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Year 10

Should moral decisions be decided by referendum?

I can create a reasoned argument whether moral decisions should be decided by a referendum.

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New
New
Year 10

Should moral decisions be decided by referendum?

I can create a reasoned argument whether moral decisions should be decided by a referendum.

Download all resources
Share activities with pupils

These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

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These resources were created for remote use during the pandemic and are not designed for classroom teaching.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Moral decisions often involve rights and values. In the UK, the Government is mainly responsible for making them.
  2. The UK Government may involve the people by using ethics committees or public consultations to shape moral decisions.
  3. Some countries use referendums to decide moral decisions, such as Switzerland's vote on animal testing.
  4. 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.


To help you plan your year 10 citizenship lesson on: Should moral decisions be decided by referendum?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

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.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

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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Prior knowledge starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Match the term to its correct definition.
Correct Answer:referendum,a public vote on a specific political issue

a public vote on a specific political issue

Correct Answer:citizens' assembly,a group of citizens discussing and advising on an issue

a group of citizens discussing and advising on an issue

Correct Answer:Member of Parliament (MP),an elected person who represents people in Parliament

an elected person who represents people in Parliament

Q2.
Who makes the final decision on most environmental policies in the UK?
the public through referendums
Correct answer: the UK Government
the House of Lords and appointed members
the citizens' assemblies
Q3.
Why might some people argue referendums are not always suitable for environmental issues?
environmental issues are not of public importance
environmental issues do not affect the public
Correct answer: some environmental issues are complex and need expert input
referendums are not allowed to be used on environmental issues
Q4.
Which country used a citizens' assembly to help decide on biodiversity policies?
France
Germany
Correct answer: Ireland
United Kingdom
Q5.
What is one strength of using referendums to decide environmental issues?
They allow experts to make all decisions.
Correct answer: They give the public a direct say in important issues.
They are always quick and cheap to organise.
They remove the need for any laws.
Q6.
One weakness of is that they can be expensive and time-consuming.
Correct Answer: referendums, a referendum

Assessment exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Match the terms to their correct definitions.
Correct Answer:rights,something we are entitled to by law

something we are entitled to by law

Correct Answer:Act,a law passed by Parliament

a law passed by Parliament

Correct Answer:referendum,a general vote on a single political issue

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?
Correct answer: animal testing for medicine
building a new school
changing the price of stamps
holding a general election
Q3.
Which statement is most accurate about moral issues in the UK?
Only the Government can influence moral decisions.
Courts never deal with moral issues.
The public make all moral decisions.
Correct answer: Citizens can be involved through consultations and campaigns.
Q4.
The UK Government sometimes holds public to hear people’s views before passing laws.
Correct Answer: consultations
Q5.
Put these events related to the Public Order Act 2023 in chronological order.
1 - The Government carried out a limited consultation.
2 - The Public Order Act 2023 was introduced.
3 - Groups such as Greenpeace and Liberty challenged the Act.
4 - The Court of Appeal confirmed that parts of the Act were unlawful.
Q6.
Which of the following is a strength of using referendums to make moral decisions?
They are always quick and easy to run.
They guarantee the public makes the best decision.
Correct answer: They give people a direct say on important moral issues.
They avoid public involvement in complex topics.