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Should moral decisions be decided by referendum?
I can create a reasoned argument whether moral decisions should be decided by a referendum.
Lesson 5 of 7
New
New
- Year 10
Should moral decisions be decided by referendum?
I can create a reasoned argument whether moral decisions should be decided by a referendum.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Moral decisions often involve rights and values. In the UK, the Government is mainly responsible for making them.
- The UK Government may involve the people by using ethics committees or public consultations to shape moral decisions.
- Some countries use referendums to decide moral decisions, such as Switzerland's vote on animal testing.
- Referendums can reflect changing values over time, but they can be expensive and time-consuming.
Keywords
Right - something we are entitled to by law
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
The public has no say in moral decisions because the UK Government makes all the laws.
While the Government plays a key role, the public can be involved through consultations, ethics committees and campaigns. People can also challenge decisions through the courts if rights are affected.
When teaching this topic, remember that moral issues can be sensitive or personal for pupils, especially when linked to human rights, religion or cultural values. Create a respectful learning environment and focus on how decisions are made.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
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 the term to its correct definition.
Match the term to its correct definition.
Q2.Who makes the final decision on most environmental policies in the UK?
Who makes the final decision on most environmental policies in the UK?
the public through referendums
the House of Lords and appointed members
the citizens' assemblies
Q3.Why might some people argue referendums are not always suitable for environmental issues?
Why might some people argue referendums are not always suitable for environmental issues?
environmental issues are not of public importance
environmental issues do not affect the public
referendums are not allowed to be used on environmental issues
Q4.Which country used a citizens' assembly to help decide on biodiversity policies?
Which country used a citizens' assembly to help decide on biodiversity policies?
France
Germany
United Kingdom
Q5.What is one strength of using referendums to decide environmental issues?
What is one strength of using referendums to decide environmental issues?
They allow experts to make all decisions.
They are always quick and cheap to organise.
They remove the need for any laws.
Q6.One weakness of is that they can be expensive and time-consuming.
One weakness of is that they can be expensive and time-consuming.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the terms to their correct definitions.
Match the terms to their correct definitions.
Q2.Which of these is an example of a moral issue that could be debated in the UK?
Which of these is an example of a moral issue that could be debated in the UK?
building a new school
changing the price of stamps
holding a general election
Q3.Which statement is most accurate about moral issues in the UK?
Which statement is most accurate about moral issues in the UK?
Only the Government can influence moral decisions.
Courts never deal with moral issues.
The public make all moral decisions.
Q4.The UK Government sometimes holds public to hear people’s views before passing laws.
The UK Government sometimes holds public to hear people’s views before passing laws.
Q5.Put these events related to the Public Order Act 2023 in chronological order.
Put these events related to the Public Order Act 2023 in chronological order.
Q6.Which of the following is a strength of using referendums to make moral decisions?
Which of the following is a strength of using referendums to make moral decisions?
They are always quick and easy to run.
They guarantee the public makes the best decision.
They avoid public involvement in complex topics.
