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Issue Description
Modern Britain is a diverse, multicultural society, in which the concept of ‘Britishness’ is difficult to define. Do UK citizens share a common national identity? What rights and responsibilities do British citizens have and what role do they play in the way the country is governed? This book looks at what it means to be British and explores how our democracy works.
The information comes from a variety of sources, including government reports and statistics, newspapers and magazine articles, surveys and polls, academic research and literature from charities and lobby groups; articles have been tailored to an 11 to 14 age group. Additionally, at the end of each chapter are two pages of activities relating to the articles and issues raised in that chapter.
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Key Facts
- In its simplest meaning, ‘citizenship’ is used to refer to the status of being a citizen – that is, to being a member of a particular political community or state. (page 1)
- Figures from the latest citizenship survey show that 82 per cent of people see their community as cohesive, an increase from 80 per cent in 2005. (page 4)
- Around half (51%) of respondents in the Britain and Beyond survey carried out by YouthNet said they feel European; however, the vast majority (74%) thought that the UK was very different to the rest of Europe. (page 7)
- Since 1 November 2005 everyone that wants to permanently live in the UK has to take a test or attend citizenship and language classes to prove that they know about life in the UK. (page 11)
- Parliament has three different parts: The House of Commons, the House of Lords and the Monarch. (page 15)
- Fair and free elections are an essential part of a democracy, allowing the people to have a say in how they want the country to be governed. (page 16)
- Voting is not compulsory: you do not have to vote if you do not want to but it is your chance to have your say in how the country is governed. (page 17)
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Table of Contents
Chapter One: National Identity
What does citizenship mean?, National ceremonies and symbols, British identity, Strong sense of belonging, Britishness and social cohesion, Britain and beyond, Just who do we think we are?, Citizenship tests, Activities.
Chapter Two: Democracy in Action
Parliament explained, Elections, Election jargon buster, Allergic to politics?, Got a taste for it?, The case for votes at 16, Votes at 16?, Activities.
