KS3: Democracy- Features of Democracy

• New lesson editor
• British Values
• PSHE
• +2
• Primary Education
• Lower Secondary (Key Stage 3)

Introduction

Part of the British Values Series. In this session, we look at democracy and research other systems of government

Instructions

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We have chosen to use a balance of interactive tools and 'unplugged' creative activities.

Lessons can be taught directly from the LessonUp slides but work best when children have access to the pupil app

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KS3: The features 

of a democracy

British Values Democracy

This lesson can be used to support sessions on British Values, either as a standalone session or as a part of your wider Citizenship provision.

DfE British Values guidance

In this lesson we will:

• Recognise features of the
   democracy within the UK

• Consider alternatives
   systems of governance

Key vocabulary to be discussed:

Democracy

parliament

freedom of speech

citizenship

liberty

How do you know that

you live in a Democracy?

Use this mindmap to explore student understanding of the word democracy within the context of the UK.

You may wish to recap learning around the UK Parliament following this mindmap and then return to the map to extend or change responses.

BBC Teach KS3

Quiz

What does Democracy mean?

A

Rule by the powerful

B

Rule by the King

C

Rule by the people

D

Rule by force

What is the purpose of elections?

In this mindmap, unpick student understanding of the concept of an election.

If there have been recent local elections, you may have leaflets or other materials which are recognisable to share and discuss here.

Free and fair electionsA system to choose and replace the government

2

Equality before the Law
All people must be treated fairly and equally and must be protected by the laws of the country.

1

Freedom of Speech
Citizens have the right to express their opinions, as long as their opinions do not break the law.

5

An independent judiciary
Judges are able to pass sentences without interference from the state or monarch. Further info here.

3

An independent media

Reporters are free to tell citizens about what happens within the country.

4

Features of a Democracy

Key vocabulary to be discussed:

judiciary

independent

Equality

Freedom

You can add further hotspots or change the content easily. A how to guide can be found here.

Democracy or.....

Oligarchy

Wiki link

Monarchy

Wiki Link

Autocracy

Wiki Link

Anarchy

Wiki Link

You may wish to add further content to each hotspot as a guide for students.

Oligarchy

Democracy

Anarchy

Autocracy

A form of government in which all adults with citizenship rights are allowed to have a say in political decisions

Form of government in which a small group of privileged people have the power

Form of government where one person has absolute power with no systems

of control

A society without a government

This drag and drop will enable students to match definitions to terms which are being discussed.

You can change or add drag an drop items easily.

There is a short video here.

Research one of the systems of governance above.

Students work independently to research one of the alternatives to democracy and upload their responses here.

You may wish to extend this activity by asking students to present their findings to the class.

What is the right to express your opinions without censorship, restraint, or fear of retribution?

A

Fascism

B

Freedom of speech

C

Monarchy

D

Totalitarianism

What is the requirement that everyone

is treated equally under the law?

A

Discrimination

B

Autocracy

C

Equality

D

Oligarchy

What is the requirement that everyone

is treated equally under the law?

This poll can give you a quick snapshot of the class and an insight into who may need to explore the issue in more detail. The results will be displayed anonymously but you can look into how each child has answered the poll in the assessment view.

There is a how to guide here.