Is direct democracy better?

In this lesson, we will learn about the difference between direct and representative democracy and we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of both systems.

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Quiz:

Intro quiz - Recap from previous lesson

Before we start this lesson, let’s see what you can remember from this topic. Here’s a quick quiz!

Q1.From which language does the word democracy originate?

Select one (1) boxes

GreekSpanishLatin

1/7

Q2.What does democracy mean?

Select one (1) boxes

A system of government in which power is vested in the people and ‘ruled by the people’ either directly or indirectly through elected representatives.A system where there is centralised control by the government.A system of government where the rich and famous hold all the power.

2/7

Q3.Which statement most closely outlines the aim of democracy?

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To ensure human dignity, freedom, equality and justice.To allow absolute power in the hands of the monarch.To prevent some people from voting.

3/7

Q4.Absolute power, centralised control, lack of human rights and state-controlled media are all features of a democracy.

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TrueFalse

4/7

Q5.Why does a democracy require free and fair elections?

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To predict the outcome.To ensure public confidence and trust in the process.To promote a single issue that affects society.

5/7

Q6.Which country has a full democracy? (hint: think about the top 5 listed in the democracy index)

ChinaUKNorth KoreaNorway

6/7

Q7.Who said “Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all the others”.

Select one (1) boxes

Barak ObamaBoris JohnsonWinston Churchill

7/7

This quiz includes images that don't have any alt text - please contact your teacher who should be able to help you with an audio description.

Unit quizzes are being retired in August 2023

Why we're removing unit quizzes from the website >

Quiz:

Intro quiz - Recap from previous lesson

Before we start this lesson, let’s see what you can remember from this topic. Here’s a quick quiz!

Q1.From which language does the word democracy originate?

Select one (1) boxes

GreekSpanishLatin

1/7

Q2.What does democracy mean?

Select one (1) boxes

2/7

Q3.Which statement most closely outlines the aim of democracy?

Select one (1) boxes

To ensure human dignity, freedom, equality and justice.To allow absolute power in the hands of the monarch.To prevent some people from voting.

3/7

Q4.Absolute power, centralised control, lack of human rights and state-controlled media are all features of a democracy.

Select one (1) boxes

TrueFalse

4/7

Q5.Why does a democracy require free and fair elections?

Select one (1) boxes

To predict the outcome.To ensure public confidence and trust in the process.To promote a single issue that affects society.

5/7

Q6.Which country has a full democracy? (hint: think about the top 5 listed in the democracy index)

ChinaUKNorth KoreaNorway

6/7

Q7.Who said “Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all the others”.

Select one (1) boxes

Barak ObamaBoris JohnsonWinston Churchill

7/7

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This quiz includes images that don't have any alt text - please contact your teacher who should be able to help you with an audio description.

Unit quizzes are being retired in August 2023

Why we're removing unit quizzes from the website >

Quiz:

-Is direct democracy better?

Citizenship

Q1.What is direct democracy?

A form of democracy where people join a political party.A form of democracy in which people decide on policy initiatives directly.A form of democracy in which people discuss social issues.

1/6

Q2.Jean-Jacques Rousseau argued that elected representatives could not decide the will of the people the citizens should make those decisions directly.

TrueFalse

2/6

Q3.In Switzerland referendums are held at least:

Every five yearsFour times a yearOnce every 20 years

3/6

Q4.One advantage of direct democracy is:

It prevents a concentration of power as power is dispersed widely amongst the citizens.It leads to divisions within society.It can lead to voter apathy.

4/6

Q5.One disadvantage of direct democracy is:

It sometimes generates an emotional, rather than a rational, response from citizens.People may feel encouraged to learn more about politics.People may become more politically engaged.

5/6

Q6.Which landmark decision was decided by a UK wide referendum?

The new Prime Minister in 2019The suspension of Parliament in 2020The UK's exit from the European Union in 2016

6/6

This quiz includes images that don't have any alt text - please contact your teacher who should be able to help you with an audio description.

Unit quizzes are being retired in August 2023

Why we're removing unit quizzes from the website >

Quiz:

-Is direct democracy better?

Citizenship

Q1.What is direct democracy?

A form of democracy where people join a political party.A form of democracy in which people decide on policy initiatives directly.A form of democracy in which people discuss social issues.

1/6

Q2.Jean-Jacques Rousseau argued that elected representatives could not decide the will of the people the citizens should make those decisions directly.

TrueFalse

2/6

Q3.In Switzerland referendums are held at least:

Every five yearsFour times a yearOnce every 20 years

3/6

Q4.One advantage of direct democracy is:

It prevents a concentration of power as power is dispersed widely amongst the citizens.It leads to divisions within society.It can lead to voter apathy.

4/6

Q5.One disadvantage of direct democracy is:

It sometimes generates an emotional, rather than a rational, response from citizens.People may feel encouraged to learn more about politics.People may become more politically engaged.

5/6

Q6.Which landmark decision was decided by a UK wide referendum?

The new Prime Minister in 2019The suspension of Parliament in 2020The UK's exit from the European Union in 2016

6/6

Lesson summary: Is direct democracy better?

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The next lesson in:
What are the strengths and weaknesses of the UK democratic system?
is:
Are elections truly fair?

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Is direct democracy better?

Unit quizzes are being retired in August 2023

Intro quiz - Recap from previous lesson

Unit quizzes are being retired in August 2023

Intro quiz - Recap from previous lesson

Video

Worksheet

Unit quizzes are being retired in August 2023

-Is direct democracy better?

Unit quizzes are being retired in August 2023

-Is direct democracy better?

Lesson summary: Is direct democracy better?

It looks like you have not completed one of the quizzes.

Time to move!

The next lesson in: What are the strengths and weaknesses of the UK democratic system? is: Are elections truly fair?

Browse Oak's lessons:

The next lesson in:
What are the strengths and weaknesses of the UK democratic system?
is:
Are elections truly fair?