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How can we engage in local democracy?
I can explain what local democracy involves and how Youth Councils help local democracy.
Lesson 2 of 6
New
New
- Year 9
How can we engage in local democracy?
I can explain what local democracy involves and how Youth Councils help local democracy.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Local democracy refers to the participation of citizens in decision-making at a community level.
- Young people can engage through democratic processes such as consultations, campaigning and meetings with councillors.
- Youth Councils are formal bodies led by young people to represent youth perspectives in local governance.
- Participation in Youth Councils encourages civic responsibility, political literacy and leadership development.
Keywords
Local democracy - a system of government in which citizens vote in regular, fair elections for representatives in their geographical area
Youth Council - a group set up, led and shaped by young people to represent the views and interests of other young people in a democratic way
Common misconception
Local democracy only happens during elections.
Local democracy is happening all the time. It occurs in council meetings, Youth Councils, local campaigns and anytime that people speak up about local issues. You do not need to wait for local elections to take part.
Throughout the lesson, regularly ask pupils to relate the examples back to their own local area. For example, 'Do we have a Youth Council in our community or have you seen any local campaigns recently?' This helps make the content more real and relevant to your local community and your pupils.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match each sentence to its concept.
Match each sentence to its concept.
Q2.The UNCRC says that pupils have the right to share their views and these are taken so schools can improve.
The UNCRC says that pupils have the right to share their views and these are taken so schools can improve.
Q3.Which is the correct fourth step to influence a change in school?
Which is the correct fourth step to influence a change in school?
identify a need
carry out the action
cause and effect
Q4.Being an active system is an important part of which political system?
Being an active system is an important part of which political system?
anarchy
monarchy
dictatorship
Q5.Who is most likely to be one of the main decision-makers in a school?
Who is most likely to be one of the main decision-makers in a school?
year 7 students
football coach
caretaker
Q6.Put these actions in the correct order for influencing a school decision-maker about improving lunchtime activities.
Put these actions in the correct order for influencing a school decision-maker about improving lunchtime activities.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the word with its definition.
Match the word with its definition.
Q2.Which of the following is not a way that young people under the age of 16 can take part in local democracy?
Which of the following is not a way that young people under the age of 16 can take part in local democracy?
joining a Youth Council
speaking at a local consultation
meeting with a councillor
Q3.Match the start of the sentence with its ending.
Match the start of the sentence with its ending.
Q4.Put these stages of local democratic action in the right order.
Put these stages of local democratic action in the right order.
Q5.A Youth Council allows young people to stand for elections and lead local projects, often called ...
A Youth Council allows young people to stand for elections and lead local projects, often called ...
Q6.Which of the following statements is correct?
Which of the following statements is correct?
Local democracy only happens when people vote in elections.
Young people are not involved in local democracy in communities.
Local democracy only affects politicians and you cannot get involved.
