New
New
What is a democratic community?
I can explain what a democracy is and what key features democratic communities have.
Lesson 5 of 6
New
New
- Year 7
What is a democratic community?
I can explain what a democracy is and what key features democratic communities have.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- A community is a group of people living or existing together sharing common values, interests and ways of doing things.
- In a democracy you have more rights and you can influence decision-makers and those in power.
- Democracies have key features such as free and fair elections and protected human rights.
Keywords
Democracy - a system of government in which citizens vote in regular, fair elections for representatives who then make laws and decisions on their behalf
Community - a group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common
Human rights - the basic rights and freedoms that all people are entitled to
Suffrage - the right to vote
Common misconception
Democracy is just about voting for leaders and making decisions by majority rule.
Democracy is about fairness, equality and everyone having a voice in how their society is run.
Make sure pupils understand key democratic features such as 'voting', 'representation' and 'freedom of speech' before moving on to exploring how to make communities more democratic.
Teacher tip
Equipment
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
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following organisations fight for the rights and fair treatment of children?
Which of the following organisations fight for the rights and fair treatment of children?
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
The Trussell Trust Local Food Bank
Q2.Fairness is a matter of opinion. True or false?
Fairness is a matter of opinion. True or false?
Q3.Match the word to its definition.
Match the word to its definition.
Q4.Fairness involves a process to decide what is and isn't fair, considering if everyone can achieve the same outcomes. True or false?
Fairness involves a process to decide what is and isn't fair, considering if everyone can achieve the same outcomes. True or false?
Q5.What does the organisation UNICEF aim to protect?
What does the organisation UNICEF aim to protect?
the right to an education only
the basic rights of animals
the basic rights of adults
Q6.Which definition of fairness is correct?
Which definition of fairness is correct?
Treating everyone the same.
Treating everyone equally.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following is the best definition of community?
Which of the following is the best definition of community?
a group of people
a fair and free democracy
having rights and responsibilities
Q2.Match the word to its definition.
Match the word to its definition.
Q3.Which is not a key feature of a democracy?
Which is not a key feature of a democracy?
protection of basic human rights
free and fair elections
Q4.True or false? In a democracy, you have more rights and can influence decision-makers and those in power.
True or false? In a democracy, you have more rights and can influence decision-makers and those in power.
Q5.Why might a community hold a vote?
Why might a community hold a vote?
It is the easiest way to find out who doesn’t like you.
They might be too young to fully take part in democracy.
So that one person will have the final decision.
Q6.True or false? Equality means giving everyone what they need based on their individual situation, rather than treating everyone exactly the same.
True or false? Equality means giving everyone what they need based on their individual situation, rather than treating everyone exactly the same.
