Overview
This resource pack is the third of a four-part set which has been designed to introduce students to the concept of democracy. Each pack can be delivered independently of each other, or combined together to form a broader scheme of work.
Students explore the difference between local and central government. Through taking part students will be able to answer key questions such as:
- What are the key functions and roles of local and central government?
- What are the key differences between local and central government?
- How do local governments make and spend money?
- How can they make their voices heard amongst local decision makers?
How does the pack work?
Each pack can be delivered in a number of different ways depending on the time you have available:
- Use all the content to deliver a drop-down day on democracy;
- Pick and choose the activities you want to focus on and use these to build individual lessons;
- Where full lessons are not available each activity is further broken down into 5-15 minute segments, perfect for tutor-time;
The accompanying PowerPoint covers all the key learning points from the pack and could be used as the activities are being delivered. Alternatively, it provides a perfect introductory assembly to what a democracy is.
More Lessons resources
Biodiversity: Using the Law to Drive Change
During this lesson, students consider what biodiversity is, why it is essential to all life on Earth and what...
Law in Wales
Did you know that the age of criminal responsibility in Wales is ten? In Scotland it is 12. In...
Democracy (Part 2): Local and Central Government
This lesson forms the second part of a three-part unit on democracy. Pupils learn about the function of central and local government and the difference between MPs and councillors. Pupils explore…
More Community resources
Protecting Local Habitats (KS2)
In this lesson pupils will learn about the importance of habitats and explore endangered British species and the threats to their habitat. Pupils will be guided through ways in which…
Design an Inclusive Playground
In this lesson pupils will consider the varying needs and interests of the Go-Giver characters and design a playground that matches these requirements. They will work in groups to present…
Protecting Local Habitats (KS1)
In this lesson pupils will learn the meaning of the word habitat and have an introduction to different habitats that can be found in the UK. Pupils will examine how…
More Economics, Money and Managing Resources resources
You Decide! (KS4)
This resource will allow students to critically consider what reasons and ways the government can take to support different...
Money – Wants and Needs
Pupils will consider the difference between wants and needs and discuss how our wants and needs can influence how we spend money. To access this content, register for our School…
You Decide! (KS3)
This resource will allow students to critically consider what reasons and ways the government can take to support different...
More Politics and Democracy resources
Why Do We Pay Taxes? (Part 2)
Pupils will learn that councils are responsible for local spending decisions and can raise additional funds for public services through council taxes. To access this content, register for our School…
Mock Trials Classroom Pack
The Mock Trial Competitions are our longest-running active citizenship experiences. Since 1991, we have provided unparalleled exposure to the...
The G7 (Lesson Plan)
During this two lesson resource pupils learn about the G7 and take part in a mock G7 Summit meeting. During the first lesson pupils explore the history and function…
More Social Action/Active Citizenship resources
Litter: The Picnic
In this lesson pupils will follow the story of the Go-Givers having a picnic. Pupils will think about the problems caused by littering and how they can take responsibility for…
Voting and the General Election
This resource pack is the second of a four-part set which has been designed to introduce students to the...
Cancer – Early Detection and Prevention
This lesson has been designed in response to the Big Vote, where children voted on what issues they most cared about. The vote was to mark the ten year anniversary…
More KS3 (ages 11-14) resources
How to share learning with your peers
Originally designed to be a companion pack for the Democracy Ambassadors programme, this handy toolkit will support students who...
Cyberbullying (SmartLaw Subscription)
According to research by the charity Ditch the Label, 7 in 10 young people have experienced cyberbullying, 20% of whom experience it daily. Support your students to know their legal…
Crime and its Impact (SmartLaw Subscription)
Students explore the impact of crime on those surrounding the victim and the perpetrator and consider the financial, physical and emotional ripples that crime can have on a community. Please…
More KS4 (ages 14-16) resources
Controversial issues: guidance for schools
Children are alert to information and images they see in the media. These may graphically influence their view of the world, and not always positively. Graphic images on TV and…
Police Powers (SmartLaw Subscription)
This lesson examines the powers that the police have to stop and search, arrest and detain individuals. Students also have the opportunity to create their own ideal police force considering…
Who Owns Your Data?
This ready-to-teach double lesson pack is aimed at students in key stages 4 and 5. During the course of...
More KS5 (ages 16-18) resources
Economic Cycles
This free classroom resource explores what economic cycles are and how they impact our lives. Aimed at KS4 and...
The Big Legal Lesson 2026 (ages 11-18+)
Join the UK's biggest legal education campaign during February 2025.
What is a Political Party?
This resource pack is the fourth of a four-part set which has been designed to introduce students to the...