Politics has been treated in recent years as if it was just another consumer choice. Political Parties use the same information, tactics and tricks as marketing people in any industry. "Special Deals" are the manifesto promises (and as often as unread as the terms and conditions in the small print). Image can seem less important than substance.
Yet in a democracy, we are not consumers - but citizens. We enjoy the privilege of choosing who is going to make the decisions which impact upon our lives (whether it be the Councillors making a planning decision which will change our neighbourhood; or the Prime Minister/President whose decisions could change the future of our country or the Planet). We can also exercise the right to "chuck the buggers out". And with privilege comes duty.
Yet how our institutions work - and how we can influence the decisions which affect us is known to a very few.
One of the issues that Educafé will be dealing with (and its 'sister' blog - Washminster) is how we as citizens can understand how our democracy functions. I will be posting occasionally on the key things citizens need to empower themselves.
Parliament is a mystery to many. It seems very complex - but there's material available which is both informative and uncomplicated.
A great place to start is http://www.parliament.uk/about/how/
I love this short video from Parliament's Education Service.
The House of Commons Library also provides information about some of the practices (and peculiarities) of Parliament. Have a skim through these resources
If you want to read more, I would thoroughly recommend "How Parliament Works. It is written by senior clerks who know their stuff - and how to explain it succinctly, in a way that is understandable.
If you want a copy of the "Bible" of parliamentary practice - then 'Erskine May' is available - at a price. I have bought two editions in my lifetime - but await a massive win on the premium bonds before I can buy the current edition.
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