What are rights and where do they come from?
I can describe what the rule of law is, explain how human rights laws have developed over time and assess the impact of these laws in shaping democratic societies.
What are rights and where do they come from?
I can describe what the rule of law is, explain how human rights laws have developed over time and assess the impact of these laws in shaping democratic societies.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- A key feature of the rule of law is that everyone, including those in power, are subject to the law.
- The rule of law and democratic systems hold those in power accountable, preventing dictatorship and corruption.
- There is a long history of human rights legislation in the UK, Europe and the world.
- Each piece of legislation has had a different impact on how human rights are protected in societies today.
Keywords
Rule of law - the principle that all individuals within a state, including government and leaders, are subject to the same laws and must follow them; it ensures fairness, justice and accountability in society
Rights - fundamental freedoms and protections that individuals are entitled to by law
Democracy - a system of government in which citizens vote in regular, fair elections for representatives who then make laws and decisions on their behalf
Legislation - a law or set of laws that have been passed by Parliament; the word is also used to describe the act of making a new law
Common misconception
The rule of law applies only to ordinary citizens, not leaders or those in power.
A key feature of the rule of law is that everyone, including those in power, are subject to the law.
To help you plan your year 11 citizenship lesson on: What are rights and where do they come from?, 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 rights and where do they come from?, 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 Why do we need the right to protest in a democracy? unit, dive into the full secondary citizenship curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
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Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
a non-governmental organisation that often works for social causes
the branch of government that interprets and applies laws
participating in civic duties to improve society
political and economic union of 27 European countries
an international organisation promoting peace and cooperation
Exit quiz
5 Questions
all individuals must follow and be accountable to the law
fundamental freedoms and protections that individuals are entitled to
a system of government where power is given to the people
laws for how people and institutions should behave in society