General Paper Flashcards

What is 'climate change' and what is the scientific consensus?

Answer: The long-term change in global temperatures and weather patterns, primarily caused by human greenhouse gas emissions since industrialisation, according to overwhelming scientific consensus

Climate change refers to long-term shifts in global temperatures and weather patterns. The IPCC and scientific consensus confirm that human activities (burning fossil fuels, deforestation) are the primary cause since the mid-20th century.

What is the difference between 'authoritarian' and 'democratic' governance?

Answer: Democratic governance involves rule by the people through free elections and civil liberties; authoritarian governance concentrates power in a leader or party, limiting political freedoms

Democracy involves free and fair elections, rule of law, civil liberties, and accountability. Authoritarianism concentrates power, limits opposition, restricts civil society, and prioritises stability over individual freedoms.

What is 'food security' as a global challenge?

Answer: Ensuring all people have reliable access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food — threatened by climate change, conflict, poverty, and supply chain disruptions

Food security — reliable access to adequate nutrition — is threatened globally by climate change reducing crop yields, conflict disrupting supply chains, poverty limiting access, and water scarcity affecting agriculture.

What is the 'tragedy of the commons'?

Answer: When individuals, acting in self-interest, deplete shared resources, leading to collective harm — illustrating the need for regulation of common goods

Garrett Hardin's 'tragedy of the commons' describes how individuals rationally exploit shared resources (fisheries, atmosphere) for personal gain, eventually depleting them for everyone — justifying collective governance of common goods.

What is the significance of 'soft skills' in future employment debates?

Answer: As automation takes over routine tasks, human skills (creativity, empathy, communication, critical thinking) become increasingly valuable and difficult to automate

GP debates on the future of work argue that AI can replicate routine tasks but struggles with creativity, empathy, and complex communication — making these 'soft skills' increasingly valuable in a technology-driven economy.

What is the role of civil society in democratic governance?

Answer: Non-governmental organisations, community groups, and activists hold governments accountable, advocate for rights, fill service gaps, and enrich democratic participation

Civil society (NGOs, advocacy groups, professional associations, media) complements democratic governance by monitoring government, representing marginalised voices, providing services, and strengthening civic participation.