Asses wether there is a participation crisis in the UK

For:

• Decreasing voter turnout since the mid 1950’s, peaking at 80% in 1950 and low of 59% in 2001

• Decreasing participation in other access point to democracy, trade union membership decreased by half from 1979 to 2000

Against:

• Increased turnout for referendums on big issues, 80% in the scottish referendum and 72% which is much higher than average for general elections and local elections

• Increased particiaption in other access points in democracy, increased membership in the green party shows shift sin political alignment, shown through the increase in membership of oer 1100% since 2000

x

x