How can we exercise democratic rights without a vote?
I can explain what democratic rights are and how to exercise them, even if I am not eligible to vote yet.
How can we exercise democratic rights without a vote?
I can explain what democratic rights are and how to exercise them, even if I am not eligible to vote yet.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Democratic rights are fundamental freedoms and entitlements needed to sustain political democracy.
- There are several ways you can exercise your democratic rights, even if you cannot vote.
Keywords
Human tights - basic rights and freedoms that all people are entitled to
Democratic rights - fundamental freedoms and entitlements needed to maintain a democratic society
Common misconception
Voting is the only way you can exercise your democratic rights.
There are several ways you can exercise your democratic rights, even if you cannot vote. You could: contact your local councilor or Member of Parliament (MP); express your opinion, join a protest or pressure group; or join a political party.
To help you plan your year 8 citizenship lesson on: How can we exercise democratic rights without a vote?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 8 citizenship lesson on: How can we exercise democratic rights without a vote?, 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 3 citizenship lessons from the Why was the struggle for the vote important today? unit, dive into the full secondary citizenship curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Starter quiz
6 Questions
a public demonstration expressing disapproval to a situation.
rules, made by Parliament, that all society has to follow.
disruptive or violent behaviour.
Exit quiz
6 Questions
people can express their opinions and criticise the Government
people can join groups, organisations, and political parties
people can gather and protest peacefully