How can we tell if the UK is democratic?
I can explain what is meant by a democracy and give examples of democratic features seen in the UK.
How can we tell if the UK is democratic?
I can explain what is meant by a democracy and give examples of democratic features seen in the UK.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- There are two main types of democracy: direct and representative. The UK is a representative democracy.
- Key features of democracy incude free and fair elections, multi-party system and protect of human rights.
- First Past The Post is the electoral system used for general elections in the UK.
- Democracy can always be improved, e.g., by increasing voter turnout, reducing apathy and addressing tactical voting.
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
Representative democracy - type of democracy where citizens choose others to represent them, making important decisions on their behalf
First Past The Post - the voting system used in the UK to elect members of some local councils and Members of Parliament, whereby the candidate with the most votes in a constituency wins
Common misconception
Low voter turnout means people are not interested in politics.
Voter apathy might play a part in low voter turnout but other reasons exist, such as feeling votes will not count.
To help you plan your year 11 citizenship lesson on: How can we tell if the UK is democratic?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 citizenship lesson on: How can we tell if the UK is democratic?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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Explore more key stage 4 citizenship lessons from the Should the UK be called a democracy? unit, dive into the full secondary citizenship curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
the percentage of eligible voters that actually vote
eligible voters that choose not to vote as uninterested in politics
areas that are consistently won by the same party with a large margin