Rights
Those 18 and over are allowed to
vote in elections
We can protest and make our
feelings known
We can write to newspapers
or express our views in print
about an issue
We have the right to be
protected ie NHS, armed needed
forces, welfare benefits
We have the right to
choose representatives
and vote on issues.
We have the right to a fair
trial and police protection
Responsibilities
We should use the right to vote, otherwise the elected representatives do not truly reflect the views of the public
We must obey the law and not limit or restrict the rights of others
We must not tell lies or slander people since this is illegal
We must pay our taxes to help provide the money for those services
We must accept the decision of the majority even if we disagree with it.
We must uphold the law and support the police in their work
By-Election
If an MP dies or resigns before the next general election a by-election will be held. This means that there will only be an election in that constituency to replace the MP
Safe Seat
T Blair (Lab) 30 000
J Bloggs (Con) 12 000
R Campbell (lib Dem) 8 000
C Russell (Green) 4 000
This is an example of a safe seat. T Blair won with a large number of votes - 18 000 over J Bloggs
Marginal Seat
K Burns (SNP) 25 000
H McDonald (Lab) 24 000
A Smith (Con) 10 800
B Jones (Lib Dem) 8 000
K Burns won this election by a small number of votes - 1 000 more than H McDonald.