Resource

Democracy (Part 1): What is a General Election?

This lesson forms the first part of a three-part unit on democracy.

Overview

This lesson forms the first part of a three-part unit on Democracy.  Pupils explore the meaning of ‘democracy’, and the ways in which citizens can participate in democratic life in Britain. They learn about the role of the Prime Minister, Members of Parliament and political parties, and how a general election works.

Cross-curricular links: English, history

Learning Activities:-

Reading political news stories from different sources aimed at children e.g First News
Discussing which political issues matter to them
Learning about the Suffragettes

To access this content, register for our Primary School Subscription.

More Lessons resources

Lessons, Diversity and Inclusion, Relationships, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Dilemmas

Over a series of short sessions, pupils will have the opportunity to consider ethical dilemmas which may arise in day to day life. Pupils will be encouraged make decisions by…

Lessons, Diversity and Inclusion, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Our Class

In this lesson pupils will take part in icebreaker activities that encourage them to consider the views and experiences of their classmates. They will discuss common problems that can arise…

Lessons, Sustainability and the Environment, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Citizenship and the Wider World

During this lesson pupils consider what it means to be a global citizen and what rights and responsibilities come with this.   They consider a range of global issues; analysing…

More Politics and Democracy resources

Classroom Toolkits, Politics and Democracy, KS1 (ages 5-7)

Controversial issues: guidance for schools

Children are alert to information and images they see in the media. These may graphically influence their view of the world, and not always positively. Graphic images on TV and…

Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS4 (ages 14-16)

Migration of People

To help you engage your students in the topic of migration Young Citizens have developed a flexible teaching resource for delivery during curricular or extra-curricular sessions. This resource: explores the…

Lessons, Sustainability and the Environment, KS4 (ages 14-16)

Mock G7 Pack

The UK hosted the G7 Summit in June 2021. Young Citizens wants to engage young people across the UK in this world event where topics of global importance, from trade…

More Social Action/Active Citizenship resources

Student Tools, Social Action/Active Citizenship

How to Create a Sponsor Form

Decided to do a sponsored event to raise money for charity but not sure what the sponsor form should look like? Download an example form here. To access this content,…

Lessons, Sustainability and the Environment, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Climate Change

Learners explore what climate change is and what is causing it.  They consider who is responsible for climate change:  individuals, politicians, businesses?  They are then challenged to think of a…

Lessons, Social Action/Active Citizenship, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Homelessness

In this lesson pupils will think about what home means to them through writing a poem inspired by the line ‘Home is where the heart is’. They will consider the…

More KS2 (ages 7-11) resources

Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS1 (ages 5-7)

The Big Legal Lesson (ages 5-11)

Join the UK’s biggest legal education campaign during February 2026. To access this content, register for our Primary School Subscription.

Certificates, KS1 (ages 5-7)

Thinking Before you Act (certificate)

Our pupil certificates are linked to 12 ethos statements, such as We Think Before We Act. Each statement supports character development and the acquisition of key citizenship skills The values, skills…

Lessons, Digital Citizenship, KS2 (ages 7-11)

The Internet: a Power for Good

In this lesson pupils consider how the internet can be a power for good and support active citizenship. Pupils explore a range of case studies before being challenged to identify…

Related content

Lessons, Digital Citizenship, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Online Opinions

During this lesson pupils explore why people see different results when searching for information online. Pupils find out about filter bubbles and consider what impact these have on peoples thoughts…