Is direct democracy better than representative democracy?
I can recognise what direct and representative democracy are and analyse the strengths and weaknesses of each.
Is direct democracy better than representative democracy?
I can recognise what direct and representative democracy are and analyse the strengths and weaknesses of each.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- A direct democracy is where people decide on the policy directly, with Switzerland being an example.
- A representative democracy is a system where citizens elect others to represent them, with the UK being an example.
- There are advantages and disadvantages to both types of democracy.
Keywords
Direct democracy - a type of democracy where the people decide on the policy directly, for example, through a vote or referendum on each issue
Representative democracy - a type of democracy where citizens choose others to represent them in making important decisions on their behalf
Referendum - a general vote by the electorate on a single political issue which has been referred to them for a direct decision; it is a form of direct democracy
Common misconception
A country just uses direct democracy.
Direct democracy can be used on its own or with other forms of democracy, such as representative democracy.
Equipment
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.A system of government in which citizens vote in regular, fair elections for representatives who then make laws and decisions on their behalf is known as a ...
Q2.Which of the following are key features of a democracy?
Q3. is the name of the building where the UK Government meets to make and debate laws.
Q4.In the UK, citizens vote in a general election for their local to represent them in Parliament.
Q5.How can a school council demonstrate the principles of democracy?
Q6.What is a representative?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.A gives a general vote to the electorate on a single political issue.
Q2.Can you match the type of democracy to its corresponding example?
voting in a general election
referendum
Q3.Name a country that is an example of a direct democracy.
Q4.Which of the following statements is correct?
Q5.What type of democracy is the UK political system?
Q6.Match the statement to whether it is a strength or weakness of direct democracy.
decisions may be more acceptable to the population
costly and time-consuming
may encourage political engagement
sometimes generates an emotional, not a rational, response