the group of people with the authority to govern a country; in the UK, the Government is chosen and led by the Prime Minister (PM)

a system of government in which citizens vote in regular, fair elections for representatives who then make laws and decisions on their behalf

How do others govern?

Citizenship

How does the justice system work elsewhere?

How are decisions made in other countries?

Is the free press free everywhere?

How do citizens take action in democratic and non-democratic societies?

Are human rights really universal?

Do all nations work with international organisations?

Pupils explore how key democratic structures such as the justice system, the media and government operate across the globe and consider the impact this has on human rights and citizens ability to take action.

How do democratic systems work around the world?

strong protection of rights, free elections, active political culture

elections held but some issues might exist such as low turnout

elections might be rigged and issues exist, e.g., weak rule of law

one leader or party in charge, no opposition, limited freedoms

Match the Democracy Index category to its examples.

Order the countries from most to least democratic, as per the 2024 Democracy Index.

What is a key feature of a democratic government?

In a non-democratic country, the Government often {{}} freedoms and controls key areas like media and elections.

Every country governs differently and the effectiveness of a {{}} depends on many factors such as how well it protects people’s rights, ensures fairness and responds to citizens' needs.

Which of the following are examples of non-democratic governments?

A {{}} system is a set of processes and structures that work together to make political decisions and manage a country's governance.

Who makes the decisions in representative democracies?

the executive is a Prime Minister and linked to the legislature

the Head of Government is elected separately from the legislature

has elements of both parliamentary and presidential systems

The Head of Government is elected directly by the public.

The executive is chosen from the legislature and is accountable to it.

The executive and legislature are separate and independent.

The Head of State has no role in government decisions.

Which of the following is a key characteristic of a parliamentary system of government?

has limited powers and works alongside a Prime Minister

is both the Head of State and the Head of Government

has no real power and is a ceremonial figure

In a presidential system, the President...

The separation of powers ensures that no single branch of government has too much power, and that the legislative, executive and {{}} branches each have their own responsibilities.

How do others govern?

Lesson outcome