,CPD1501 Assignment 2 (COMPLETE ANSWERS)
Semester 1 2025 (540749) - DUE 16 April 2025; 100%
Correct solutions and explanations
QUESTION 1 Discuss what the aim of public participation is
and whether all people in the country are able to use its
processes.(10 marks) Under what circumstances is the provincial
legislature entitled to exclude the public from its sittings?(10
marks)
Aim of Public Participation:
Public participation is a fundamental component of democratic
governance. The aim of public participation is to ensure that
citizens have an opportunity to engage in decision-making
processes that affect their lives. The core objectives of public
participation include:
1. Enhancing Democracy: Public participation promotes the
active involvement of individuals and communities in
governmental decisions, ensuring that policies and laws are
more reflective of the needs and values of the public.
2. Transparency and Accountability: It provides
transparency in government actions, allowing people to
understand and scrutinize governmental decisions, thus
holding public officials accountable.
3. Improved Policy Outcomes: When the public is involved,
policies and decisions are more likely to address the real
needs of society. Public feedback can improve the quality
of laws, policies, and services.
, 4. Empowerment of Citizens: By being involved in the
decision-making process, people feel empowered and that
they have a voice in how their country is governed, which
strengthens social cohesion and trust in institutions.
5. Inclusion of Marginalized Groups: Public participation
aims to include diverse groups, particularly marginalized or
disadvantaged populations, ensuring their voices are heard
in governance.
However, the accessibility of these processes varies. Not all
people in a country may be able to use public participation
processes for several reasons:
Lack of Information: Not everyone may be aware of the
opportunities for participation, particularly marginalized
communities.
Digital Divide: In modern times, many public participation
processes are conducted online, and not all citizens have
the digital literacy or access to the necessary technology.
Language Barriers: Public participation materials might
not be available in all the languages spoken within a
country, excluding non-native speakers.
Cultural Barriers: Some communities may face cultural
or social barriers that prevent them from participating fully
in these processes.
Economic Barriers: Participating in public meetings or
consultations may require resources like transportation,
time off work, or childcare, which some people may not
afford.
Exclusion of the Public from Provincial Legislature Sittings:
Semester 1 2025 (540749) - DUE 16 April 2025; 100%
Correct solutions and explanations
QUESTION 1 Discuss what the aim of public participation is
and whether all people in the country are able to use its
processes.(10 marks) Under what circumstances is the provincial
legislature entitled to exclude the public from its sittings?(10
marks)
Aim of Public Participation:
Public participation is a fundamental component of democratic
governance. The aim of public participation is to ensure that
citizens have an opportunity to engage in decision-making
processes that affect their lives. The core objectives of public
participation include:
1. Enhancing Democracy: Public participation promotes the
active involvement of individuals and communities in
governmental decisions, ensuring that policies and laws are
more reflective of the needs and values of the public.
2. Transparency and Accountability: It provides
transparency in government actions, allowing people to
understand and scrutinize governmental decisions, thus
holding public officials accountable.
3. Improved Policy Outcomes: When the public is involved,
policies and decisions are more likely to address the real
needs of society. Public feedback can improve the quality
of laws, policies, and services.
, 4. Empowerment of Citizens: By being involved in the
decision-making process, people feel empowered and that
they have a voice in how their country is governed, which
strengthens social cohesion and trust in institutions.
5. Inclusion of Marginalized Groups: Public participation
aims to include diverse groups, particularly marginalized or
disadvantaged populations, ensuring their voices are heard
in governance.
However, the accessibility of these processes varies. Not all
people in a country may be able to use public participation
processes for several reasons:
Lack of Information: Not everyone may be aware of the
opportunities for participation, particularly marginalized
communities.
Digital Divide: In modern times, many public participation
processes are conducted online, and not all citizens have
the digital literacy or access to the necessary technology.
Language Barriers: Public participation materials might
not be available in all the languages spoken within a
country, excluding non-native speakers.
Cultural Barriers: Some communities may face cultural
or social barriers that prevent them from participating fully
in these processes.
Economic Barriers: Participating in public meetings or
consultations may require resources like transportation,
time off work, or childcare, which some people may not
afford.
Exclusion of the Public from Provincial Legislature Sittings:
