Is direct democracy better than representative democracy?
I can recognise what direct and representative democracy are and analyse the strengths and weaknesses of each.
- Year 10
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
Loading...
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?
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.
