1. Lesson 2 What is Democracy? POWER

2. POWER – Learning Objectives All students will understand what is meant by the word democracy? Most students will understand what the main features of a democracy are. Some students will be able to assess how democratic is the British political system is.

3. STARTER What is DEMOCRACY? CLASS TASK: Nominate one of your peers – What do they think DEMOCRACY is?

4. STARTER What is DEMOCRACY? It literally means “government by the people.” In the UK, government’s power is based upon consent and legal rational authority , rather than coercion. Some may argue UK is undemocratic – Monarch and Lords aren’t voted in!

5. STARTER What does UN DEMOCRATICMEAN ? No choice of political parties to vote for – only one! Communism or a Dictatorship

6. 2 TYPES DEMOCRACY INDIRECT DIRECT TASK: Turn to page 230 and write down an explanation for each type. When citizens take a DIRECT part in decision making process. For example DIRECTLY vote on proposals for new law/policy When citizens ELECT representatives to make political decisions (law and policy) for them. For example in UK we have a REPRESENTIVE DEMOCRACY. MP’s

7. Freedom of speech and expression is allowed Elections are held during which people can vote freely for whichever candidate they choose Fair Court Trials are DENIED! Organisations such as the trade union are free to meet Pressure groups are banned The legal system and police force are independent of the government One individual or one elite group rules There is tight government control of the press and television WORSHEET TASK: Colour code each title then colour in the circles matching the title FEATURES OF UNDEMOCRATIC POLITICAL SYSTEMS FEATURES OF DEMOCRACIES

8. Freedom of speech and expression is allowed Elections are held during which people can vote freely for whichever candidate they choose Fair Court Trials are DENIED! Organisations such as the trade union are free to meet Pressure groups are banned The legal system and police force are independent of the government One individual or one elite group rules There is tight government control of the press and television FEATURES OF UNDEMOCRATIC POLITICAL SYSTEMS FEATURES OF DEMOCRACIES

9. OUR DEMOCRACIES How much power do you think the school council has at Caterham? Is the council really democratic? How democratic do you think this process really is? How are students chosen for roles as form reps or the school council at Caterham? CLASS DISCUSSION: Together answer the following questions.

10. CITIZENSHIP In a democratic way what do you think ‘CITIZENSHIP’ in the UK means? WHITEBOARD TASK: Tell me what you think A. Being a member of the school football team B. Being a member of a particular state – in our case the UK C. Being a part of an elite communist ruling party.

11. CITIZENSHIP What kind of ‘status’ do you think ‘CITIZENSHIP’ in the UK has? WHITEBOARD TASK: Tell me what you think A. A legal and political status. We all have the right to vote for who we like and FULL LEGAL RIGHTS. B. A restricted status where what we watch on tv and who we vote for is under tight government control. C. A ruling status where we vote directly for laws and policies NOT ELECTING representatives to make political decisions .

12. CITIZENSHIP What do you think ‘ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP’ might mean? WHITEBOARD TASK: Tell me what you think A. Citizens being actively involved in public life and participating in the political process. For example voting, knowing about current affairs or joining a pressure group. B. Citizens not knowing anything about public life and never participating in the political process. For example they may have never voted in their life. C. Citizens trying to overthrow the government.

13. CITIZENSHIP Watch the video and tell me why ‘ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP’ is important? WHITEBOARD TASK: Tell me what you think A. To meet up with like minded people and go for a beer. B. So that citizens can cause mayhem on the streets. C. So that citizens can get their points over to the government and hopefully make governments respond to public opinion.

14. CITIZENSHIP Why do you think it’s important to have CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION? WHITEBOARD TASK: Tell me what you think A. So that young people can become informed and active citizens, knowing their rights, responsibilities and understanding what it is to be British. B. So teachers can dictate to children how they should act and behave. C. To make sure children do not join gangs and commit crime.

15. POWER – PLENARY TASK Why does a democracy need at least 2 political parties? So that the people have a choice of who represents them in government. WHITEBOARD TASK: Tell me what you think

16. How could people argue that the UK is Undemocratic? POWER – PLENARY TASK WHITEBOARD TASK: Tell me what you think

17. Why is political Education (like this lesson!) important in a democracy? POWER – PLENARY TASK WHITEBOARD TASK: Tell me what you think

18. HOMEWORK What do you think being a good CITIZEN involves? TASK : Write a paragraph answering this question