What are direct and representative democracies?
I can explain what representative and direct democracies are and some of the key differences between them.
- Year 9
What are direct and representative democracies?
I can explain what representative and direct democracies are and some of the key differences between them.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Direct democracy is where citizens decide on policy directly, for example, through a referendum on each issue.
- Representative democracy is where citizens choose others to represent them to make important decisions on their behalf.
- Some countries may not be a full direct democracy but may use elements of this system, e.g., by holding referendums.
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
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
Representative democracy - a type of democracy where citizens choose others to represent them in making important decisions on their behalf
Common misconception
Representative democracies take away the choices of citizens because the representatives make all the decisions on their behalf.
In a representative democracy, citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf, but they can also influence policies through voting in elections, contacting their representatives and sometimes even through referendums.
Equipment
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.A is the group of people who have the authority to govern a country or state.
Q2.Order these types of government according to the amount of authority they have, from smallest to largest.
Q3.Which is the most accurate definition of democracy?
Q4.Which branch of the UK Government does this building represent?
Q5.Is democracy present in every country's political system?
Q6.Match the type of government to the features that may be present within it.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the words to their correct definitions.
Q2.Which one of these is an example of direct democracy?
Q3.Order the steps in how a representative democracy works.
Q4.Which statement best explains citizen influence in a representative democracy?
Q5.Some representative democracies use votes, or , for major decisions.
Q6.Complete the sentences by matching the stem of the sentence to the correct phrase.
