How Democratic is the UK? (2024)

Ideal for promoting debate and discussion.
This resource challenges students to think about what being British means, through being critical of aspects of democracy in the UK.
The UK is one of the world’s few full democracies but how well does the current system reflect voting and society?
This resource encourages students to consider a range of ways in which the UK falls short- including the gender make up of representatives and how election results do not reflect votes cast. It provides opportunities to work and discuss co-operatively - developing team working and listening skills which supports democratic methods.
For each aspect there is some information –including that which is critical of common perceptions of the nation (especially in the past but also today as with gender inequality).
Most of them also have a selection of discussion points to stimulate debate e.g. Should voting be compulsory in the UK (it is in Australia)?
Topics covered:
What is democracy?
The system in the UK
Representative democracy? Do results reflect votes?
Votes and results –by party
Women in politics
Ethnic minorities in politics
‘Fairer’ voting systems
Local Authorities
Who are the councillors?

This is ideal for promoting discussion in citizenship or tutor time as well as politics etc.
Provided in both word document and power point formats.