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 School Subscription.

More Lessons resources

Lessons, Sustainability and the Environment, KS1 (ages 5-7)

Saving Energy

In this lesson pupils will learn what is meant by the term energy source. They will consider how they use energy in their lives and be introduced to the basic…

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…

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

Identities

In this lesson pupils will develop an understanding of what is meant by the term ‘identity.’ They will explore their own sense of identity and share this with others, appreciating…

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, Politics and Democracy, KS4 (ages 14-16)

Democracy Ambassadors

What was Democracy Ambassadors? Between April 2018 and March 2019 Young Citizens worked with youth leaders to recruit 1,000...

Lessons, Economics, Money and Managing Resources, KS3 (ages 11-14)

The Economy Quiz

In this short, 15 minute activity students use all they have learnt from earlier lessons to complete a quiz...

More Social Action/Active Citizenship resources

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

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...

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

Water: Our Most Precious Resource

In this lesson pupils will learn about the qualities of water and why it is vital to life on Earth.   They will consider the problems facing people who cannot…

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

How to Make a Persuasive Presentation

Do you care passionately about helping a certain charity or supporting a particular cause but think if more people got involved you could make an even bigger difference? How can…

More KS2 (ages 7-11) resources

Digital Citizenship, KS2 (ages 7-11)

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,…

Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Rights and Responsibilities

In this lesson pupils will develop an understanding of the terms ‘rights’ and ‘responsibilities’ and how they balance one another. They will then discuss and prepare a class charter that…

Class Posters, Community, KS1 (ages 5-7)

We Make a Difference in Our Communities (poster)

We know that positive change starts with many small actions. To access this content, register for our School Subscription.