.

Civil Society

: Civil society refers to the space outside of the government and business sectors where individuals come together voluntarily to pursue common interests, advocate for their rights, and engage in social activities.

Coerced Participation

: Coerced participation refers to individuals being compelled or forced to engage in political activities against their will. It involves external pressures, such as threats, intimidation, or manipulation, that leave individuals with no choice but to participate.

Compulsory Voting

: Compulsory voting is a system where citizens are legally required to vote in elections.

Counter-Protests

: Counter-protests refer to organized demonstrations held by individuals or groups who oppose the views expressed in another protest.

Democratic Governance

: Democratic governance refers to a system of government where power is vested in the people, who exercise it directly or through elected representatives, and decisions are made based on majority rule while respecting minority rights.

Devolution

: Devolution is the transfer of power and decision-making authority from a central government to regional or local governments within a country. It aims to decentralize political power and give more autonomy to subnational units.

Direct Democracy

: Direct democracy is a system where citizens have direct participation in decision-making processes rather than relying solely on elected representatives.

European Union

: The European Union (EU) is an economic and political union consisting of 27 member countries in Europe. It aims to promote economic cooperation, ensure peace among its members, and create common policies on various issues.

IRA (Irish Republican Army)

: The IRA (Irish Republican Army) was an armed paramilitary organization formed in 1919 with the goal of ending British rule in Northern Ireland and establishing an independent Irish republic. It has been involved in various acts of terrorism and guerrilla warfare throughout its history.

Legitimacy

: Legitimacy refers to the acceptance and recognition of a government or political system by its citizens as having the right to rule and exercise authority.

Political Participation

: Political participation refers to the actions taken by individuals or groups to influence or support political processes and decision-making. It includes activities such as voting, joining political parties, attending protests, and contacting elected officials.

Power

: Power refers to the ability of individuals, groups, or institutions to influence or control the behavior and actions of others. It can be exercised through various means, such as coercion, persuasion, or authority.

Protests

: Protests are organized public demonstrations or gatherings where individuals express their grievances, demands, or support for a particular cause. They often involve large groups of people advocating for social, political, or economic change.

Referenda/Referendum

: A referendum is a direct vote by citizens on a specific issue or proposal put forth by the government. It allows people to directly participate in decision-making processes.

Regime

: A regime refers to the set of rules, institutions, practices, and norms that determine how power is exercised within a country. It encompasses both formal structures (such as constitutions) and informal arrangements (such as unwritten traditions).

Safety Valve

: A safety valve is a political mechanism or policy that allows for the release of public pressure or discontent in order to prevent more extreme forms of protest or revolution.

State-Directed Participation

: State-directed participation refers to a political system where the government actively encourages and controls citizen involvement in political activities, such as voting or joining state-sponsored organizations.

Supreme Leader in Iran

: The Supreme Leader in Iran holds ultimate authority over all branches of government and serves as both the highest political and religious figure in the country.

Uyghur riots

: The Uyghur riots refer to a series of violent clashes between ethnic Uyghurs, a predominantly Muslim minority group in China's Xinjiang region, and the Chinese government. These conflicts stem from tensions related to cultural assimilation, religious freedom, and human rights abuses.

Violent Political Behavior

: Violent political behavior refers to actions taken by individuals or groups that involve physical force with the intention of achieving political goals or influencing governmental decisions.

Voluntary Participation

: Voluntary participation refers to individuals willingly engaging in political activities or processes without any external pressure or coercion. It is the act of freely choosing to be involved in political affairs.

Zapatista Army

: The Zapatista Army, also known as the EZLN (Zapatista National Liberation Army), is a revolutionary leftist group in Mexico that advocates for indigenous rights and social justice. They gained international attention in 1994 when they staged an armed uprising against the Mexican government.


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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.


© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.