Year 10 - Citizenship
How can we improve democracy in the UK?
What are the strengths and weaknesses of the UK democratic system?
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
Pupils develop their knowledge of democracy and the different types of democracy considering the strengths and weaknesses of the UK system.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to describe different ways that democracy can be improved in the UK.
Key Notes
- In the UK the type of democracy used is representative democracy.
- This type of democracy involves electing MPs to act on citizens' behalf.
- Democracy can be improved in the UK by improving representation in Parliament and participation by citizens.
Vocabulary To Learn
- 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 Mistakes To Avoid
- The Prime Minister is directly elected by the electorate.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain the lesson in two key points.
In the UK the type of democracy used is representative democracy. This type of democracy involves electing MPs to act on citizens' behalf.
2. What does this key word mean in this lesson? 'democracy'
a system of government in which citizens vote in regular, fair elections for representatives who then make laws and decisions on their behalf.
3. Correct this common mistake.
Mistake: The Prime Minister is directly elected by the electorate. Correction: 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.
More Lessons In This Unit
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