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Year 10

Why is media freedom necessary in a democracy?

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Year 10

Why is media freedom necessary in a democracy?

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. In this lesson, we will define what a free media is in all its forms. We will go on to examine the importance of a free media and the roles that media plays within a democratic country. Lastly, we will focus on the role the media has on holding those in power to account.

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This content is made available by Oak National Academy Limited and its partners and licensed under Oak’s terms & conditions (Collection 1), except where otherwise stated.

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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What is the role of elections in a democracy?
Elections ensure that smaller parties are unsuccessful.
Elections ensure that the views of the public are ignored.
Correct answer: Elections ensure that the will of the majority is made clear.
Q2.
The first past the post system is:
A system of voting where the share of votes equally represent the parliamentary seats gained.
A voting system that provides voters with only one candidate to chose.
Correct answer: An electoral voting system used in UK general and local elections, where the candidate with the most votes wins.
Q3.
One advantage of using the first past the post system is:
It can allow smaller parties to succeed.
Correct answer: It is simple to understand and can produce a clear winner.
There are fewer wasted votes.
Q4.
One disadvantage of the first past the post system is:
Can produce more coalition governments.
Correct answer: Only winning votes count and so candidates may be elected on little public support.
Results are calculated quickly and announced hours after voting.
Q5.
Which statement accurately describes proportional representation (PR).
PR is a voting system in which 50% of the seats are awarded to the most popular party.
PR is a voting system in which the candidate with the most votes wins.
Correct answer: PR is a voting systems in which the share of seats a party wins matches the share of votes it receives.
Q6.
Identify two advantages of a PR system.
Correct answer: Fewer wasted votes.
Correct answer: It provides more opportunity for smaller parties to succeed.
May allow extremist parties into the political mainstream.
MPs may have no links to a constituency.

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What are the three types of media:
Judiciary, executive and the legislature
Correct answer: New media, print and broadcast.
Tabloid and broadsheet
Q2.
What does media freedom mean?
Correct answer: Freedom of the media is the principle that all forms of communication and expression should be considered a right to be exercised freely.
Freedom of the media is the principle that the media must be restricted at all times.
Freedom of the media means to allow everyone access to free magazines.
Q3.
In a democracy, the media's role is to hold government to account.
False
Correct answer: True
Q4.
Another role of the media is to:
Represent information that is not true.
Represent the different views of the journalist.
Correct answer: Represent the views of the public.
Q5.
How is the media controlled?
Through government interference.
Correct answer: Through regulation, censorship and laws.
Through the public boycotting different media sources.
Q6.
Why is the media important in a democracy?
because the media can ensure that actions of the government are kept secret.
Correct answer: because the media can hold the government to account and represent views of the public to influence new laws.
because the media can support the government so that it is strong and stable.