Resource

What is Democracy?

What is democracy? How does it work? And why is it important to your students?

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

Lessons, Community, KS1 (ages 5-7)

Exploring Our Community

In this lesson pupils will research what is meant by the word ‘community’. Pupils will think about who lives in their area and what services and facilities there are for…

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

Pollution: Expedition to Planet Blueball

This lesson explores the issues of pollution of our planet and sustainable power. It is based around an animated story, involving the Go-Givers characters, in which creatures from a friendly…

More Politics and Democracy resources

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...

Lessons, Community, KS1 (ages 5-7)

Exploring Our Community

In this lesson pupils will research what is meant by the word ‘community’. Pupils will think about who lives in their area and what services and facilities there are for…

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...

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

Children’s Rights

In this lesson pupils will learn that there are specific rights for children which are set out in the United Nations Conventions on the Rights of the Child. Pupils will…

Lessons, Health and Wellbeing, Relationships, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS1 (ages 5-7)

Keeping Safe At Home

In this lesson pupils will spot potential risks in the home. They will learn how they can help adults to keep them safe by reporting problems and keeping the home…

More KS3 (ages 11-14) resources

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

Police Powers (SmartLaw Subscription)

This lesson examines the powers that the police have to stop and search, arrest and detain individuals. Students also have the opportunity to create their own ideal police force considering…

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...

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

What is a Political Party?

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

More KS4 (ages 14-16) resources

Lessons, Economics, Money and Managing Resources, KS4 (ages 14-16)

COVID and the Economy

During this session, students will critically examine some of the key economic considerations of the pandemic. They will explore...

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

Mock Parliament Debate

Aimed at students in KS4 and 5 (13-18 year olds) the pack is designed to be delivered over a...

Lessons, Digital Citizenship, KS4 (ages 14-16)

Ethics, Innovation and the Law

Aimed at KS4 and Post-16, your students will: Explore the way technology is developing and the impacts this has...

More KS5 (ages 16-18) 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...

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

Sentencing Myths (SmartLaw Subscription)

This short activity challenges young people’s perceptions of current sentencing guidelines. It can be run as a standalone activity or as an extension activity as part of a mock trial…

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...