Democracy resources for ages 5-11

It's never too early to learn how the country is run.

We want all children to understand how our world works whilst developing skills and motivation to be active citizens.

Following the General Election, it’s the perfect time to introduce ideas such as voting, government and law. 

Discover our range of democracy lesson plans and assemblies for pupils aged 5-11. 

What is democracy?

Download this three-part set of democracy resources for ages 7 to 11.

Lessons, Politics and Democracy, KS2 (ages 7-11)

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

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…

Lessons, Politics and Democracy, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Democracy (Part 2): Local and Central Government

This lesson forms the second part of a three-part unit on democracy. Pupils learn about the function of central and local government and the difference between MPs and councillors. Pupils explore…

Lessons, Politics and Democracy, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Democracy (Part 3): Why Do We Have Laws?

This lesson forms the final part of a three-part unit on democracy.  Pupils learn about democracy and the rule of law. They discover the different roles of parliament, government and…

From voting to taxes

Explore more resources that explain how the country is run.

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

The Big Legal Lesson 2024 (ages 5-11)

The law affects every aspect of our lives, but children and young people rarely learn about it in the...

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

What is a Vote?

In this lesson pupils will learn what it means to vote by looking at relatable examples in the lives of the Go-Givers. They will consider why and how votes are…

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…

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, Community, KS1 (ages 5-7)

Who Can Help?

In this lesson pupils will learn about the ‘special’ people who help in their community. They will consider who can help them in different situations and how they can ask…

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

Caring for our Communities

In this lesson pupils will think about the importance of caring for their community and the varied caring responsibilities which are held by members of the community. They will identify…

Lessons, Economics, Money and Managing Resources, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Why Do We Pay Taxes? (Part 1)

Pupils will learn that public services are largely funded through the payment of taxes to the government. To access this content, register for our School Subscription.

Lessons, Economics, Money and Managing Resources, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Why Do We Pay Taxes? (Part 2)

Pupils will learn that councils are responsible for local spending decisions and can raise additional funds for public services through council taxes. To access this content, register for our School…

Classroom resources

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Social action

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