Resource

Voting and the General Election

How do citizens play their part in choosing who runs the country? And, how can your students make their voices heard by those in power, even if they can’t vote yet?

Overview

This resource pack is the second of a four-part set which has been designed to introduce students to the concept of democracy. Each pack can be delivered independently of each other, or combined together to form a broader scheme of work.

During this pack, students consider the democratic process of voting, what happens during a general election and what the barriers and solutions are in relation to young people voting. Through taking part students will be able to answer key questions such as:

  • What is a general election?
  • How do people vote?
  • Why should people vote?
  • What are the barriers that stop people voting?
  • How can these barriers be overcome?

 

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 Politics and Democracy resources

Lessons, Politics and Democracy, KS1 (ages 5-7)

Who Runs the Country?

In this lesson pupils explore who runs the country and how they are elected. Pupils will learn about the important role that MPs play in representing the people who live…

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, KS3 (ages 11-14)

Law in Wales

Did you know that the age of criminal responsibility in Wales is ten? In Scotland it is 12. In...

More Social Action/Active Citizenship resources

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

Being a Change-Maker (certificate)

Our pupil certificates are linked to 12 ethos statements, such as We Are Change-Makers. Each statement supports character development and the acquisition of key citizenship skills The values, skills and knowledge…

Class Posters, Social Action/Active Citizenship, KS1 (ages 5-7)

We are Change-Makers (poster)

We stand up for what we believe in and use our voice for good. To access this content, register for our School Subscription.

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 KS3 (ages 11-14) resources

Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS3 (ages 11-14)

Your Legal Rights and Responsibilities (SmartLaw Subscription)

This lesson introduces students to the concepts of their legal rights and responsibilities and explores how the law impacts their daily lives. Students explore the different ages that various laws…

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

What is Tax?

During this lesson, students will look at the purpose and collection of taxes. They will explore how public services...

Lessons, Politics and Democracy, KS3 (ages 11-14)

What is Democracy?

This resource pack is the first of a four-part set which has been designed to introduce students to the...

More KS4 (ages 14-16) resources

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

Social Media and the Law (KS4) (SmartLaw Subscription)

Students explore the law in relation to social media posts, the types of offences that people are  committing (whether knowingly or not) and the consequences of these offences. Finally, students…

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, Politics and Democracy, KS3 (ages 11-14)

Local and Central Government

This resource pack is the third of a four-part set which has been designed to introduce students to the...

More KS5 (ages 16-18) resources

Understanding Rules & The Law, KS3 (ages 11-14)

Sentencing Guidelines (SmartLaw Subscription)

This lesson asks students to consider the key findings of a harassment trial and conclude what sentence should be given to the guilty party. During the course of the lesson…

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

Consumer Law (SmartLaw Subscription)

This lesson explores the law concerning buying and selling goods and services highlighting what their rights and responsibilities are as a consumer. The lesson gives students the opportunity to practice…

KS3 (ages 11-14)

Bar Mock Trial Competition – Support Videos

Preparing for the Bar Mock Trial Competition? Watch these video explainers, demonstrations and expert tips on key aspects of criminal trials. To access this content, register for our Bar Mock…