Unit 1: Elections and democracy - two very different experiences

Germany and Sri Lanka both go the polls this week. The elections could not be more different in terms of whats at stake, participation rates and the fairness of them both.

Tight security at Sri Lankan polling stations.

Check out the articles below and decide whether they are good examples of democracy in action or are there flaws in the system.

Click here for the BBC article explaining the Sri Lanka election.

Merkel - possibly the most powerful woman in the world.

Click here for the BBC article on the German election.

Unit 3: Privatisation - recent examples

Many of you starting out on Economics programmes will quickly hit on this topic. Is it wise to take a 'free market' or Laisser Faire approach to organising the economy? Or should the government be controlling key parts of the economy? This theme is likely to run through the course, as you go on to consider the ways in which government intervention in the economy can make things better - or worse.

Here's the ideal topic to get you thinking. Are industries best managed when they are in the hands of the government (which is often described as nationalised)? Or is it better for them to be run as regular private businesses - that is privatised?

You probably already know that the Royal Mail is likley to be privatised very soon. That has generated lots of public debate. Can you think of any points that would fit into a for/against series of arguments? Should the government sell the business (or 'float' it on the Stock Exchange)?

One very simple argument in favour of privatisation is that is can raise much needed funds on behalf of the taxpayer. The Chancellor will be very pleased that a recent government sale of a 6% stake in the Lloyds Banking Group raised a tidy sum. That won't generate much controversy - few people think the government should control a big slice of the banking industry - though more people probably think that now than they did 5 years ago, when large parts of the banking sector were bailed out or taken over by the government to prevent a wider collapse!

Here's a handy link to the history of recent privatisations. Note how The Guardianrefers to privatisations as 'sell offs'. That probably reveals that the newspaper has a rather dim view of the process, having greater trust in the government's ability to successfully fund, run and control enterprises.

For 30 years or more, Economists have generally had less faith in governments, and possibly more in markets. Shaking up firms through privatisation programmes is often discussed under the heading of supply side economics, which is covered here (and with a quiz too).

Unit 1: Political participation - effective?



Photo of Strabane IRA graffiti edit a hit on Twitter

The graffiti, which was sprayed on a small building in Strabane, originally said 'Join the IRA'.

An unknown person with a spray can changed it to 'Join the library.'

A photograph of the edited graffiti was tweeted by teacher and writer Brian McGilloway.

Hollywood actor Minnie Driver was one of the many people who retweeted the picture.
'Super-positive'
"It's the message of the year in my perspective and the picture has caused a lot of interest locally and further afield," said Mr McGilloway.

"It's quirky and it's a rather positive message. It would be interesting to see if it was young people behind it.

"I don't know who is behind it at this stage but whoever is behind the edit is a genius."

A number of people responded to Mr McGilloway's tweet saying "cracker," "brilliant," "we need more of this."

One enthusiast tweeted: "That's outstanding. Super-positive way to start a week. Well caught, sir."

Unit 3: Liberal Democrats tax pledge

Nick Clegg: " I am committed to... raising the allowance further"

Nick Clegg says he will push to ensure no one on the minimum wage pays income tax if the Lib Dems are in government after the next election. Click here to access the full article from the BBC.

Unit 1: Are you Lenin or Thatcher??

Click here to access an online questionnaire which will show you what type of politician you might be and what party you would vote for.

Please complete. We will discuss in the lesson this week.

Unit 1: Referendum on AV voting system.

Click here to access an article on the recent referendum on change to the voting system in the UK. Write down the key reasons why the vote went against AV.

 

Unit 1: Devolution in the UK

Click here to access an excellent web site on devolution. The site highlights the key issues since devolution, including changing social attitudes and the effectiveness of the devolved bodies.

Q: Which devolved area is not shown on this map?