How can we improve democracy in the UK?
I can describe different ways that democracy can be improved in the UK.
How can we improve democracy in the UK?
I can describe different ways that democracy can be improved in the UK.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- In the UK the type of democracy used is representative democracy. It involves electing MPs to act upon citizens' behalf.
- Democracy can be improved in the UK by improving representation in Parliament and participation from electorates.
Keywords
Democracy - a system of government in which citizens vote in regular, fair elections for representatives who then make laws and decisions on their behalf
Representative democracy - a type of democracy where citizens choose others to represent them, making important decisions on their behalf
Representation - ensuring that different groups of people have a voice in the decision-making process and that their views, interests and needs are reflected in government
Participation - refers to the active involvement of citizens in the political process, such as voting in elections, engaging in debates or joining political groups
Common misconception
The Prime Minister is directly elected by the electorates.
The leader of each political party is voted in by members of that party. When the general election takes place, the party with the majority of seats forms the Government and the leader of that party becomes the Prime Minister.
To help you plan your year 10 citizenship lesson on: How can we improve democracy in the UK?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 citizenship lesson on: How can we improve democracy in the UK?, 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 What are the strengths and weaknesses of the UK democratic system? unit, dive into the full secondary citizenship curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
Licence
Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
ensuring different groups have a voice in the decision-making process
active involvement of citizens in the political process, e.g. voting