Welcome! Our Civic Education Lessons Continues. Do have an amazing moment studying with us.

Lesson Note

Subject: Civic Education

Topic: Popular Participation

Lesson Objectives: by the end of the lesson, the learners should be able to:

  1. Define the term Popular Participation;
  2. Mention the factors that can promote popular participation;
  3. State the reasons people don’t participate in politics.

Lesson Summary Aids: See reference materials below contents.


Lesson Summary / Discussion

Popular participation is the willingness and active involvement of the people in the conduct of the affairs of the state at various levels. Popular participation is important in democracy and it allows for effective operation and stability of the political system.

Factors that can Promote Popular

  1. Participation Good governance.
  2. Supremacy of the constitution.
  3. Respect for human rights.
  4. Mass education.
  5. Enlightenment campaign.
  6. Freedom of press.
  7. Application of rule of law.
  8. Free and fair election.

Reasons Why People Do Not Participate In Politics

  • Unfulfilled Political Promises: People refuse to participate in public affairs due to the failure or inability of the leaders to fulfill their promises.
  • Illiteracy: The illiterates in the society see political activities as the birthright of the educated elite. Those who cannot read and write cannot be allowed to contest for any elective position. Therefore, they do not see any need to be actively involved in public affairs.
  • Violence During Election: Many people stay from popular participation because of the frequent violence that characterized most elections. They prefer to sit at home to avoid being victims of violence.
  • Poverty: Money plays a major role in any political system. The cost of electioneering campaign is high. Many good candidates cannot afford to meet this financial obligation hence they remain at the level of mere voters.
  • Cultural/Religious Beliefs: Some religions and culture do not allow women to take active part in public affairs. They see it as the duty of men.
  • Fear of Intimidation: Most people believe that the influential in the society could easily use their position to intimidate anybody they perceive as a viable opposition.
  • Disability: Those who are physically challenged may not be able to participate actively in politics even when they have the interest.
  • Military Intervention: Frequent intervention of military in the administration of the state can create lack of interest in political affairs.
  • Election Rigging: People refuse to participate in politics because they believe their vote will not count. Hence, they prefer to stay back and watch from far. Have more points to add to this lesson? Share your idea with the world on the comment section!


Done studying? See Previous Lessons In Civic Education

Lesson Evaluation / Test

1. Define popular participation.
2. State the reasons why some persons choose not to participate in  politics.

Questions answered correctly? Bravo! Do stay connected toitsmyschoolibrary.com for more educational contents.

Resources

Image Credit: shutterstock.com

 “IAP2 Core Values for the Practice of Public Participation”. Iap2.org. Retrieved 2022-04-14.

“Principles of Public Participation”. Co-intelligence.org. 2008-05-23. Retrieved 2022-04-14.