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Year 11 - Citizenship

What is a free press and why is it important for democracy?

Should the UK be called a democracy?

Unit Summary

Pupils consider what makes a democracy, they explore key features of democracy in the UK and consider how those in power are held to account.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explain what a free press is and its importance in a democracy.

Key Notes

  • A free press is the right for the media to publish and share information and opinions without interference.
  • A free press allows for freedom, transparency and accountability.
  • A free press can support and hinder democracy in the UK.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • free press: the right of media to report news and express opinions without government censorship or interference
  • democracy: a system of government in which citizens vote in regular, fair elections for representatives who then make laws and decisions on their behalf

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Media outlets are always factual and not bias.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain the lesson in two key points.

A free press is the right for the media to publish and share information and opinions without interference. A free press allows for freedom, transparency and accountability.

2. What does this key word mean in this lesson? 'free press'

the right of media to report news and express opinions without government censorship or interference.

3. Correct this common mistake.

Mistake: Media outlets are always factual and not bias. Correction: Media outlets strive to report factual information. However, they can still exhbit media bias that can be linked to political affiliations and concentration of media ownership.

More Lessons In This Unit

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