Voting » Tough Decisions Poll
Tough Decisions Poll
[image by Alan Gee]
A new skatepark or a bowling green? ...or a kiddies play area perhaps?
It can be tough being a politician! You have to make important decisions that can affect thousands, even millions, of people and sometimes these tough decisions can be unpopular with certain sections of society. It is rarely possible to please everyone. You have probably seen politicians being criticised on TV or in the newspapers for making decisions that others disagree with!
Tell us what you would do in the following situations if you were a politician faced with tough decisions. When you have answered the poll will allow you to compare your choices with those of other young people.
1. There is a park in your area and £20,000 has been put aside for its redevelopment. Pensioners would like the money spent on a new bowling green, as the nearest one is in the next town and it is quite difficult for some of them to get there. Many parents in the area would like the money spent on new play equipment for young children. There has also been a campaign from young people in the area who want a new skate park. They say there is currently not enough for them to do. What would you spend the money on?
2. The council have a large sum of money to spend on developing a new piece of land. But there are various things that could be done with the money and the land. What will you use it for?
3. There has been an application for a late licence for a new nightclub in your town. The owner would now like to open until 3am instead of 1am, but some residents in the area are unhappy that this might mean more noise and trouble outside their houses late at night. There have been a few reported incidents of crime outside the club in recent years, but nothing too serious. Do you:
4. You are an MP. There is to be a vote in the House of Commons to decide whether or not the voting age should be lowered to 16. Some people argue that 16 year olds should get the vote – after all they pay tax, can join the army and can get married.
Other people argue that 16 year old are not old enough to make decisions on politics and that most 16 year olds don’t want the vote. They say that 16 year olds are not classed as adults in the eyes of the law so they should not be treated as adults when it comes to voting either. How would you vote?
Other people argue that 16 year old are not old enough to make decisions on politics and that most 16 year olds don’t want the vote. They say that 16 year olds are not classed as adults in the eyes of the law so they should not be treated as adults when it comes to voting either. How would you vote?
5. There are plans to erect windmills on a hillside in your constituency. The windmills would provide a valuable source of renewable energy, meaning that the area is less reliant on fossil fuels. Some residents living in the area have complained that the windmills would spoil the hillside, which many locals consider to be a natural beauty spot. Do you:
6. A group of musicians and artists would like to put on a mini festival in the park in your town. A lot of people think it is a great idea and would be good for the local economy. However, some people are worried that the roads in the town could not cope with the high level of traffic that are expected. Others that live nearby worry about the noise levels, as the festival organisers want it to go on until 11pm. Do you: