Should moral decisions be decided by referendum?
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can create a reasoned argument whether moral decisions should be decided by a referendum.
Key learning points
- Moral decisions often involve rights and values. In the UK, the Government is mainly responsible for making them.
- The UK Government may involve the people by using ethics committees or public consultations to shape moral decisions.
- Some countries use referendums to decide moral decisions, such as Switzerland's vote on animal testing.
- Referendums can reflect changing values over time, but they can be expensive and time-consuming.
Keywords
Right - something we are entitled to by law
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
Common misconception
The public has no say in moral decisions because the UK Government makes all the laws.
While the Government plays a key role, the public can be involved through consultations, ethics committees and campaigns. People can also challenge decisions through the courts if rights are affected.
Teacher tip
When teaching this topic, remember that moral issues can be sensitive or personal for pupils, especially when linked to human rights, religion or cultural values. Create a respectful learning environment and focus on how decisions are made.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the term to its correct definition.
a public vote on a specific political issue
a group of citizens discussing and advising on an issue
an elected person who represents people in Parliament
Q2.Who makes the final decision on most environmental policies in the UK?
Q3.Why might some people argue referendums are not always suitable for environmental issues?
Q4.Which country used a citizens' assembly to help decide on biodiversity policies?
Q5.What is one strength of using referendums to decide environmental issues?
Q6.One weakness of is that they can be expensive and time-consuming.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the terms to their correct definitions.
something we are entitled to by law
a law passed by Parliament
a general vote on a single political issue
Q2.Which of these is an example of a moral issue that could be debated in the UK?
Q3.Which statement is most accurate about moral issues in the UK?
Q4.The UK Government sometimes holds public to hear people’s views before passing laws.
Q5.Put these events related to the Public Order Act 2023 in chronological order.
Q6.Which of the following is a strength of using referendums to make moral decisions?
To help you plan your 10 citizenship lesson on: Should moral decisions be decided by referendum?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 citizenship lesson on: Should moral decisions be decided by referendum?, 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 How can politicians involve citizens in direct decision making? unit, dive into the full secondary citizenship curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.