New
New
Year 10

How do others govern?

I can explain how both a democratic and non-democratic government outside of the UK work.

New
New
Year 10

How do others govern?

I can explain how both a democratic and non-democratic government outside of the UK work.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Countries are governed in different ways depending on their political system.
  2. Democratic countries, such as Belgium, protect rights, allow elections and encourage citizen participation.
  3. Non-democratic countries, such as China, concentrate power and limit freedoms.

Keywords

  • Government - the group of people with the authority to govern a country; in the UK, the Government is chosen and led by the Prime Minister (PM)

  • Democracy - a system of government in which citizens vote in regular, fair elections for representatives who then make laws and decisions on their behalf

Common misconception

One type of government is better than the other.

It is not always that simple. Every country governs differently and the effectiveness of a government depends on many factors such as how well it protects people’s rights, ensures fairness and responds to citizens' needs.


To help you plan your year 10 citizenship lesson on: How do others govern?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Before the lesson, review current Democracy Index scores and recent events for the countries you are using to ensure accuracy and relevance. This helps pupils see how political systems evolve and how current events affect democracy in action.
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.
A system is a set of processes and structures that work together to make political decisions and manage a country's governance.
Correct Answer: political
Q2.
Who makes the decisions in representative democracies?
hereditary leaders
Correct answer: elected representatives
appointed leaders
hereditary representatives
Q3.
Match the system to its description.
Correct Answer:parliamentary,the executive is a Prime Minister and linked to the legislature

the executive is a Prime Minister and linked to the legislature

Correct Answer:presidential,the Head of Government is elected separately from the legislature

the Head of Government is elected separately from the legislature

Correct Answer:hybrid,has elements of both parliamentary and presidential systems

has elements of both parliamentary and presidential systems

Q4.
Which of the following is a key characteristic of a parliamentary system of government?
The Head of Government is elected directly by the public.
Correct answer: The executive is chosen from the legislature and is accountable to it.
The executive and legislature are separate and independent.
The Head of State has no role in government decisions.
Q5.
In a presidential system, the President...
has limited powers and works alongside a Prime Minister
is directly elected by Parliament
Correct answer: is both the Head of State and the Head of Government
has no real power and is a ceremonial figure
Q6.
The separation of powers ensures that no single branch of government has too much power, and that the legislative, executive and branches each have their own responsibilities.
Correct Answer: judiciary, judicial

6 Questions

Q1.
Match the Democracy Index category to its examples.
Correct Answer:full democracy,strong protection of rights, free elections, active political culture

strong protection of rights, free elections, active political culture

Correct Answer:flawed democracy,elections held but some issues might exist such as low turnout

elections held but some issues might exist such as low turnout

Correct Answer:hybrid regime,elections might be rigged and issues exist, e.g., weak rule of law

elections might be rigged and issues exist, e.g., weak rule of law

Correct Answer:authoritarian regime,one leader or party in charge, no opposition, limited freedoms

one leader or party in charge, no opposition, limited freedoms

Q2.
Order the countries from most to least democratic, as per the 2024 Democracy Index.
1 - New Zealand
2 - India
3 - Turkey
4 - North Korea
Q3.
What is a key feature of a democratic government?
Correct answer: active citizenship
elections are not free
no rule of law
weak separation of powers
Q4.
In a non-democratic country, the Government often freedoms and controls key areas like media and elections.
Correct Answer: limit, restrict, limits, restricts
Q5.
Every country governs differently and the effectiveness of a depends on many factors such as how well it protects people’s rights, ensures fairness and responds to citizens' needs.
Correct Answer: government
Q6.
Which of the following are examples of non-democratic governments?
Correct answer: absolute monarchy
Correct answer: authoritarian regimes
democracy
Correct answer: dictatorship