What powers do we have as citizens ?

What powers do we have as citizens ?

Debate in class

   We are in a democracy which means the people are in charge.

 -We can vote: 

 You need to be of age (women can now vote, since 1945 in France), in some countries you have to vote, it's a duty.

 Criticisms about the system:

 You can't choose the candidate, plus there is trust problems between the voters and the politicians. Moreover, referundums make us part of the decision making process but the questions are very technical.

 Possible solutions:

 There could be trial period for all elected officials, or it should be easier to impeach them. Regarding direct democracy, it only works at a very local level.

 You can also run for the office if you're not satisfied with your representatives.

-We can protest:

Protesting and marches are a sort of tradition in France, but their efficiency is not guaranteed.

 The limits of protests:

 We disagreed about the ways that it should be allowed, for exemple: should demonstrations be allowed in religious places. Apart from marches, you can also go on strike or campaign for/against a cause to raise awareness.

 -We can express ourselves:

 In France, contrary to the United States, it is forbidden to express discriminatory opinions. 

The problem is: it's difficult to be heard especially today with the social networks where everybody expresses themselves. Sometimes, artists express political opinions through music or street art.

 -We can join the army:

 It is possible to join the army either to protect your country if it's threatened or to promote its values abroad.

 Conclusion:

 We need to be aware, to use them and to improve them.

                                                                                              By the English class of Miss Arié