It's never too early to start learning how the country is run.
We want all children to understand how our world works whilst developing skills and motivation to be active citizens.
Ahead of the anticipated general election in 2024, it’s the perfect time to introduce ideas such as voting, laws and powerful people.
Discover our range of democracy lesson plans and assemblies for pupils aged 5-11.
What is democracy?
Download this three-part set of democracy resources for ages 7 to 11.
Democracy (Part 1): What is a General Election?
This lesson forms the first part of a three-part unit on Democracy. Pupils explore the meaning of ‘democracy’, and the ways in which citizens can participate in democratic life 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…
Democracy (Part 3): Why Do We Have Laws?
This lesson forms the final part of a three-part unit on democracy. Pupils learn about democracy and the rule of law. They discover the different roles of parliament, government and…
From voting to taxes
Explore more resources that explain how the country is run.
The Big Legal Lesson 2024 (ages 5-11)
The law affects every aspect of our lives, but children and young people rarely learn about it in the...
What is a Vote?
In this lesson pupils will learn what it means to vote by looking at relatable examples in the lives of the Go-Givers. They will consider why and how votes are…
Who Runs the Country?
In this lesson pupils explore who runs the country and how they are elected. Pupils will learn about the important role that MPs play in representing the people who live…
Exploring Our Community
In this lesson pupils will research what is meant by the word ‘community’. Pupils will think about who lives in their area and what services and facilities there are for…
Who Can Help?
In this lesson pupils will learn about the ‘special’ people who help in their community. They will consider who can help them in different situations and how they can ask…
Caring for our Communities
In this lesson pupils will think about the importance of caring for their community and the varied caring responsibilities which are held by members of the community. They will identify…
Times of Need
During this lesson pupils will consider how inequality can affect a person’s chances to succeed in life. Pupils will learn about the founding of the modern welfare state in the…
Why Do We Pay Taxes? Part 1
During this lesson pupils will learn that public services are largely funded through the payment of taxes to the government. Pupils will learn that taxes are paid on income as…
Why Do We Pay Taxes? Part 2
During this lesson pupils will learn that councils are responsible for local spending decisions and can raise additional funds for public services through council taxes. Pupils will survey residents in…