New
New
How can we exercise democratic rights without a vote?
I can explain what democratic rights are and how to exercise them, even if I am not eligible to vote yet.
Lesson 6 of 6
New
New
- Year 8
How can we exercise democratic rights without a vote?
I can explain what democratic rights are and how to exercise them, even if I am not eligible to vote yet.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Democratic rights are fundamental freedoms and entitlements needed to sustain political democracy.
- There are several ways you can exercise your democratic rights, even if you cannot vote.
Keywords
Human rights - basic rights and freedoms that all people are entitled to
Democratic rights - fundamental freedoms and entitlements needed to maintain a democratic society
Common misconception
Voting is the only way you can exercise your democratic rights.
There are several ways you can exercise your democratic rights, even if you cannot vote. You could: contact your local councillor or Member of Parliament (MP); express your opinion; join a peaceful protest or pressure group or join a political party.
Encourage pupils to think about how the actions discussed in this lesson can make a real difference in their communities.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), 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.Which of the following is a key feature of a democracy?
Which of the following is a key feature of a democracy?
Power is concentrated in the hands of a single leader.
The Government controls all aspects of the economy.
Elections are held once a decade.
Q2.Which of the following Acts granted (some) women the right to vote for the first time in the UK?
Which of the following Acts granted (some) women the right to vote for the first time in the UK?
The Great Reform Act 1832
The Representation of the People Act 1867
Q3.Who was the leader of the Suffragettes?
Who was the leader of the Suffragettes?
Q4.Match the sentence starter to it's end.
Match the sentence starter to it's end.
Q5.Which of the following is a common argument in favour of giving 16- and 17-year-olds the right to vote?
Which of the following is a common argument in favour of giving 16- and 17-year-olds the right to vote?
They are financially independent and can make informed decisions on taxes.
They are mature enough to serve in government positions.
They have the legal right to drive and should therefore take part in elections.
Q6.What is a common argument against giving 16- and 17-year-olds the right to vote?
What is a common argument against giving 16- and 17-year-olds the right to vote?
They are not affected by government policies.
They are all required to work full-time and lack free time.
They lack the legal right to work or drive.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What am I describing? Fundamental rights and freedoms that every person is entitled to.
What am I describing? Fundamental rights and freedoms that every person is entitled to.
Q2.What am I describing? Fundamental freedoms and entitlements needed to maintain a democratic society.
What am I describing? Fundamental freedoms and entitlements needed to maintain a democratic society.
Q3.Which of the following is an example of a democratic right?
Which of the following is an example of a democratic right?
right to fair trial
right to privacy
right to own property
Q4.Match the right to it's description.
Match the right to it's description.
Q5.Which of the following is not a way to exercise democratic rights without voting?
Which of the following is not a way to exercise democratic rights without voting?
joining a political party and campaigning for candidates
contacting your local councillor or MP
joining a protest or pressure group
Q6.Which of the following would joining a political party as a youth member enable you to do?
Which of the following would joining a political party as a youth member enable you to do?
plan and participate in protests or campaigns
