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

a person elected by voters to represent them in Parliament; MPs participate in making laws, debating policies and addressing issues that affect the public

the activity of choosing someone or something in an election

Why does voting matter?

Citizenship

How have our political rights changed over time?

How did the Chartists affect the political rights we have today?

Which methods were most successful in the fight for female suffrage?

Should 16- and 17-year-olds be allowed to vote in elections?

How can we exercise democratic rights without a vote?

Pupils analyse how political rights have changed over time considering important campaigns such as the fight for female suffrage. They examine why voting matters and consider what role they can have in democracy prior to being eligible to vote.

Why was the struggle for the vote important today?

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

a person elected by voters to represent them in Parliament

Which of the following activities are affected by politics?

How many MPs sit in the House of Commons?

you must be British, qualifying Commonwealth or Republic of Ireland citizen

Which of the following statements are correct about who can vote in the UK?

What was the voter turnout in the 2024 general election?

politicians only listen to people who don't vote

At what age can you vote in the UK in a general election?

How many key points were outlined in the People's Charter written by the Chartists in 1838?

planting bombs to disrupt communications 

Which of the following methods were used by the Suffragettes?

gained popularity and support through peaceful protests

showed women could be considered sensible enough to be involved in politics

forced the Government to listen to the calls for universal suffrage

showed women were willing to fight for their rights

raised public awareness of women's demand for the vote

Which of the following statements demonstrate the specific impact of the Suffragists?

a group who advocated for women’s suffrage using peaceful methods

a group who advocated for women’s right to vote using militant methods

Why does voting matter?

Lesson outcome