Study Guides

Unit Summary

Pupils consider what role they can play in their communities from school to local and national democracy.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explain what power and influence are and how we can influence leaders through democracy.

Key Notes

• Power is the ability to make decisions, whereas influence is the ability to affect or shape decisions.
• Young people can use democratic participation to influence leaders in power.
• You do not need to have power to make change; influence can be just as effective when used with support.
• Campaigns are organised actions that people use to raise awareness and push for change within a democratic system.
• Campaigning methods include: petitions, demonstrations, consultations, meetings with decision makers and lobbying MPs.

Vocabulary To Learn

• power: having control or authority over something or someone
• influence: the power to affect or change someone's thoughts, actions or decisions
• campaign: actions or events organised by an individual or a group of people to achieve an aim

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• Many young people believe they cannot influence decisions because they are not old enough to vote.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

More Lessons In This Unit

• How can we contribute to school decision-making? Study Guide
• How can we engage in local democracy? Study Guide
• How can we make change happen? Study Guide
• Should the voting age be reformed? Study Guide
• Should young people have the right to stand in local elections? Study Guide