, SED2601
ASSIGNMENT 3 2026
DUE 23 JULY 2026
Question 1: Concepts and Citizenship Education
1.1 Explanation of Concepts
a. Citizenship (2)
Citizenship refers to the legal status of being a member of a particular political community, typically
a nation-state. It establishes a formal legal bond between an individual and their state, granting
specific rights and protections while also imposing certain duties (Marshall, 1950). Beyond its legal
dimension, citizenship also encompasses the qualities expected of a responsible community
member, including participation in civic life and adherence to shared values (Kymlicka & Norman,
1994). Bellamy (2008) defines citizenship as "a condition of civic equality" based on membership in
a political community where all citizens can "determine the terms of social cooperation on an equal
basis."
b. Citizen (2)
A citizen is a legally recognised member of a state or political community who holds specific rights
and responsibilities (Janoski, 1998). This status may be acquired by birth (being native to a country)
or through naturalisation. Citizens enjoy certain entitlements, such as the right to vote and equality
before the law, while also bearing duties to "promote and sustain" the collective goods of the
political association (Oldfield, 1990). Citizens are distinguished from non-citizens (foreigners or
aliens) who do not hold the same legal status or political rights within that state (Bosniak, 2006).
c. Elitism (2)
Elitism, in its political sense, expresses the view that society should be governed by a select group
of individuals—"elites"—who are believed to possess superior qualities or capabilities (Pareto,
1935). This perspective concentrates power in the hands of a small minority and excludes the
majority from decision-making processes. Theorists such as Vilfredo Pareto and Gaetano Mosca
argued that society is inevitably divided into two classes: the rulers (elites) and the ruled (masses)
(Mosca, 1939). Elitism thus challenges democratic ideals by suggesting that popular participation in
governance is neither practical nor desirable (Schumpeter, 1942).
d. Modern democracy (2)
Modern democracy refers to a system of governance in which political power is exercised by the
people, either directly or through elected representatives (Dahl, 1989). Unlike ancient direct
democracies, modern democracies are typically representative in nature, operating within
constitutional frameworks that protect individual rights and the rule of law (Held, 2006). Key
features include regular free and fair elections, political pluralism, protection of civil liberties, and
ASSIGNMENT 3 2026
DUE 23 JULY 2026
Question 1: Concepts and Citizenship Education
1.1 Explanation of Concepts
a. Citizenship (2)
Citizenship refers to the legal status of being a member of a particular political community, typically
a nation-state. It establishes a formal legal bond between an individual and their state, granting
specific rights and protections while also imposing certain duties (Marshall, 1950). Beyond its legal
dimension, citizenship also encompasses the qualities expected of a responsible community
member, including participation in civic life and adherence to shared values (Kymlicka & Norman,
1994). Bellamy (2008) defines citizenship as "a condition of civic equality" based on membership in
a political community where all citizens can "determine the terms of social cooperation on an equal
basis."
b. Citizen (2)
A citizen is a legally recognised member of a state or political community who holds specific rights
and responsibilities (Janoski, 1998). This status may be acquired by birth (being native to a country)
or through naturalisation. Citizens enjoy certain entitlements, such as the right to vote and equality
before the law, while also bearing duties to "promote and sustain" the collective goods of the
political association (Oldfield, 1990). Citizens are distinguished from non-citizens (foreigners or
aliens) who do not hold the same legal status or political rights within that state (Bosniak, 2006).
c. Elitism (2)
Elitism, in its political sense, expresses the view that society should be governed by a select group
of individuals—"elites"—who are believed to possess superior qualities or capabilities (Pareto,
1935). This perspective concentrates power in the hands of a small minority and excludes the
majority from decision-making processes. Theorists such as Vilfredo Pareto and Gaetano Mosca
argued that society is inevitably divided into two classes: the rulers (elites) and the ruled (masses)
(Mosca, 1939). Elitism thus challenges democratic ideals by suggesting that popular participation in
governance is neither practical nor desirable (Schumpeter, 1942).
d. Modern democracy (2)
Modern democracy refers to a system of governance in which political power is exercised by the
people, either directly or through elected representatives (Dahl, 1989). Unlike ancient direct
democracies, modern democracies are typically representative in nature, operating within
constitutional frameworks that protect individual rights and the rule of law (Held, 2006). Key
features include regular free and fair elections, political pluralism, protection of civil liberties, and
