New
New
Year 11

How can we become involved in politics?

I can describe the different ways we can become involved in politics in the UK.

New
New
Year 11

How can we become involved in politics?

I can describe the different ways we can become involved in politics in the UK.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Voting is important because it allows people to choose their leaders and influence decisions on key issues.
  2. Voting ensures your voice is heard and helps shape the future.
  3. Politics isn't just about voting other actions you can take include: attend protests, contact your MP or sign petitions.
  4. Young people can make a difference by speaking out on social media, participating in campaigns and youth councils.
  5. Being an active citizen means being aware, engaging with your community and taking action to make a positive impact.

Keywords

  • Voting - the activity of choosing someone or something in an election

  • Active citizen - a person who actively takes responsibility, becomes invovled in areas of public concern and tries to make a positive difference in their community

Common misconception

Voting is the only way to become involved in politics.

Voting isn't the only way to be involved in politics; you can raise awareness about important issues, join campaigns, speak out on social media or participate in protests and petitions.


To help you plan your year 11 citizenship lesson on: How can we become involved in politics?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Encourage pupils to explore various ways of engaging in politics beyond voting, such as joining a political party, attending protests (with parent/carer permission), contacting their MP or signing petitions. This helps them understand their role in shaping society.
Teacher tip

Equipment

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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6 Questions

Q1.
In a direct democracy, citizens participate in decision-making directly, rather than through their elected .
Correct Answer: representatives
Q2.
Which of the following is not a feature of democracy?
free and independent media
a pluralistic system
Correct answer: concentration of power
Q3.
Match the word to the correct definition.
Correct Answer:democracy,a system of government where citizens vote in regular, fair elections

a system of government where citizens vote in regular, fair elections

Correct Answer:consensus,an agreement reached by a group as a whole, often after discussion

an agreement reached by a group as a whole, often after discussion

Correct Answer:authoritarian regime,a system of government where leaders have complete control

a system of government where leaders have complete control

Q4.
Which of the following is a potential strength of a democracy?
decisions are made quickly without much debate
Correct answer: diverse perspectives can lead to balanced outcomes
power is concentrated in one leader to ensure stability
it limits public participation in decision-making
Q5.
In an authoritarian regime, decision-making power is concentrated in a leader or small elite, often the people's will.
following
considering
Correct answer: disregarding
Q6.
Match the criteria to its description when evaluating a government system.
Correct Answer:rights protection,safeguarding individual freedoms, such as freedom of speech

safeguarding individual freedoms, such as freedom of speech

Correct Answer:fairness,ensuring every citizen is treated equally under the law

ensuring every citizen is treated equally under the law

Correct Answer:efficiency,how quickly decisions are made

how quickly decisions are made

6 Questions

Q1.
Which of the following is a way to participate in politics besides voting?
Correct answer: participating in protests
ignoring government decisions
staying silent on important matters
refusing to learn about politics
Q2.
Which of the following is an example of raising awareness about an important issue?
staying silent about a problem
avoiding protests
Correct answer: sharing accurate information about it on social media
ignoring petitions
Q3.
Match the word to the correct definition.
Correct Answer:voting,the activity of choosing someone or something

the activity of choosing someone or something

Correct Answer:active citizen,a person who takes responsibility for improving their community

a person who takes responsibility for improving their community

Correct Answer:petition,formal request signed by many people, urging action on specific issues

formal request signed by many people, urging action on specific issues

Q4.
A democracy has engaged citizens who support democratic principles, vote regularly and commit to a peaceful transfer of power after elections.
professionally
Correct answer: politically
economically
Q5.
What can happen if voter turnout is too low?
It allows Parliament to make decisions on their own without any input.
Correct answer: It weakens democracy since less people are expressing their opinions.
It changes the UK into a monarchy where the monarch makes all the laws.
Q6.
Match the action to the description.
Correct Answer:contacting your MP,writing or meeting with an MP to raise concerns

writing or meeting with an MP to raise concerns

Correct Answer:signing a petition,adding your name to a formal request for change

adding your name to a formal request for change

Correct Answer:joining a campaign,working with others to promote a specific cause or issue

working with others to promote a specific cause or issue