What are referendums and why are they used?
I can explain what a referendum is and how they can be used in a democracy.
What are referendums and why are they used?
I can explain what a referendum is and how they can be used in a democracy.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- Democracy is a system of government where power is rooted in the people. There are two types: direct and representative.
- Representative democracy is the most common, where people elect representatives to vote and make laws on their behalf.
- A referendum is an example of direct democracy; they are held on issues of national, regional and local importance.
Keywords
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
Representative democracy - type of democracy where citizens choose others to represent them, making important decisions on their behalf
Direct democracy - where the people decide on the policy directly, for example, through a vote or referendum on each issue
Common misconception
Referendums are only about national issues.
Referendums are held for a wide range of reasons. They might be national, (like the UK's relationship with Europe), or they might be regional, (like Scottish independence). Sometimes, a referendum can be local too.
To help you plan your year 11 citizenship lesson on: What are referendums and why are they used?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 citizenship lesson on: What are referendums and why are they used?, 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.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 4 citizenship lessons from the How well has the UK adjusted to its changing relationship with the EU? unit, dive into the full secondary citizenship curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
a meeting between heads of government
a group of countries with common interests who have formed an alliance
working together to achieve the same end
Exit quiz
6 Questions
a general vote on a single issue for a direct decision
citizens choose others to represent them and make decisions for them
people decide on the policy directly