Overview
This resource pack is the first of a four-part set which has been designed to introduce students to the concept of democracy. Each of the packs can be delivered independently of each other, or combined together to form a broader scheme of work.
Students consider what a democracy is, why it is important and how it impacts their day-to-day lives. Through taking part students will be able to answer key questions such as:
- What does democracy mean?
- What are the key features of a democratic country?
- How has democracy evolved throughout history and how might it continue to evolve?
- What are the key features of UK Parliament?
- How does Parliament differ from the Government?
How does the pack work?
Each pack can be delivered in a number of different ways depending on the time you have available:
- Use all the content to deliver a drop-down day on democracy;
- Pick and choose the activities you want to focus on and use these to build individual lessons;
- Where full lessons are not available each activity is further broken down into 5-15 minute segments, perfect for tutor-time;
The accompanying PowerPoint covers all the key learning points from the pack and could be used as the activities are being delivered. Alternatively, it provides a perfect introductory assembly to what a democracy is.
More Lessons resources
Why Do We Wash Our Hands?
In this lesson pupils will learn that washing their hands can help to prevent the spread of germs which cause illnesses. Pupils will experiment with hand washing techniques before being…
Crime and its Impact (SmartLaw Subscription)
Students explore the impact of crime on those surrounding the victim and the perpetrator and consider the financial, physical and emotional ripples that crime can have on a community. Please…
Law Makers (SmartLaw Subscription)
In this lesson students examine what the rule of law is and why we need it. They consider how and why laws are made in the UK and what the…
More Politics and Democracy resources
Being An Online Citizen
During this lesson pupils consider their rights and responsibilities as digital citizens, focusing on how the online world can be used as a force for good. Pupils consider what skills,…
All at Sea: a story about fairness and the rule of law
During this lesson pupils use the story ‘All at Sea’ to explore how a group of citizens should organise a new society under a challenging set of circumstances. Each chapter…
Plastic Pollution (KS2)
Find out more about the impact of plastic on our oceans. Watch this introductory video and use our free...
More Understanding Rules & The Law resources
The Big Legal Lesson 2025 (ages 5-11)
Join the UK's biggest legal education campaign during February 2025.
What Happens When Laws are Broken?
During this lesson pupils explore what happens when laws are broken, learn about the different types of sentences that are given and the main purposes of sentencing. Before taking part…
Where do you stand?
Over a series of short sessions, pupils will have the opportunity to consider topical issues related to their school life. Pupils will consider the strength of arguments for and against…
More KS3 (ages 11-14) resources
The Big Legal Lesson 2025 (ages 11-18+)
Join the UK's biggest legal education campaign during February 2025.
Law in Wales
Did you know that the age of criminal responsibility in Wales is ten? In Scotland it is 12. In...
Cyberbullying (SmartLaw Subscription)
According to research by the charity Ditch the Label, 7 in 10 young people have experienced cyberbullying, 20% of whom experience it daily. Support your students to know their legal…
More KS4 (ages 14-16) resources
Filter Bubbles: Tell Me What I Want To Hear
A “filter bubble” describes how algorithms limit and skew the information users see on the internet. In this lesson,...
Sexting and the Law (SmartLaw Subscription)
This lesson explores what the law says in relation to the sending of sexually explicit images by those aged under 18. The lesson examines two scenarios of young people involved…
Mock G7 Pack
The UK hosted the G7 Summit in June 2021. Young Citizens wants to engage young people across the UK...
More KS5 (ages 16-18) resources
Climate Action: Using the Law to Drive Change
In 2021, COP26 was hosted in Glasgow. It was seen as a pivotal moment in tackling the global climate...
Mock Trials Classroom Pack
The Mock Trial Competitions are our longest-running active citizenship experiences. Since 1991, we have provided unparalleled exposure to the...
Climate Action: Circular Economies
During this lesson students explore how the economy can be used to support climate action and create a more...