the voting process to select a person for a public position

when the citizens of a country (the electorate) vote to elect a new government; a general election in the UK happens at least every five years

the specific geographical area that is represented by each Member of Parliament (MP) in the House of Commons

the voting system used in the UK to elect members of some local councils and Members of Parliament, whereby the candidate with the most votes in a constituency wins

an electoral system where political parties get a number of seats in Parliament that matches the percentage of votes they receive in an election

Are elections truly fair?

Citizenship

What is democracy?

Is direct democracy better than representative democracy?

Why is media freedom necessary in a democracy?

How can we improve democracy in the UK?

Does the UK’s democracy need reform?

Pupils develop their knowledge of democracy and the different types of democracy considering the strengths and weaknesses of the UK system.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of the UK democratic system?

These are seats that are won with a relatively small minority.

These are seats that are won with a large majority.

{{}} is the voting system used in the UK.

the share of seats a party wins matches the share of votes it receives

Match the voting system with its explanation.

smaller parties with significant support can be disadvantaged

What is a disadvantage of proportional representation?

when the citizens of a country vote to elect a new government

the geographical area that is represented by each Member of Parliament

Which of these are examples of active citizenship in a democracy?

All political parties are banned and the leader makes all decisions

There is one political party that exists for people to vote for

There is more than one political party that exists for people to vote for

A strong democracy should also aim to protect {{}} rights.

taking a vote or having a referendum on each issue

electing a Member of Parliament to act on your behalf

Match the type of democracy to its example.

{{}} is the principle that all individuals within a state, including Government and leaders, are subject to the same laws and must follow them - it ensures fairness, justice and accountability.

There is a separation of powers in the UK between {{}}, Government and judges.

Exit Quiz

What is a marginal seat in an election?