Understanding Government and Democracy

Mike Kirby

2660ePackMay 01978 1 84070 352 8

Essential Citizenship material

Making sense of how government works and what democracy means is an essential part of our education in Citizenship. Yet these topics can often seem difficult and remote to young people. This resource is sympathetic to the problems. Written specifically for young people, it conveys the key facts about the workings of government using language and examples that are particularly appropriate for the 11-16 age range.

The activities encourage pupils to get inside the subject and explore important questions about what democracy means and how it relates to them and their communities. Special attention is given to the role of elections as a central feature of democratic government. Carefully planned summary sheets are supported by clear diagrams and illustrations to provide a stimulating, short course in this essential area.

Understanding Government and Democracy offers:

• a major contribution to Citizenship
• links with other parts of the curriculum
• self-contained study units
• explanation as to what it means to be a citizen
• accessible summaries of the key facts
• valuable PSHE material
• a straightforward guide to how democracy and government work
• background materials for a school mock election.

Although the resource is self-contained, it can also be used in conjunction with The Election Kit to support the learning process by staging a school mock election.

Contents

Introduction

Part 1: Elections

• Choosing the Government
• The Electorate
• The Right to Vote
• The Electoral System
• Proportional Representation
• Election Candidates
• Campaigning
• Party Manifestos
• Voting Behaviour
• Opinion Polls

Part 2: Government

• How the UK is Governed
• The Constitution
• The Prime Minister
• The Civil Service
• The House of Commons
• The House of Lords
• Members of Parliament
• Government Services
• The European Union

Part 3: Democracy

• Democracy and Representation
• Democracy in the UK
• Citizenship
• Rights and Responsibilities
• Rights and the Law
• Politics and Power
• Political Parties
• Pressure Groups
• The Media and Politics