Government & Society Essay | Online Homework Help

800 words and harvard refrencing

IYZ Business &Law& Psychology – GOVERNMENT & SOCIETY:

 

Module Title:         Government & Society

 

 

Word Count: 1,200 words (Guidance – not including references, tables/fig’s)

(only up to 10% plus or minus this guidance is allowed)

Assessment outcomes

This assessment will contribute to 50% of the total module marks and cover the following learning objectives:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the development of the political structure of the UK;
2. Explain the different strands of government within the UK;
3. Show the ways in which British society has changed in the post-war era;
4. Present information in a written format to a specific deadline.

 

 

A major expectation of all assessments whilst at DMU/DMUIC is that students work in the English language and generate their assignments in the English language.   Initial work should be produced in English not a second language. This means that the use of any language generation/translation or websites is discouraged. The use of such tools may be considered Bad Academic Practice and the consequences outlined in the previous section will apply.

Assessment task

You should read the case studies below and provide solutions to the questions which follow it.

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Case study 1

The Mass Media and Political Participation

 

One of the most obvious ways in which an individual can participate in a political system is to vote. Therefore, levels of turnout are one important measure of political participation. Low turnout is a problem because it brings into question the government’s legitimacy and the strength of its electoral mandate.

It is clear that voters are more likely to turn out to vote when they value the institutions to which individuals are hoping to be elected. This may explain the relatively low levels of turnout at local elections. However, in some cases, intense coverage in the ‘mass media’ can encourage people to turn out in a particular election or constituency, especially when published opinion poll results seem to suggest that the contest is close and every vote might be important.

Case Study Questions:

a)Explain the term ‘mass media’, and state how the mass media may have influenced political participation since the second world war. (20 marks)

Case study 2

 

The 2016 referendum on UK membership of the European Union In January 2013 the then Prime Minister, David Cameron, promised that he would call a national ‘in/out’ referendum on European Union (EU) membership if the Conservatives won the next general election. In line with this pledge, the referendum was later authorised by Parliament under the European Union Referendum Act (2015), with the referendum itself being held in June 2016. Some felt that David Cameron’s original promise of a referendum was made for the wrong reasons. They argued that he had been trying to deal with divisions in his own party over the issue of Europe, rather than doing what was best for the country. In addition, critics argued that such a decision was too important to be left to the people; that referendums only serve to undermine representative democracy. Despite these concerns, 51.9% voted to leave the EU, and the 72.2% turnout at the referendum was higher than the 66.2% seen at the 2015 General Election. Adapted in part from Elise Uberoi (2016), European Union Referendum 2016, House of Commons Briefing Paper Number CBP 7639

Electoral Systems and Democracy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. ‘The use of referendums in the UK since 1975 has done little to enhance democracy.’ Discuss (20 marks)

1. Explain the arguments for and against the free movement of

labour within the EU.Discuss (20 marks)

Case Study 3

Crime and Race The different agencies of the criminal justice system, such as the police and the courts, are responsible for processing individuals who are suspected of committing crimes. Some individuals may also have greater motivation or pressure to offend, or have more opportunity to do so. The Macpherson Report (1999) analysed institutional and individual behaviour of the police during the murder investigation of Stephen Lawrence. A 350-page report concluded that the investigation into the killing had been “marred by a combination of professional incompetence, institutional racism and a failure of leadership”. Specific officers in the Metropolitan police were named and the entire force was criticised.

a)Evaluate the idea that racial stereotyping is the main factor in the high rates of crime with reference to the case above and the crime statistics provided.  (20 marks)

Case Study 4

 

Custodial Sentencing There are a number of ways different societies deal with offending behaviour, but the most common form is custodial sentencing (prison). Surveys in this country suggest the majority of the public would like to see tougher conditions in prison and tougher sentences. However there has been research to suggest there are long term negative Psychological consequences for custodial sentencing. There are also issues with recidivism (reoffending).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. Outline 3 aims of custodial sentencing. (6)

1. Discuss the Psychological effects of custodial sentencing and the impact this might have on recidivism. (14)