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Unfortunately I don't mean the ones with music and dancing!I am talking about politics! What do you know about it? Do you even care? Do you want to know more? The thing is……even if you don't think politics has anything to do with you…just look around! Lots of things you do are linked to politics, even the price of cds, your school work, getting the bus into town and even what happens to you if you fall off your skateboard and break your arm! |
That is probably the impression you have got from much on the TV these days.
It's easy to ignore it all and leave it to the parents….who seem to be
very interested in all the fuss on the news! Well there is a lot more to it
than this and you may be surprised to find out how much these things do affect
YOU! Everybody is talking about it at the moment. The Election! Well just because
you might be under 18, doesn't mean that you can't have your say.
It can get quite complicated, so I'll try and give you a rough idea! We have a government, which is voted in by the public at each election. The UK is a parliamentary democracy (here come the big words!). We have a monarch (the Queen) and a Prime Minister. The Queen gets involved with legislature and judiciary (laws) and is head (commander in chief) of the armed forces (army, navy, air force etc). She is also the supreme governor of the Church of England. For those of you that live in Scotland, Wales and N. Ireland, much has changed recently following 'devolution' and this has given countries more interest in how they operate / are considered by central government.
When there is an election you can vote for the political party / representative / members of parliament if you are :-
A British Citizen
A Citizen of another Commonwealth Country / Irish Republic
Resident in the UK
Aged 18 or Over
Included in the register of electors (forms are sent to you to be included)
Not subject to any legal incapacity to vote
Some reasons for not being able to vote include if you are a foreign national, a patient detained under mental health laws, in prison (sentenced) etc.
For more information check out www.direct.gov.uk
and search under "elections". You will find more detailed information
about these subjects.
Lucky for you! There are lots of people who actually do want to hear YOUR views
on lots of issues. They feel that it is important to talk to young people about
issues that affect them and to help their voices be heard!
The UK Youth Parliament's (UKYP) aim is "that by 2006 young people in the
UK will be aware that they have their own Youth Parliament, and that providing
they are aged between 11 and 18 years old (inclusive) they have the right to
vote for a Member of Youth Parliament (MYP) and the right to stand (put themselves
forward for election) as an MYP if they so wish"
The British Youth Council (BYC), the national youth council for young people aged under 26 in the UK, aims to provide a voice for young people, promote equality for young people and help young people be more involved in decisions that affect their lives. They also want to encourage and increase the opportunities for young people to get involved with society and civic life.
Here are two examples already that are working for the benefit of young people.
Whether you just want to find out more or you are ready to take on Mr Blair,
have a look at the information and find out what's available to you!
Just because something is on a news or political news programme with lots of rather old people waffling and falling out, doesn't mean that you might not have something to say about it. What about ID cards? There are plans looking at every citizen carrying these cards. What does this mean for you? Do you want to be identified by these? I don't know, but I do know that sites like 'Heads Up' have articles, debates and young people's views about subjects like this. So you don't have to sit through serious (often mistaken for boring!) programmes to find out more. Heads Up is a place where young people can have their own debates and even get involved with debates involving the UK's 'top decision makers'.
So here's your chance! You've seen the adverts on telly. If you say that you 'aren't interested in talking about politics' you might find that cuts down a lot of subjects you already talk about, without even realising! Don't whinge about stuff…….tell them what you think they need to know. Have your say and learn more!
Whether you are interested in Politics as a subject to take at school / college,
or whether you're just fed up about decisions made for young people - without
young people, get yourself 'in the know'. You can find out more through your
tutors or connexions advisers and many local youth organisations have links
to national groups and information. You are a citizen and you, as a young person,
have rights. Make sure you know what they are!
YoungGov - How Government Works
Scotland - How the Parliamant Works
Funky Dragon - Children and Young People's Assembly for Wales
Good luck
Jennie Glitherow
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