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GCSE Citizenship – short course- Miss Campbell
Miss Campbell
GCSE SHORT COURSE CITIZENSHIP
Miss Campbell’s
‘CRAMMER’
Student friendly revision guide.
‘QUICK ANSWERS’- A CHRISTMAS PRESENT FROM ME TO YOU!
STUDENT FRIENDLY EXAM GUIDE
Name: Class:
Teacher:
GCSE Citizenship – short course- Miss Campbell
Miss Campbell
UNIT 1 Citizenship today
Three themes
1 hour exam
50 marks
All themes in unit 1 over two sections; section A and B
Section A- answer questions on all three themes. You will be provided
with different sources such as photos or newspaper articles. You will need
to answer a set of questions for each theme based on these sources. The
questions will be a range of short/multiple choice answers
Section B- consists of an essay questions. You will have one essay to
choose from a choice of three. There is one essay question for each of
the three themes for you to choose from.
Themes are:
- Theme 1 RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Diversity in the Uk
Impact of migration and integration on identities and communities
Political, legal and human rights
How different kinds of rights have developed
The rights and responsibilities of consumers, employers and employees
- Theme 2- POWER, POLITICS AND THE MEDIA
How the media informs and influences the public, including how
information from pressure and interest groups is used.
Law and the justice system
Democracy in the uk
- Theme 3- THE GLOBAL COMMUNITY
The role of the voluntary sector in supporting communities
Global warming and climate change
The economy in relation to citizenship
The uks role in the world
The challenges facing the global community
THIS IS THE EXAM PART- UNIT 2 IS YOUR CONTROLLED ASSESSMENT WHICH
HAS BEEN CARRIED OUT AND YOUR MARK WILL BE 60% TOWARDS YOUR FINAL
GRADE.
GCSE Citizenship – short course- Miss Campbell
Miss Campbell
GCSE QUIZ. THEME 1 RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
COMMUNITIES AND IDENTITIES.
1. What’s a community?
A group of people who share common interests and values.
2.Name some different communities in the UK.
Christian, Rainham, Chinese, Irish, Tottenham supporters, Chafford students, Muslim.
3.What is a multicultural community?
A community made up of people from many different cultural or ethnic groups.
4.What is an ethnic minority?
It is a small group of people in a country. For example Indians in Britain.
5.What ethnic groups live in the UK?
White, Black Caribbean, Black African, Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Chinese.
6.What does it mean to be British?
Shared culture, shared history, language, having a passport, having rights, common habits,
geographical boundary.
7.What is immigration?
Moving to another country to live there.
8. What is emigration?
Leaving your homeland to live in another country.
9. What is tolerance?
Open-mindedness and accepting others.
10.What is minority?
A small part of a larger group of people.
11.Why did people come to Britain?
JEWS—Have been here for hundreds of year. In 1930’s and 40’s came to escape persecution
in East Europe.
AFRICANS / ASIANS /CARIBBEANS—Belonged to Britain because Britain had taken over
their countries. Came here to provide manual and semi skilled work in the 1950’s as there was a
shortage in Britain.
POLISH PEOPLE—Came in the 1940’s to escape Nazi Germany.
GCSE Citizenship – short course- Miss Campbell
Miss Campbell
12.What are the benefits of living in a multicultural society?
They bring a lot of money (Black people contribute £5 billion to the economy)
23% of Britain’s doctors were born overseas.
New food—Chinese and Indian food is very popular.
New skills and ideas in art, music, sport, dance and literature.
13.What is identity?
Who or what someone is.
14.What identities do people in communities share?
Race, religion, food, background, culture, dress, language.
15.What is dual heritage?
People with parents who have different backgrounds.
16.Can mixing of races and nationalities cause problems?
Yes. Some people are racist and want to keep communities apart.
17.What is prejudice?
Thinking unfairly about a group of people.
18.What is discrimination?
Treating people unfairly because of their race/gender/religion/body.
19.What is persecution?
Making people suffer because of their race/gender/religion/body
20.What causes racism, and discrimination?
Insecurity / bad experiences / Fear / upbringing / ignorance.
21.What are the problems in Northern Ireland?
Most Protestants want to remain part of the UK whilst most Catholics want to be part of The
Republic of Ireland. There is a lot of mistrust between the 2 communities.
22.Is discrimination illegal?
Yes. There are 3 anti-discrimination laws
The sex discrimination Act.
This stops women being treated unfairly, for example, at work.
The race relations Act.
This makes it an offence to treat a person differently because of their race, colour, nationality
or origin.
GCSE Citizenship – short course- Miss Campbell
Miss Campbell
The Disability Discrimination Act.
This means that services should be available for disabled people. EG. Cinemas must have
wheelchair ramps. A disability should not stop a person being employed. EG a deaf person should
be given a videophone at work.
23.What happens if a person is discriminated against?
They can go to court. They are entitled to compensation, which means they will get some money.
ROLES RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
24.What are human rights?
Things people should be allowed to DO or HAVE. This should include everyone in the world.
25.What human rights do people have?
People have the right to
Education
Work
Fair conditions at work
Travel
Food and clothes
Healthcare
Meet their friends
Own property
Choose their religion
Marry and have children
To be treated equally
Freedom of speech
Life and liberty
26.What rights do you have when you reach 16?
Leave school
Get married with parental consent
Join the army with parental consent
Give consent to sexual activity
Buy a national lottery ticket.
27.Who says we should have Human Rights?
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Miss Campbell
The declaration of Human Rights was signed in 1948 by world leaders.
28.Do British people have these Human Rights?
Yes, the Human Rights Act 2000 protects peoples’ Human Rights.
29.What is an ‘Act’
It’s a law passed by the Government.
30.What are legal rights?
These are human rights that are protected by the law. They protect our rights at work and as
consumers.
31.What are some legal rights in the UK?
You can leave school at 18
You can vote at 18
You can buy alcohol at 18
You can work part time at 13.
You can drive a car at 17.
IF YOU FEEL YOU AREN’T GETTING THESE RIGHTS YOU CAN TAKE ACTION
THROUGH A COURT OF LAW.
32.What are responsibilities?
Something it is your duty to do or look after.
33.How are rights and responsibilities linked?
If you have the right to buy fireworks, you have the responsibility to male sure you are
careful with them and follow the firework code.
If you have the right to an education, you have the responsibility to work as hard as you can,
and to let others learn too.
34.What is a consumer?
A consumer is a person who buys good (food/clothes) or buys services (having a haircut.)
35.Do consumers have rights?
Yes.
36.What does the law say about consumer rights?
When you buy a good it must….
Match the description given to it
GCSE Citizenship – short course- Miss Campbell
Miss Campbell
Be of satisfactory condition
Be fit for its purpose.
37.When you have a service it must….
Be done with reasonable care, by a reasonable time at a reasonable price.
38.What happens if the goods you brought are faulty?
You can get your money back, if you go to the shop within 2 weeks. You don’t have to accept a
voucher.
39.What happens if you’re injured because of the goods or services?
You can get compensation.
40.Do you need a receipt to claim your rights?
No, but you must prove that you bought the goods.
41.If I change my mind and don’t like the shirt I bought, do I have the right to get it
changed?
No. as it’s your fault. But most shops will let you change in order to get your custom.
42.If I buy faulty goods, who do I complain to?
You complain to the shop, not the maker, as it’s the shop you have a contract with.
43.What happens if you buy something that is broken but the shop ignores you?
Go to the Citizen’s Advice Bureau. They will put you in touch with the Office of Fair Trading
(OFT). The OFT is a government body who can punish shops who treat their customers unfairly.
44.Do you have rights at work?
Yes, they are in your contract of employment.
45.What is a contract of employment?
A statement listing an employee’s and employer’s rights and responsibilities concerning their job.
A contract of employment includes pay, hours worked, uniform, responsibilities, holiday
entitlement etc…
46.What happens if you break your contract of employment?
You can receive a warning, a verbal warning, a written warning then you will be dismissed.
47.What is a dismissal?
Dismissal is when you have been sacked, for doing something wrong.
GCSE Citizenship – short course- Miss Campbell
Miss Campbell
48.What is redundancy?
Redundancy is when you lose your job because there is no job any more. (You may have done
nothing wrong)
49.What can a worker do if he/she disagrees with the dismissal?
Get help from their union.
50.What’s a union?
A union is a group of workers who work together to make sure they get their rights?
51.How can the union help?
They can argue your points. If the company ignore the union, they can be taken to an
employment tribunal. This is a court who will decide who is right—the company or the worker.
Unions can go on strike in extreme circumstances.
52. What is the name of a famous union?
The National Union of Teachers ( NUT) makes sure teachers are treated fairly.
53.What is the minimum wage?
It is the least amount of money you are allowed to be paid an hour. The rate depends on your
age.
16 and 17 year olds are entitled to £3.40 an hour
18-21 year olds are entitled to £4.60 an hour
22+ year olds are entitled to £5.52 an hour.
GCSE Citizenship – short course- Miss Campbell
Miss Campbell
CRIMINAL AND CIVIL JUSTICE.
54.Why do we have laws?
To protect people.
To stop people hurting each other.
To make sure society runs smoothly.
55.Who would suffer if there weren’t any laws?
The vulnerable people in society…weak, poor, young, elderly, ill.
56.Why do people obey the law?
Honest.
Believe in fairness.
Believe in rules to keep society in order.
Afraid of punishment.
57.Why do people break the law?
They can profit from crime.
They think the law is unfair.
They don’t think they are hurting anybody.
They are angry with society.
To make a point.
58.What is criminal law?
This deals with offences such as murder and drug dealing. These are cases between the state
and the offender.
59.What courts are used for criminal law?
Crown courts for serious cases.
Magistrate’s court for less serious cases.
60.What is civil law?
This covers disputes between individuals or groups.
It is often about rights. EG. A family complaining about noisy neighbours.
61.What courts are used for civil law?
County court…used for most cases.
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Miss Campbell
High court… deals with complex family or money matters.
Small claims court…deals with small cases
62.Who decides the outcome?
Criminal cases….
A Judge and Jury decide serious cases in a crown court
A magistrate decides less serious cases in a magistrate’s court
Civil cases…..
A Judge WITHOUT a jury.
63.Who puts the law into practice?
Judge.
A judge is very powerful. They decide the outcome of civil cases.
In serious criminal cases the judge doesn’t say if someone is innocent or guilty but decides what
punishment to give the offender.
A district judge is full time.
Magistrates.
Full time…They have 7 years experience as a solicitor. Called ‘Justices of the Peace.’
Part time…. Not legally qualified, not paid. They work with other magistrates. A lay magistrate is
part time.
Jury.
It’s made up of 12 adults who sit in a crown court and decide if someone is guilty or innocent.
It’s made up of people chosen at random from the public.
Police.
The police don’t make laws, they enforce them.
Solicitors
They give legal advice to people who have to go to court.
A solicitor prepares the case before court (for example getting interviews)
Barristers.
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Miss Campbell
They represent their clients in court….they are bias.
A barrister takes the information from the solicitor and uses it in court
64.What’s the point of punishment?
It separates the criminal from the public, family and friends.
It protects the public.
To show that society will not accept the behaviour.
To stop people from committing crimes.
To try and make people become better citizens through rehabilitation.
65.What types of punishment are given in the UK?
(People can be charged with a criminal offence from the age of 10 in England and 8 in Scotland)
Prison.
Young people from 12-17 are sent to young offenders’ institutions. Prison is for serious crimes
such as murder and robbery.
Community services
This is where people work in the community with a probation officer.. For example…cleaning up
graffiti and litter, tidying gardens or building playgrounds.
Curfew.
You must be at home for up to 12 hours a day. Electronic tags check can check your
whereabouts.
Exclusion order.
This stops you from going to pubs, football grounds or other places where you’ve caused trouble.
Reparation order.
When you do work for your victims (if they agree) to make up for the harm you did.
Fines.
Crown courts can impose unlimited fines. A fine must reflect the offender’s ability to pay.
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Miss Campbell
Discharge.
Absolute discharge… When going to court is seen as punishment enough and no further action is
taken.
Conditional discharge… If you’re given a conditional discharge you will have to keep out of
trouble for a set period or you will be punished for the original offence.
.
66.What is an appeal?
If you think you didn’t have a fair trial or think the sentence is too harsh you can sometimes
appeal and try to get the decision made by the court changed.
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Miss Campbell
THEME 2. POWER, POLITICS AND THE MEDIA.
A) POWER AND POLITICS
67.How do we choose our leaders?
We have an election every 4 or 5 years.
68.How does an election work?
The country is split into 659 areas, called constituencies.
Each constituency is allowed to elect 1 person to represent them for the next 4 or 5 years.
The person who wins the election is called a MP (Member of Parliament).
Members of Parliament belong to political parties.
People in political parties share the same ideas on how the country should be run.
The main political parties in Britain are The Conservative, Labour and The Liberal Democrats.
The political party who has got the most MPs becomes the GOVERNMENT. This means that
for the next 4 or 5 years, they are the strongest political party and can decide which new laws
to make.
The Government at the moment is the Labour party, as they’ve got 419 MPs.
69.What are the main political parties in Britain?
Labour, The Conservatives and The Liberal Democrats.
Other Political Parties are: Plaid Cymru, Scottish Socialist, Respect, Sinn Fein.
70.How are councillors and MPs elected?
By people voting.
71.What is Britain’s voting system called?
First past the post.
72.What does ‘First past the post’ mean?
Each voter aged 18 or over gets one vote. The candidate with the most votes wins the election
and has all the power. The person who comes second has no power.
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Miss Campbell
73.What’s good about first past the post?
It gives one winner who can make quick choices. The leaders are therefore powerful.
74.What is bad about ‘First Past The Post’?
The winner of the election could only have less than half the votes. For example, Labour only got
35% of the votes in 2005 but won! This is because The Conservatives got 32% and The Liberals
got 22%. The rest was split between smaller parties.
75.What is proportional representation?
It’s a form of voting where power is split depending on the % of votes received.
76.Is every vote important?
Yes. In the first past the post system, you only need to win by one vote to get all the power in
the constituency.
77.How can people vote?
People can go to a polling station. They go into a booth and put a cross next to the candidate
they want to vote for.
People can vote through the post in a postal vote.
People can also vote through proxy, where they get someone else to vote for them.
78.Should people vote? YES…… No……
It’s your chance to have a say and get
your opinion heard.
Politicians never listen anyway.
You have got a chance to change your
MP/Councillor or Government who
haven’t been very good at leading you.
All the politicians and political parties
are the same.
If you don’t vote than people you don’t
like might get elected.
It’s a waste of time. My 1 vote won’t
make a difference.
Politics deals with very important
issues such as education, money, public
services and tax. We live in this
country so should decide how these
issues are dealt with.
Politics hasn’t got anything to do with
me.
GCSE Citizenship – short course- Miss Campbell
Miss Campbell
79.What’s the trend in voting in recent years?
Less people are voting.
The trend in decreasing.
In the 1997 election, 71.5% of the public voted.
In the 2001 election, 59.4% of the public voted.
We want as many people to vote as possible so that the country is fully represented in
Parliament.
If everyone votes the election result is fairer.
80.How do you know which political party to vote for?
Before an election, each party releases a set of promises that they will do if they win the
election. This is called a manifesto. People read the manifestos and decide which party they
agree with.
81.Why do voters vote for political parties?
As well as reading manifestos, voters decide to vote for a party because of:
Their social class.
Their age, gender or background.
Important recent issues. EG Many people won’t vote for Labour because
of the war in Iraq.
How the party is seen in the media.
The newspaper they read—each paper has political bias.
Where you live.
Who their family votes for.
Remember...people often vote for the party rather than the male or female candidate.
82.How do parties try to make sure you vote for them?
They send out leaflets with promises on them ( manifestos )
They go door to door canvassing.
They hold public meetings
They attract media coverage. EG Appearing in local newspapers or on television.
GCSE Citizenship – short course- Miss Campbell
Miss Campbell
83.Why do people want to become MPs?
To make a change in their community.
To have a say in society.
To express their views.
84.What happens after an election?
The votes are counted and the 659 winners of each area go to Parliament to become MPs. They
join up with other people in their political parties.
The party with the most MPs becomes the Government.
The party with the second most MPs becomes the opposition.
85.What is the leader of the Government called?
The Prime Minister
86.What happens in Parliament?
Each MP must represent the views of the people in their area (constituency) and their political
party.
87.What does the Government do?
The Government runs the country. It suggests new laws (which must be voted on)
88.What parts of the country does the Government run?
The Prime Minister chooses people to be in the cabinet. Each cabinet minister is head of one of
these parts of the country:
Money
Law and Order
The UK’s interests abroad
Health
Education
Trade and Industry
Transport
The environment
Defence.
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Miss Campbell
89.How does the government get money?
Through tax. This is money that is paid by the public or businesses.
There are many types of taxes….
Income tax.
This is taken out of peoples’ salaries. The more you earn, the more tax you pay.
Value Added Tax (VAT)
This is paid when we buy food, clothes, books etc. It’s 17.5%
Excise duty.
This is paid on a special range of items, many of which aren’t good for us. For example,
cigarettes and alcohol.
Corporation Tax
This is paid on the profit made by businesses.
Other taxes.
Tax paid on cars and petrol. Some taxes are paid in the local area, such as council tax and
business rates
90.Why do we pay tax?
We pay tax so the Government can give us services. These services are listed above.
Our taxes pay for the police, army, teachers, doctors, social services, roads, street lights…..
91.Who is in charge of the Government’s money?
The Chancellor of the Exchequer. He/She is an MP. Gordon Brown was the Chancellor before he
became Prime Minister
92.How can your local MP help you?
He/She can talk to a government Minister, ask a question in Parliament, talk to an ombudsman,
or create a bill which might become a law (called a Private Member’s Bill).
93.How does the Government make new law?
The Government suggests a new idea they want to become law. This is called a bill.
Here is how a bill becomes law…
FIRST READING
The bill is introduced to Parliament
SECOND READING
A few weeks later, the bill is debated by MPs. A vote is taken and if the majority want it, the
bill is passed.
STANDING COMMITTEE
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Miss Campbell
A group of 16 to 20 MPs look at the bill and make possible changes that came up in the second
reading.
REPORT STAGE
The committee sends the report, with all its changes, back to the MPs. The changes are either
approved or ignored.
HOUSE OF LORDS
The Lords look at the bill. If they disagree with it they send it back to the MPs in the House of
Commons.
THIRD READING
The changed bill is debated in the House of Commons. The bill is debated. Each MP votes on
whether to approve the bill or not. The bill is usually approved, as the Government has got the
most MPs…but sometimes MPs vote against their party!
ROYAL ASSENT
Once the bill has passed the House of Commons and Lords, it is sent to the Queen to sign it.
These days, the Queen can’t refuse to sign the bill. Once the bill has been signed it becomes an
act of law.
94.Who are the House of Lords?
They are Lords who check bills. Lords haven’t been voted in. Some Lords get the job through
their family history, others are chosen by the Government. They can postpone a law if they
disagree with it, but they can’t cancel a law. They have got less power than MPs, as they weren’t
elected.
95.What is a referendum?
A referendum is a vote when all the public aged 18 or over vote on an issue to decide whether or
not it should become law.
96.What is a constituency?
An area of Britain which elects 1 MP
97.How many constituencies are there?
646
98.What is a by-election?
It’s an election when an MP retires, is sacked or dies.
99.What does Left Wing mean?
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It is a way of thinking. The left wing believes in the government being strong and caring for all
in society, including the poor. The left wing believes in the public sector and this is paid for in
high tax.
100.What does ‘Right Wing’ mean.
The right wing believe in a mix between the public and private sector. The right wing believe the
government should be strong on things like law and order but should step back and let people
take care of their own lives. The Conservative Party is right wing.
101.What did Labour promise in their manifesto at the last election?
To bring down hospital waiting lists
102.What did The Conservatives promise in their manifesto at the last election?
To lower taxes
103.What did The Liberal Democrats promise in their manifesto at the last election?
To stop university students paying top up fees.
To be against the war in Iraq
To increase income tax for the richest.
104.What’s the difference between an MP and a Government Minister?
A government minister is an MP who is in charge of a department, for example Health, Schools
and Foreign Affairs.
105.What does the opposition do?
The opposition is the political party with the second most amount of MPs. The opposition has got
different ideas to the Government and tries to stop the Government’s ideas becoming law. The
opposition challenges the government and tries to make the Government look wrong.
106.What happens if the Government makes unpopular laws?
The public has got a chance to change the Government every 4 or 5 years in a general election.
107.What is the local council?
A group of people who are elected to look after the affairs of a town, district or county.
108.What is a councillor?
A member of the local council who has been elected by people in the area.
109.How are councillors elected?
In the same way as MPs—through local elections. The councillors also belong to political parties
110.How is the council organised?
After the election, the political party with the most councillors chooses a leader.
The leader then picks a cabinet.
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Miss Campbell
Each member of the cabinet will have responsibility for one area of the council’s work. EG
education, social services and leisure.
The leader and cabinet are chosen from members of the party with the most councillors.
All the other councillors work under the cabinet in different areas of the council’s work.
111.Do councillors get paid?
No. They do a voluntary job. They can claim expenses.
112.Why do people want to be councillors?
They want to make a change in their local area. They want to make sure their area is run in a way
they agree with. They want to have their voices heard.
113.What does the council do?
The council is responsible for the running of the local town. Every year the council has a budget
and it must decide what to spend its money on.
114.What services is the local council responsible for?
Education.
Social services.
Leisure.
Fire brigade.
Police.
Housing.
Transport.
Planning.
Environment.
115.How does the local council get money?
Money from central government. - - The Government in Parliament gives money to local councils.
This is how the local Government gets most of its money.
Council Tax. - - This is paid by everyone who owns a house in the local town. People with bigger
houses pay more tax.
Business rates. - - Local businesses in the town have to pay a tax.
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Miss Campbell
116.How is Council tax worked out?
Charges are based on the value of the property one lives in.
117.What does the Local council spend most of its money on?
Education and social services.
118.How can you have your voice heard?
You can vote at election.
You can talk to your councillor.
You can look at the council’s plans for the future.
You can go to a council meeting.
You can go to a cabinet meeting.
You can visit the council’s website and air your views
119.How can you complain to the local council or government?
You can talk to an ombudsman, whose job is to investigate complaints.
You can write to the council.
You can contact the local newspaper to get yourself heard.
You can start a campaign and protest.
You can join a pressure group.
120.What is a pressure group?
A group of people who try to change public/government/council policy to agree with their
beliefs.
121.How is a pressure group different to a political party?
A pressure group is only interested in 1 issue. For example, stopping new flats being built on a
park.
A pressure group often has a short life span. They don’t want to win elections, they just want
people to hear their views and to make a change on an issue.
Political parties are interested in running the country and a range of issues. They are more
organised and are around for good.
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Miss Campbell
122.How can pressure groups protest?
Pressure groups must be careful…if they use violent or dangerous protests then the may scare
away people who agree with them.
Ways to protest are…
Write letters
Petitions.
Contact councillors.
Contact newspapers.
Contact MPs.
Marches.
Demonstrations.
Boycott.
Strikes.
Planned violence.
Letter bombs.
123.Are there any international pressure groups?
Yes. One example is Amnesty International.
124.Who are Amnesty International?
It’s a world wide pressure group that campaigns to save people who are imprisoned, hurt or
threatened by their government. It promotes the values of the Universal Declaration of Human
Rights.
125.How does Amnesty International work?
It has 1 million members and supporters in 162 countries.
It doesn’t belong to any government or religion.
Like many other pressure groups, it’s run by its members.
If Amnesty International see people who aren’t getting their human rights they arrange public
demonstrations, write letters, put up posters, educate people, have fundraising concerts and
make appeals.
Its aim is to put pressure on governments and other organisations and change the way they
behave.
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Miss Campbell
Amnesty uses the power of the individual to put on pressure. It publicizes human rights abuses
and asks its members to write to relevant governments to protest. One letter would have little
effect but thousands of letters make people listen.
126.Are there any other international pressure groups?
Yes. Greenpeace are a pressure group who cares about the environment.
127.How do Greenpeace protest?
They encourage people to send messages to protest and to gain new members.
It has ships which are sent to places where the environment is under threat.
They have boarded an oil platform which was sunk with threat of pollution.
Greenpeace sometimes breaks the law. Greenpeace feels strongly that its actions are the most
effective way to get noticed. It’s important to remember that by breaking the law it may lose
public sympathy.
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Miss Campbell
B) THE MEDIA
128.What does ‘media’ mean?
Ways of communicating with a large group of people?
129.What types of media are there?
Newspapers
Television
Radio
Internet
Adverts
Magazines.
130.How has the media changed?
It has become big business. 100 years ago people only had newspapers to tell them what was
going on in the world - - and many people couldn’t read!
These days there are lots of ways of spreading information. Cable television and the digital
revolution are changing the media all the time.
131.What media is the most popular?
This changes. When radio was introduced whole families gathered around it to get information,
as there were no televisions. When televisions were invented fewer people listened to the radio.
Now we have over 50 channels to choose from traditional channels such as the BBC are losing
viewers. Now the internet is more common in homes, television may decline too.
132.Is the media powerful?
Yes. It’s very powerful. People make decisions based on what they read or see in the media.
Elections can be won or lost by the media. Our opinions are often influenced by the media.
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133.Is freedom to communicate important in a democracy?
Yes it’s very important. This is because…..
Humans have got a right to have their say.
If people want to know what’s going on in the country they should be able to find out.
People need to hear different points of view and know what’s going on if they are to use their
vote effectively.
If people don’t like what the government are doing they have got a right to say so.
If information is kept from people it’s hard to know if the government is keeping its promises
or breaking the law to stay in power.
134.Why do some governments stop the media being free to communicate?
If a government is desperate to stay in power, stopping a free press can be effective, as people
only want get to hear/read what the government wants them to.
135.What countries in have controlled the media?
The Soviet Union (USSR) controlled the media.
Today, in Russia there are no free television channels.
China has got strong controls on what the people are told?
136.How does Zimbabwe control the media?
Only registered journalists are allowed to work.
Any story which criticises the government is stopped.
Only demonstrations with government approval are allowed.
Foreign journalists are only allowed to report on specific events.
137.Is it ever right to control the media?
At times of war there is a media blackout (for example Britain’s war with Argentina in 1981.
This stops the enemy finding out information that will hurt the country.
When people are caught spying, very often much of the information that is provided in court is
not published.
When national security is thought more important than press freedom.
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138.What is censorship?
Limiting the information given to the general public.
139.What is ‘the press?’
Newspapers.
140.Is the press always fair?
No. Sometimes the press pester people to get a story. For example: The Beckhams, The Royal
Family and Michael Barrymore.
141.Can people complain against the press?
Yes they can complain to the Press Complaints Commission.
142.What is a journalist?
A person who gathers news and produces reports for the media.
143.Do the press have to follow rules?
Yes they have to follow the press code. This includes:
Newspapers….
Must respect people’s private and family life.
Mustn’t publish inaccurate, misleading or distorted information or pictures.
Must avoid prejudice.
Must not identify victims of sexual assault.
Must not intrude on grief and shock.
144.What happens if the media tells incorrect stories or breaks rules?
The newspaper/TV station can find itself in court charged with libel or slander. Sometimes the
newspaper/TV station has got to pay compensation and/or apologise.
145.What is libel?
Writing incorrect things about people.
146.What is slander?
Saying incorrect things about people.
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147.What types of newspaper are there?
Broadsheets and tabloids.
148.What’s the difference between broadsheets and tabloids?
Tabloids.
Have a lot of pictures.
Use sensational language
Focus on gossip about famous people’s lives.
Have big headlines.
Have stories about footballers, sex and money.
Don’t always report news regarding world events.
Example papers. The Sun, The Mirror, The Daily Mail, the Star.
Broadsheets
Focus on more serious stories and world events.
Don’t use big headlines.
Use more facts in stories.
Are large in size.
Example papers. The Guardian, The Times, The Independent, The Daily Telegraph.
In the exam, tabloids can be called POPULAR newspapers and Broadsheets can be called
QUALITY newspapers.##
149.What are the best selling newspapers?
People buy 4 times as many tabloid papers as broadsheets.
Average sales of daily newspapers (August 2001)
The Sun 3,600,000
The Mirror 2,200,000
The Daily Telegraph 1,000,000
The Times 700,000
150.Where does power lie in the media?
Newspapers and television channels are owned by companies. These companies want to make a
profit.
151.Are newspapers and television companies neutral?
No they are bias.
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152.What does bias mean?
It means to favour one point of views over another unfairly.
153.How do newspapers and television programmes show bias?
They choose which stories they want to report on.
They appoint editors who agree with their views
They put their own point of view across when describing the story.
They try to male the readers/listeners hear and see what they want them to.
They criticise their opponents.
154.Are newspapers political?
Yes! Newspapers are linked to the views of a political party and often present stories to make
the party they support look good.
The Daily Mirror supports Labour and often has stories which makes the Conservative party
look bad.
155.Which newspapers support which party?
The Guardian = Labour
The Mirror = Labour.
The Daily Mail = Conservative
The Daily Telegraph = Conservative
The Sun = Traditionally a Conservative paper, but came out in support of Labour in 1997 (when
Tony Blair won the election.)
156.What can the media do?
Influence opinion.
Get people’s voices heard.
Entertain people.
Teach people.
Spread news.
Help raise money for charity.
Persuade people.
Give people information about who to vote for.
Let people have their say.
157.Can the internet be controlled?
It’s very hard to prevent people putting things in the web, as it’s hard to track down where the
information comes from.
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158.Can people download anything they like?
No. You will be in trouble if you download information that breaks the law of the country where
you live. All laws about what can and can’t be published in other media apply to the internet.
People’s use of the internet has been used to prove their guilt in cases related to paedophilia
and terrorism.
Some staff have been sacked from work for downloading unacceptable material and sending
the wrong sort of emails.
159.How can the internet help citizens?
Citizens need to be informed in order for them to participate.
The internet allows a wide range of information that’s easily and quickly accessible.
Political parties have web sites.
Newspapers have websites.
Information can be found from a wide range of sources.
The internet is updated all the time.
There are lots of opportunities to discuss issues.
In countries where information isn’t free, the internet can help people to know what’s going on
in the rest of the world.
160.What’s the internet like in countries where information isn’t free?
In China the government works hard to control access to the internet. All websites must
register with the government, and are issued with a license if their material is acceptable. The
government controls access to the internet and there are strict rules about religious and
political information. There are harsh rules for anyone who breaks the rules.
161.Are web sites bias?
Yes, some are. Web sites are like any other form of media. The person giving the information
wants you to agree with their views.
162.How does the media influence people?
We get persuaded all the time. Newspapers and TV print or say things they want us to hear.
If you want to make decisions about your local community it is important that you look at more
than 1 point of view.
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Newspapers often print stories about local issues. When you look at stories you should check
that both points of view have been shown.
163.What would happen if local newspapers only printed what the council wanted them to?
This would be unfair and undemocratic. As citizens we have got a right to complain to the
council, as they are representing us. If the media only printed one side people would make
decisions without knowing the full facts. People should have the right to use the media as a way
of challenging the Local Council’s decisions. The media has got a duty to publish accurate stories.
164.How much information are we allowed?
More and more information is available to us. It is dealt with through acts.
Freedom of Information act.
A law which gives open access to information about individuals, business and government. It
allows people to see their personal records.
Data Protection Act.
This stops information that is stored on computers being given out freely.
There is a balance between helping people to find information and limiting the information that
is available. People can argue that they have got the Human Right of Privacy.
165.What are opinion polls?
They are when a sample of the population is asked a question to build a picture of the views of
the public on an issue. There are opinion pools on issues from love to politics
166.What are the problems with opinion polls?
They might be bias. You have to be aware of who has been asked the question. If the question
is ‘Should the government spend more on health?’ and the government only asks sick people then
their answer will be bias and a one sided one. It’s important that a wide range of the public are
asked.
If one political party is seen to be ahead before an election some of its supporters might not
bother to vote.
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THEME 3 THE GLOBAL COMMUNITY
A) GLOBAL BUSINESS
167.What is an economy?
It’s made up of all the organisations that that provide goods and services and all the individuals
and organisations that buy them.
168.What are consumers?
People who buy products from companies.
169.How do you measure the economy?
By adding up the value of everything that is produced or everything that is consumed. In the UK
in 2000 this added up to £800 billion.
170.What is the public sector?
The part of the economy that is owned or run by the government or local councils. EG. The
police, social services and sports centres. The public sector wants to satisfy local residents…. or
they may lose the next election.
171.What is the private sector?
The section of the economy that is made up of businesses or organisations that are owned by
individuals or shareholders. The aim is to make a profit.
172.What is a shareholder?
A shareholder owns part of a company but leaves it to managers to run the company.
173.What is a profit?
The money that you gain when you sell something.
174.What is a good?
Something you buy. For example a car, a book, a piano.
175.What is a service?
When you pay for someone to do something for you. For example a hairdresser, a plumber or a
gardener
176.What is a shareholder?
Someone who owns a part of a company and gets a share of the profits.
177.What is a multinational company?
A company that conducts its business in many different countries. For example Adidas and Sony.
178.How can multinational companies help the poor countries where they work?
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Companies such as Unilever have community programmes where they provide clean water,
hygiene and education.
179.What is supply and demand?
The economy is fired by people who want to buy things. Business will provide things if there is a
profit to be made. If consumers buy less of a product then less will be produced. For example,
village shops have had to close down because people prefer to shop at supermarkets. If people
don’t want the goods then they are sold at a cheaper price.
180.What is competition?
Shops and businesses compete against each other to try and make the consumer buy their
goods. For example, Sainsbury’s and Tesco’s both want us to buy their food. Sometimes they will
have special offers to persuade the consumer to go to their shops.
181.Does competition make prices go up or down?
Down. This is because if something is too expensive in Sainsbury’s, I can go to another shop to
try and find it cheaper. This means that Sainsbury’s have to be careful not to make their food
too expensive or they’ll lose their customers.
182.What are imports and Exports?
Imports are goods and services we buy from other countries. Exports are goods and services we
sell to other countries.
183.What is division of labour?
Example….making a newspaper.
If one person did all the jobs involved in making the newspaper, such as writing it, printing it,
designing it and selling it, the newspaper would take too long to make. Division of labour is where
employees or businesses concentrate on the tasks that they do well, so different types of
people do different jobs. For example the newspapers designers will be experts in design and
the journalists will be good and finding news stories.
184.What is interdependency?
This is where businesses rely on each other to survive.
Here are companies a local newspaper rely on.
The bus company to allow customers to get to the shop
Local banks for loans and paying in cash from sales.
Suppliers of local and national newspapers, magazines and confectionary.
Electricity suppliers.
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185.How do businesses support individuals?
Employees receive income
Employees receive training
Skills can be transferred to another part of the company.
186.How do businesses support communities?
Employees spend their wages in local shops, pubs and restaurants.
Businesses pay tax to the local council.
Employees pay tax from their earnings.
The tax is used to help the local communities.
They use equipment from other companies EG water/electricity/computers. This helps other
businesses.
187.What happens when businesses don’t do well?
Many UK companies stopped producing coal. This was because oil and gas are cheaper and
cleaner. It’s also cheaper to buy coal from abroad.
When coal mines closed the following happened.
People lost their jobs
People were made redundant - - This is where you lose your job because it has ceased to exist.
Some businesses that relied on coal, or supported the coal industry through selling it goods,
had to close down too.
Local shop keepers sold less goods, as local people had less money to spend
188.What is retraining?
Learning new skills that can be used in a different job.
189.What is inflation?
The general rise in prices. £1000 in 1971 would buy as much as £8609 in 2001.
190.How does inflation happen?
Businesses want to provide more goods so they buy new equipment and buildings and employ
more people.
People demand more goods and services.
Businesses continue to expand there is only a limited amount of equipment land and employees
available.
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Businesses must pay higher wages to attract staff. Rent for property goes up because of
increased competition for space.
As people have more money to buy things, they are more prepared to pay more.
191.Who is affected by inflation?
People who save will lose out, as the value of their savings will be less.
People whose incomes don’t go up as quickly as inflation will lose out.
Borrowers will gain as the value of their debt will fall.
UK business will lose out if countries have a lower rate of inflation, as high inflation will make
our prices more expensive to buy.
192.How can inflation be controlled?
Change interest rates (The extra amount you have to pay when you get a loan). This will make
borrowing more expensive so people will buy less.
Make sure there is enough staff. This will keep wages lower so people have less to spend. The
Government can provide training courses.
Keep business costs down. This will stop businesses having to raise prices.
193.Why do people borrow money?
People use the money they earn each month to buy goods and services. If they haven’t got
enough income they may decide to borrow money. This could be to….
To get by each month if they don’t earn enough.
To buy goods such as houses, cars and clothes.
To help support their family.
For fun. EG to have a holiday.
194.How can you borrow money?
You must find someone who is prepared to lend it. For example a bank.
You must pay interest on the loan. This is an amount of money paid in addition to the amount
borrowed.
It’s only safe to borrow money if you can afford to pay it back.
People on low incomes may have trouble getting a loan.
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195.Why is the rate of interest a bank pays to savers generally less than the rate of
interest it charges borrowers?
It’s how banks make their money. They charge people more to borrow money from them.
196.What is the poverty line?
This is where your income is considered to be below a level at which someone can afford to live.
25% of the population live under the poverty line.
The poorest 20% earn 6.6% of all earnings.
The top 20% earn 43% of all earnings.
197.Do the government help people who live in under the poverty line?
Yes. The government uses some of the money it receives from taxes to provide benefits, free
health and education and subsidized housing.
People who earn more pay more taxes. Poorer people receive more help. This is called
redistributing income.
198.Do all countries in the world have the same wealth?
No. The world can be split up into richer and poorer countries.
199.What are MEDCs?
More Economically Developed Countries such as The UK, The USA, Japan and France. These are
richer countries.
200.What are LEDCs?
Less Economically Developed Countries such as Ethiopia, Niger and Peru. These are poorer
countries.
201.What’s the difference in lifestyle between MEDCs and LEDCs?
Look at the example of the UK and
Niger. UK
Niger
How long people live. 77 years. 46 years?
Number of children
who die before the age
of 5.
6 in a 1000 252 in a 1000.
Number of People per
doctor.
667 35140
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International aid Gives aid Receives aid.
Computers per 1000
people.
302.5 0.4
Free education?
Healthcare?
Yes. No.
Adults who can read? 100% 15%
202.How do LEDCs get money to help them survive?
They borrow money from richer countries. They get into debt.
41 poor countries (33 in Africa) owe £150 billion.
Every day the poorest countries in Africa pay £20 billion to the rich countries.
203.How do LEDCs pay back their debt?
They are forced to divert money away from education, health care and other services.
204.How did international debt start?
In the 1970’s the rich countries lent money to the poor countries. This money was sometimes
lent to corrupt, undemocratic governments who wasted the money or spent it on weapons. The
money wasn’t used to help people living in poverty.
Countries like Niger can’t get out of the debt. The goods they sell such as bananas, oil and
coffee are being sold for cheaper prices so Niger has to keep borrowing money to survive.
205.Is it right that rich countries sell farm products cheaply to LEDCS? (Prices are
reduced through government subsidies)?
Yes….
Makes produce affordable for poor people
Prevents hunger
Helps poor people
Helps poor countries
No..
Farmers might be discouraged from growing their own food and helping themselves.
Local farmers won’t be able to compete with the low prices and will get poorer.
It’s OK in the short term but it isn’t sustainable and won’t help in the long term.
206.How can the richer countries help?
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They can cancel the debt. There have been a lot of campaigns to do this. Jubilee 2000 managed
to cancel some debts. This helped children in Uganda, as the government can now afford to send
children to school. For poverty to end all debt needs to be cancelled.
207.What is Globalization?
The increasing interdependence of the world. Many of the goods we buy are from all over the
world. Many large companies do business all over the world.
208.Who’s involved in Globalization?
Consumers, employees, large companies and nations. There are winners and losers.
209.What is free trade?
A method of trading between countries where there are no subsidies on exports or taxes on
imports.
210.Why are the prices of goods made in India and China cheaper than in European Union
countries and America?
Wages and raw material costs are cheaper.
Hours worked may not be limited.
There is less concern for health and safety.
Costs of production are lower.
211.How are consumers powerful?
If people don’t like the price or quality they will buy from someone else. This means companies
try to produce goods as cheaply as possible.
212.How are producers powerful?
Large businesses can:
Force down the price they pay for resources because suppliers are frightened of losing their
biggest customer.
Keep wages down as workers have few alternative jobs to go to.
Fix prices higher if there is no competition.
Fail to look after the environment if there are no laws to protect it.
Products such as trainers are often made in countries where labour is cheap, to maximise
profit.
213.What is global branding?
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Where large businesses like McDonald’s, Coca Cola, Pepsi, Nike and Gap trade in countries all
over the world.
214.What’s the problem with global branding?
It can erode traditional culture of communities.
Large companies go to LEDCs and employ people for cheap labour. They don’t pay them much
money. Some argue, however that the companies are helping the LEDCs by giving more
employment.
215.What is the World trade organisation (WTO)?
It is an organisation responsible for making rules about trade. Most countries want a free trade
system, where price is determined by the amount people want to buy and sell.
216.Companies aim to make a maximum profit at the cheapest price. How can trade be
made fairer?
Many people believe that trade should be managed so that poor countries benefit more. This is
called fair trade.
217.What does fair trade do?
Fair trade helps the consumer. It ensures that more of the price people pay for a good goes to
the producer (the maker of the good—who often comes from a poor country)
Fair trade also ensure people get a fair wage, good working conditions and are allowed to form
trade unions, to protect their rights.
It allows the poor countries to be able to trade without having to pay a trade tariff.
Their have been many campaigns for fair trade, for example the Clean clothes campaign (CCC),
which draws attention to the working conditions of workers around the world.
217.How do supporters of free trade get their voices heard?
Different pressure groups protest in different ways. For example.
Get the attention of governments ( this is called ‘lobbying’)
Complaining to the World Trade organisation.
Boycotting goods made by companies who don’t follow fair trade.
They can seek publicity through the media. Internet site are commonly used.
Holding demonstrations when The IMF and WTO meet to discuss trade. These demonstrations
have, in the past become violent. The violence can lose sympathy with the public.
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219.What are the arguments for and
against Globalization and free trade?
The anti-globalisation movement say…..
The International trade organisation
says…
The IMF and The WTO are causing
poverty. They don’t protect the LEDCs
and lat big businesses take advantage of
them by not paying them a fair price.
Globalization and free trade is bringing
money to the poor countries.
Globalization is causing global warming. Pressure groups are undemocratic. They
haven’t been elected and don’t have the
right to represent poor countries.
Rich countries should cancel the debt
that LEDCs owe, as it’s stopping them
having money for clean water, health and
education.
By disturbing meetings, the pressure
groups are preventing global efforts to
tackle poverty.
That they are representing the poor countries that don’t have a voice of their own
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
220.What is sustainable development?
It is no good if by solving an environmental problem in the short term, we cause problems that
may hurt us in the future.
Sustainable development is a way of improving the way we live today without harming the
prospects of future generations.
Sustainable development…
Protects the planet’s water, air and soil.
Promotes local solutions for problems
Protects the needs of future.
Organisations such as Comic Relief, Oxfam, Christian Aid and Action Aid all sponsor
sustainable development projects.
221. are sustainable solutions to problems with energy, food and resources?
Energy
In the future coal, oil and natural gas will run out—therefore they’re NOT sustainable.
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Wind power is a possible solution to this problem Britain has over 50 wind farms. Wind farms
are capable, in theory of producing The UK’s electrical requirements.
Food
The UK and European fishing fleets used to fish too much. The North Sea fish were in danger
of being fished out, as they weren’t being given enough time to breed and recover. Now fishing
is strictly controlled. The fish are given time to recover and are a sustainable source for the
future.
Resources.
If trees are cut down too quickly for nature to replace them, we’ll be left with no trees. Trees
are a renewable resource and many countries now plant fast growing trees to replace the ones
cut down, which makes them a sustainable resource.
222.How can we make sure that people follow sustainable development?
In 1992, the countries in the United Nations agreed to work together and came up with Local
Agenda 21.
223.What is Local Agenda 21?
It’s a global plan to ask local people how they think their local environment can be improved.
224.Why is Local Agenda 21 important?
It takes in to consideration the views of local people. Local people are involved in planning
projects. Local people have invaluable knowledge about the local area. Local people live there, so
should have a say in the local environment issues.
225.Does Local Agenda 21 work?
Yes. Since 1992, local councils have been working with people in Britain and have come up with
many aims for their towns. For example...
Create safe routes to school.
Reduce crime.
Clean up parks and streets.
Reduce pollution.
Create nature reserves.
Reduce waste.
226.Each person in Britain produces 1kg of waste a day. How can we get rid of it?
1. Use landfill sites.
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Throwing rubbish into large hole is convenient but causes problems. Materials such as plastic
don’t rot. Some materials create pollution. Biodegradable material, like kitchen and garden waste
creates methane gas (which can raise the temperature).
2. Burn it.
This can cause pollution in the atmosphere. They create dangerous chemicals, dioxins, which can
be linked to cancer, children’s poor growth and people’s immune systems.
3. Recycle it.
Recycle means to ‘use again’. Friend of the earth say 80% of household waste can be recycled.
Britain only recycles 9%.
227.What is global warming?
The rise in the average surface temperature of the earth.
228.How does global warming happen?
Scientists believe it’s caused by burning fossil fuels. This creates carbon dioxide
(CO2). Carbon dioxide is the main greenhouse gas. This gas traps heat in the atmosphere. The
amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is the highest for 4000,000 years!
Temperatures are rising more quickly than any time in the past 1,000 years!!!
229.What are the effects of global warming?
There are good and bad effects. Higher levels of CO2 may improve crop yields but can also lead
to water shortages. Kenya, Somalia and Rwanda are experiencing water shortages, which lead to
crop failure and famine.
Rise in Sea levels.
Over half the world lives in low lying coastal areas. Millions could be made refugees by floods. In
1999, 10,000 people were washed away in floods in India. Salt water ruined the crops. The land
will take a long time to recover.
Disease.
Warmer and wetter conditions will increase waterborne infections such as malaria, diarrhoea
and dysentery. High temperatures will also mean a rise in pests, weeds and diseases.
Hurricanes, flooding and droughts.
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Some areas will face extreme weather. This will not only effect the MEDCs, who cause the
problems by creating the greenhouse gases but will also effect the LEDCs, who not only create
less gases but can’t afford to have the environmental problems, as they are poor.
230.Can Carbon Dioxide be cut?
In 1998, world leaders met in Kyoto, Japan (These are known as the Kyoto Targets). They
agreed to cut Carbon Dioxide by 5% of the 1990 level. Scientists argue that this isn’t enough
and levels must be cut by 60%
231.What does ‘pollution doesn’t need a passport’ mean?
It means that countries must work together to stop pollution. Pollution effects many
countries.1). In 1989 there was a nuclear power disaster in Chernobyl. The radioactive material
travelled as far as Britain. 2) The river Danube runs through Germany, Austria, Romania and
Bulgaria. If Germany polluted the river it would affect the other countries too.
232.What are wind farms?
They are machines that make power out of wind
233.Why are wind farms popular?
They are sustainable and don’t damage the environment. They provide employment and clean
power for 1 in 6 UK homes.
234.Why are wind farms unpopular?
They look ugly and may have a bad effect on local tourism.
THE UK’S PLACE IN THE WORLD.
234.What international organisations does Britain belong to?
The European Union (EU).
The Commonwealth of Nations.
The United Nations (UN).
236.What is the European Union (EU)?
The EU was set up in 1945, after World War 2. The countries of Europe wanted to make sure
that war never happened again. By joining together more closely, war would be less likely. The
EU was set up as an economic organisation but has grown to have political, social and
environmental links. Britain joined in 1973.
237.What does the EU do?
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It promotes economic and social progress.
It gives European countries a voice on the international scene.
It introduces EU citizenship.
It develops an area of freedom, security and justice.
It maintains and establishes EU regulations.
#Countries in the EU don’t have to pay taxes to each other when they trade together #
# People in the EU have a right to travel to and work in all the other countries #
238.How does the EU work?
The European Commission.
It proposes new regulations/laws/policy. These are discussed by the Ministers and Parliament.
Takes care of administration.
The Council of Ministers.
Main decision making body.
Made up of 1 minister from each Member state.
Discusses proposal from the European Commission.
The European Parliament.
Each Member State elects Members of the European Parliament.(MEPs)
There are 626 MEPs. Britain has 87 MEPs.
It discusses proposals from the European Commission.
It can enforce EU regulations.
It can call for new policies and change existing policies.
The European Council.
The Prime Ministers and Presidents of each Member state.
Only meet twice a year.
Provides leadership for new policy ideas.
The Court of Auditors.
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Checks the EU money has been spent properly.
The European court of Justice.
Decides whether European regulations have been broken.
People come here if they feel they’ve been treated unfairly.
239.What is the trade benefit of being in the EU?
All the EU states belong to 1 economic market. This means a business in Britain can sell its good
to the other States without having to pay customs duty. Customs duty is a tax on goods bought
from other countries. This means that Britain buys and sells more products to EU countries than
any other part of the world.
There is lots of competition in the EU, this will make prices lower.
240.What is the Euro?
It’s the name of the single currency used by a group of countries in the EU. The Euro was set up
on January 1st 1999.
241.Does Britain use the Euro?
No, not yet. It might do in the future.
242.What are the arguments for and against the Euro?
For.
It makes money and trade more straightforward.
People and businesses don’t have to change money form one currency to another. This means
they don’t have to pay bank charges for changing money.
It makes things more certain. Before the Euro the value of currencies changed against each
other. On one day the pound would be worth 10 French Francs, the next day it might be worth
only 9 French francs. If all countries use the Euro, a business knows there will be no change in
price it receives for products sold in other EU Countries.
Against.
It reduces a countries control over its own economy.
It takes away some of the country’s tradition.
243.How does being in the EU affect the citizens?
GCSE Citizenship – short course- Miss Campbell
Miss Campbell
A citizen of a country in the EU becomes an EU citizen too. This doesn’t interfere with your
national rights but gives you 4 special rights too.
1. Freedom to move and live in any EU country
2. The right to vote and stand in EU Parliament elections.
3. Wherever you are in the world any EU country will help you.
4. If you feel an EU ruling isn’t fair, you have the right to appeal to an ombudsman.
244.What is the Commonwealth?
It’s an association of 54 countries. Most of the countries are, or used to be, ruled by Britain.
Example countries are Canada, Singapore, Jamaica and Australia, Ghana, Nigeria and Tonga.
The total number of people in the Commonwealth is 1.7 Billion. This makes up 30% of the
world’s population.
All the countries have English as their working language.
All the countries have similar systems of law, education and public administration.
245.What does the Commonwealth do?
It advances democracy. It helps its members have fair elections. It tries to make sure
everyone has Human Rights.
It helps sustainable development. The Commonwealth helps people to work so they can look
after themselves, and has programmes which aim to look after the environment.
It holds conference to bring together all the countries to discuss major issues.
It tries to help citizens in many ways. For example trying to overcome poverty and trying to
train young people for work.
246.What is the United Nations (UN)?
It’s an international organisation which tries to encourage peace, co-operation and friendship
between countries. It tires to solve international problems.
247.How many countries belong to the UN?
There are 189 countries in the UN, including Britain.
248.Can any country join the UN?
Any country can apply to join. If a country wants to be a member of the UN, it must agree to
follow the rules in the UN charter.
GCSE Citizenship – short course- Miss Campbell
Miss Campbell
249.What are the aims of the UN charter?
To maintain international peace and security.
To develop friendly relations among nations.
To co-operate in solving international problems.
To promote human rights.
To be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations.
250.Does the UN make world laws?
No. It’s not a world government. It tries to solve problems that occur between countries, and
makes policies that affect us all. All the member countries can vote on how to solve the
problems.
251.What work does the UN do??
A) Peace Keeping.
This is done through the UN Security Council. The council has 5 permanent members (including
Britain), and 15 non permanent member, who change every 2 years.
The Security Council….
Can investigate any international dispute.
Can recommend ways of ending disputes / conflicts.
Is responsible for sending in peace keeping forces.
The UN sent peace keeping forces to Kosovo in 1999 where it dealt with law and order, health
and education and ensuring the safe return of refugees to their home.
B) Refugees.
Refugees are people who have been forced to leave their country and must live somewhere else.
The United Nations High Commission for refugees (UNHCR) helps refugees around the world.
It’s helped refugees in Europe, after World War 2, in Africa during the 1950’s and Afghanistan
in 2002. The UNHCR has helped over 50 million people restart their lives.
C) Development and Trade.
The UN tries to help developing countries grow and trade fairly with the rest of the world. It
tries to help standards of living in all countries.
D) Humanitarian action and Human Rights.
The UN helps people who have got difficulties. For example it looks after child soldiers in
Africa.
GCSE Citizenship – short course- Miss Campbell
Miss Campbell
THE END!
Well done- you have made it!
HOWEVER THIS IS ONLY A STARTING POINT!
YOU NEED TO BE ABLE TO APPLY YOUR
KNOWLEDGE TO PAST EXAM QUESTIONS NOW
AND USE THE SUPPORTING REVISION GUIDES
ON SALE TO HELP YOU DEVELOP FURTHER.
THIS IS THE BARE MINIMUM THAT YOU NEED
TO KNOW TO HELP PROMPT YOUR OWN
REVISION!
REVISE REVISE REVISE- GOOD LUCK FOR YOUR
EXAM!
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