Year 8 - Citizenship
How do citizens take action?
How can citizens bring about change?
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit, pupils explore the different ways citizens can take action and what role this plays in democracy.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to explain how citizens can take action in a democracy and what makes an action effective.
Key Notes
- The UK is a representative democracy where citizens can influence the country's decisions.
- Article 21 of the UDHR guarantees citizens the right to participate in politics through choosing their representatives.
- Citizens can take action in a democracy through voting, social media, petitions, lobbying, demonstrations and boycotts.
- Successful campaigns use effective methods like a clear message and public support.
- Effective actions also require support from those in power, financial backing and determination to succeed.
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
- citizen: a person who was born in a particular country and has certain rights or has been given certain rights because of having lived there
- effective: getting the results you want in a way that works well and doesn't waste time or effort
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Only people in power can take effective action.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain the lesson in two key points.
The UK is a representative democracy where citizens can influence the country's decisions. Article 21 of the UDHR guarantees citizens the right to participate in politics through choosing their representatives.
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: Only people in power can take effective action. Correction: Every citizen can take effective action to make lasting change to their local, national or global community. You do not need to be in a position of power to take effective action.
More Lessons In This Unit
Browse all guides in the Year 8 Citizenship guide library.