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Year 8

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.

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New
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Year 8

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.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Democratic rights are fundamental freedoms and entitlements needed to sustain political democracy.
  2. 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.

Encourage pupls to think about how the actions discussed in this lesson can make a real difference in their communities.
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Equipment

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Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
  • Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
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Supervision

Adult supervision required

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Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on
Open Government Licence version 3.0
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Which of the following is a key feature of a democracy?
Power is concentrated in the hands of a single leader.
Correct answer: Citizens have the right to vote and participate in decision-making.
The Government controls all aspects of the economy.
Elections are held once a decade.
Q2.
Which of the following Acts granted (some) women the right to vote for the first time in the UK?
Correct answer: The Representation of the People Act 1918
The Great Reform Act 1832
The Representation of the People Act 1867
Q3.
Who was the leader of the Suffragettes?
Correct Answer: Emmeline Pankhurst, Pankhurst, Christabel Pankhurst, Sylvia Pankhusrt
Q4.
Match the sentence starter to it's end.
Correct Answer:A protest is,a public demonstration expressing disapproval to a situation.
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a public demonstration expressing disapproval to a situation.

Correct Answer:Laws are ,rules, made by Parliament, that all society has to follow.
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rules, made by Parliament, that all society has to follow.

Correct Answer:Disorder is,disruptive or violent behaviour.
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disruptive or violent behaviour.

Q5.
Which of the following is a common argument in favour of giving 16- and 17-year-olds the right to vote?
They are financially independent and can make informed decisions on taxes.
They are mature enough to serve in government positions.
Correct answer: They are directly affected by policies made by politicians.
They have the legal right to drive and should therefore take part in elections.
Q6.
What is a common argument against giving 16- and 17-year-olds the right to vote?
Correct answer: They are seen as too young to understand complex political issues.
They are not affected by government policies.
They are all required to work full-time and lack free time.
They lack the legal right to work or drive.

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What am I describing? Fundamental rights and freedoms that every person is entitled to.
Correct Answer: Human rights, human right
Q2.
What am I describing? Fundamental freedoms and entitlements needed to maintain a democratic society.
Correct Answer: democratic rights
Q3.
Which of the following is an example of a democratic right?
right to fair trial
Correct answer: right to vote in elections
right to privacy
right to own property
Q4.
Match the right to it's description.
Correct Answer:freedom of speech,people can express their opinions and criticise the Government
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people can express their opinions and criticise the Government

Correct Answer:freedom of association,people can join groups, organisations, and political parties
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people can join groups, organisations, and political parties

Correct Answer:freedom of assembly ,people can gather and protest peacefully
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people can gather and protest peacefully

Q5.
Which of the following is not a way to exercise democratic rights without voting?
joining a political party and campaigning for candidates
Correct answer: serving on a jury
contacting your local councillor or MP
joining a protest or pressure group
Q6.
Which of the following would joining a political party as a youth member enable you to do?
Correct answer: campaign during elections
plan and participate in protests or campaigns
Correct answer: shape party policies on issues important to young people
Correct answer: gain experience in organising, debating and leading