How can we become involved in politics?
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe the different ways we can become involved in politics in the UK.
Key learning points
- Voting is important because it allows people to choose their leaders and influence decisions on key issues.
- Voting ensures your voice is heard and helps shape the future.
- Politics isn't just about voting other actions you can take include: attend protests, contact your MP or sign petitions.
- Young people can make a difference by speaking out on social media, participating in campaigns and youth councils.
- 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.
Teacher tip
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.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In a direct democracy, citizens participate in decision-making directly, rather than through their elected .
Q2.Which of the following is not a feature of democracy?
Q3.Match the word to the correct definition.
a system of government where citizens vote in regular, fair elections
an agreement reached by a group as a whole, often after discussion
a system of government where leaders have complete control
Q4.Which of the following is a potential strength of a democracy?
Q5.In an authoritarian regime, decision-making power is concentrated in a leader or small elite, often the people's will.
Q6.Match the criteria to its description when evaluating a government system.
safeguarding individual freedoms, such as freedom of speech
ensuring every citizen is treated equally under the law
how quickly decisions are made
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following is a way to participate in politics besides voting?
Q2.Which of the following is an example of raising awareness about an important issue?
Q3.Match the word to the correct definition.
the activity of choosing someone or something
a person who takes responsibility for improving their community
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.
Q5.What can happen if voter turnout is too low?
Q6.Match the action to the description.
writing or meeting with an MP to raise concerns
adding your name to a formal request for change
working with others to promote a specific cause or issue
To help you plan your 11 citizenship lesson on: How can we become involved in politics?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 citizenship lesson on: How can we become involved in politics?, 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.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 citizenship lessons from the What are the different ways we can become involved in politics? unit, dive into the full secondary citizenship curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.