Democracy
Teacher Guidelines ▶ pages 1 – 2
Instructional Pages ▶ pages 3 – 4
Activity Page ▶ pages 5
Practice Page ▶ page 6
Grade Level: 4-6
Homework Page
Answer Key
▶
▶
page 7
page 8 – 9
Classroom Procedure: Approximate Grade Level: 4 – 6
1. Distribute a slip of paper to each student. Tell students they Objectives:
have a choice of receiving a small treat from you. Ask one The students will be able to define and list
student from each “side” to tell why they would vote for one characteristics of a democracy, and give
over the other. examples of the two types of democracies.
Common Core State Standards:
2. After the brief persuasion, ask students to write their choice
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.4.2
on the slip of paper. No names. Collect the votes and count
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.4.4
them aloud using a tally for display. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.4.5
3. Distribute the “winning” treat. Ask: How does it feel to be CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.5.2
eating the treat you voted for? How does it feel to get the CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.5.4
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.5.5
treat you did not vote for?
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.6.1
4. Allow for responses and discussion. Ask students: What is CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.6-8.2
it called when everyone has a say in how things are done? CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.6-8.4
5. Allow for responses and discussion. Class Sessions (45 minutes):
At least 2 class sessions.
6. Distribute Democracy content pages. Read and review
the information with the students. Expand on some of the Teaching Materials/Worksheets:
Democracy content pages (2), Activity
concepts in the reading. Encourage debate and discussion
pages (2), Practice page, Homework page
where appropriate. (For example: Pros and cons about kids
voting, can use of computers make it easier for citizens to Student Supplies:
vote on more laws instead of just representatives-why or handouts
why not, etc.) Save final question for lesson closing. Use Prepare Ahead of Time:
the additional resources to enhance understanding. For lesson opening- treats and slips of
7. Distribute Activity page 5. Read and review the instructions. paper. Create class groups of 3, 5, or 7
for the activity. Copy handouts.
Place students in groups of 3, 5, or 7. Encourage the
students to discuss each scenario before the vote. Options for Lesson:
For the activity, students write their responses
8. Distribute Activity page 6. Tell students they must answer and to the questions. Plan a mini-debate for
discuss each of the questions and to be prepared to present each activity scenario. Invite a local election
their thoughts to the class. After sufficient time, lead a class official to speak to the class about the voting
discussion about each scenario, and the other questions. process. Invite a representative from
(You may allow students to re-vote on the scenarios.) different parties to speak to the class. Use
the lesson in conjunction with Government
9. Distribute Practice page. Check and review the students’
Types to contrast the characteristics of each.
responses. Assign students to research other countries
10. Distribute the Homework page. The next day, allow students using a democracy, compare/contrast with
to share their drawings and display them in the classroom. the U.S. Students compare democracies
to other types of governments. Students
11. In closing, ask: What do you think is the best and worst part vote on the best homework poster.
of a democracy? Why?
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Teacher Notes
The lesson introduces students to a democracy and its use in the United States. There could be many things
discussed during this lesson, especially if it is used during an election year. The lesson could also motivate
the students to debate current issues, have mock elections, as well as showing how a democracy is a fair
form of government. It is also important to encourage students when to become involved in understanding
issues, and knowing the opinions of various candidates, even if they are not old enough to vote.
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Additional Resources:
Content:
http://www.congressforkids.net/Independence_democracy.htm
http://www.neok12.com/Democracy.htm (and video links)
http://encyclopedia.kids.net.au/page/de/Democracy
http://wiki.kidzsearch.com/wiki/Democracy
http://www.timeforkids.com/news/democracy-work/396731
http://democracyforkids.org/ (Interactive)
https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Democracy
Worksheets:
http://teacher.scholastic.com/scholasticnews/indepth/democracy_plaza/
http://teacher.scholastic.com/scholasticnews/indepth/democracy_plaza/reproducibles/index.
asp?article=informed&topic=0
http://www.education.com/worksheets/second-grade/civics-government/
http://www.eslprintables.com/Vocabulary_worksheets/Education/Democracy/
http://www.congressforkids.net/citizenship_5_keyrepresentdem_ws.pdf
Videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8u9D1inbgQ (3 min)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LabV7EFHHeo (3 min)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6jgWxkbR7A (3 min)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D97qKo42dz0 (1 min)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OuY-DVsU4BY (3 min)
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Democracy
Sometimes when you are with friends or family, everyone has
a suggestion as to what they want to do. Perhaps you want
to watch a movie, someone else wants to play a game, and
others may want to go to the mall. What do you do? Most
likely everyone gives their opinion and a decision is made.
You don’t actually vote, but everyone has input with the final
decision. In a way this is how a democracy works.
A democracy is government run by the people. A government is elected to represent and run the country
according to the majority of people living in the country. There are many, many people elected for different
offices locally, across the state, and nationally. In local elections, people elect mayors, council members,
and others; governors, representatives, judges, and more are chosen in state elections; and in federal or
national elections the President and Congress are chosen by the people.
Everyone (at least those 18 and older in the United States) can
vote for the different people who will represent them and their
interests. Even though young people, like yourself, cannot vote,
there are many ways to pass along your opinions. You can
talk to your parents, send a letter to a newspaper or web site,
help in a campaign, and much more. You have the freedom
of speech like every other citizen, so everyone has a say in
how the government is run.
There are two types of democracies:
Democracy Type Description Examples
In this type, every citizen votes on nearly Someone believes there should
all important decisions. This was used in be a new state tax on ice cream.
Ancient Greece thousands of years ago. Everyone in the state would then
Direct Everyone would gather together and vote. vote on whether the tax should be
Back then the population was much smaller, permitted. There could be millions of
but today it would nearly be impossible. people voting.
This type is used by the U.S., and most other For a new state tax, every citizen in
countries. People elect others to represent the state would not vote. Only the
them in making decisions. This is also called state representatives would decide
Representative a democratic republic. People usually try to whether there is will be a new ice
vote for people who have opinions like theirs, cream tax. There is a much smaller
and vote the same way they would vote. group of representatives voting.
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At your school, both types of democracies may be used. In the classroom, your teacher may sometimes have
you vote for something. Everyone gets to vote. However, your school may also have a student council who
is chosen by classes to represent the interests of the students. Each student council member then votes
during their meetings, representing the opinions of the class.
In both direct and representative democracies, though, everyone gets to voice their opinions.
Characteristics of a Democracy
• Elections: In a democracy there are free elections, which
mean everyone has a vote. In the United States, a person
cannot vote until they turn 18. A person gets to vote for Capitol
building
who they want. They may even write in another name that
is not shown on the ballot.
• Majority Rule: In an election, the person who gets the
most votes wins. However, when these representatives
vote, the majority also rules, but the rights of individuals
are protected. For example, everyone has the freedom of
religion, so the representatives cannot vote to change that
individual right. That kind of vote would break the law.
• Term Limits: For some representatives there are term limits. For example, the President can only
serve two terms. In some states, there may also be limits on elected officials as well. In addition, every
elected official has limited power and there are checks and balances to make sure they do not abuse
their power while in office.
• Citizens: In a democracy, the citizens must be willing to do their part, which means getting involved and
voting. They should understand who they are voting for, learn about the issues, and respectfully voice
their opinions. Nearly every citizen in the United States is
permitted to vote, regardless of race, gender, or wealth.
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Overall, people who live in a country with a democracy usually have more freedom and rights, are better
protected, and have a higher standard of living. It is most often one of the fairest and typically an efficient
form of government.
In a democracy, everyone will not always be happy with the decisions that are made. However, everyone has
a say in it, and if people disagree with how their representatives voted, they can wait until the next election
and vote for someone else. Think of it this way: You may not like what your friends decide, but maybe next
time everyone will like and pick something you like.
What do you think is the best and worst part of a
democracy? Why?
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Activity Name __________________________ Date _________
You and your group will discuss and then secretly vote on each of the given scenarios. Record the
votes for each option. AFTER voting, discuss the answers to the questions on the next page related
to each scenario. Be prepared to share your thoughts with the class.
Scenarios 1 2
1. A local town is having problems with teenagers causing problems late at night. One business had its windows
broken, graffiti was painted on the side of one building. The police learned the incidents took place after 10:00 at
night. The mayor wants to start a curfew, requiring all those 17 and under to be inside their home by 10:00 PM.
Option 1: Vote for the Curfew at 10:00 PM. Option 2: No curfew for anyone.
2. The governor of the state is concerned about the amount of soda people are drinking because it is causing
health problems and raising the cost of care. He has proposed adding a tax to all the soda that people purchase
at stores and restaurants to offset the extra health costs. The tax increase will be 5%. Option 1: In favor of
the tax. Option 2: Against the tax.
3. High school teachers have been complaining about kids coming to school at 7:00 AM who are tired. They
want the school day to begin at 9:00 AM. However, it would change the start time of elementary schools to 7:00
AM. The school board is going to discuss the issue and will decide what to do after asking the voters for their
opinion. Option 1: Change school times for H.S. to 9:00 AM. Option 2: No change.
4. Teachers in a local middle school are upset with their students’ continual use of cell phone texting during the
school day. A local company has proposed a solution. They have a system that can shut down all cell phone
use inside the school, but the students could still use them outdoors. The principal doesn’t know what to do.
Option 1: Shut down the cell phones. Option 2: No cell phone shut down.
5. There are two candidates running for Mayor of a small town. Mr. Smith and Miss Jones. Both are honest and
qualified. The main difference: Miss Jones has been mayor for the last 8 years. There are no term limits. Mr.
Smith is new in town but was a mayor in a nearby town for 6 years. They want the same things for the town and
at a recent debate, agreed on everything. Option 1: Mr. Smith. Option 2: Miss Jones
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Activity Name __________________________ Date _________
Scenario 1
How do you think a business owner might vote on the issue and why? How do you think parents might vote
on the curfew and why? Do you think parents with kids would vote differently than people without kids? Do
you think it is fair to have a curfew? Could there be another option? What would it be? Do you think having
a curfew might cost the town some money to enforce it? Why?
Scenario 2
Who might be totally against the tax? Do you think it would help people become healthier? How? Will it
affect both wealthy people and poor people in the same way? Why or why not? How do you think the extra
tax money will be distributed for additional health care? Do you think people will drink less soda? What
might people drink instead of soda? Do you think it is a fair tax, why or why not?
Scenario 3
If the school day start time changes what impact will it have on: Elementary students, High school students,
and parents of both, and teachers? Which group do you think would be enthused about the change and
why? Which group would dislike a change the most and why?
Scenario 4
What kind of problems may the cell phone use be causing? What problems may occur if cell phone use
inside the school is stopped? What other solutions could there be to the cell phone problem? What can
the principal do to solve the problem instead of hiring a company to shut down the cell phone use? Do you
think students use cell phones too much at school?
Scenario 5
What reasons do you have in voting for one candidate over the other? Did you vote for Miss Jones because
she was a female, or Mr. Smith because he was a male? Did you think one of the candidates were older
or younger? How do you think people decide between equally-qualified candidates? What would you do?
Overall, do you think voting in a democracy is easy or difficult? Why? How much effort do you think people
should put into learning about the candidates and the issues during an election?
Now that you have discussed the different scenarios, do you think you would change any of your original
votes? Why or why not?
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Practice Name __________________________ Date _________
Circle the correct answer for each question
1 Which of the following best defines a 7 Millions of people voting for a law is an
democracy in the United States? example of which type of democracy?
A Government run for the people. A Indirect democracy
B Government run by the people. B Representative democracy
C Government run with the people. C Direct democracy
2 Which of the following are council members 8 The democracy in the U.S. is also called
and mayors elected? which of the following?
A Local elections A Republic democracy
B State elections B Democratic republic
C Federal elections C Direct democracy
3 Which of the following is the voting age in 9 Which of the following is FALSE in a
the United States? representative democracy?
A 16 A Used in Ancient Greece
B 21 B Used by the United States
C 18 C Used in most countries
4 Which of the following is the type of 10 Which of the following defines term limits?
democracy used in the United States?
A Indirect A Having checks and balances
B Direct B Representatives are limited to certain terms
C Representative C Limited power for a representative
5 Which of the following is protected during a 11 Which of the following best defines checks
majority rule vote? and balances?
A Checks and balances A Helps keep the government within a budget
B Rights of an individual B Assures voted officials do not abuse power
C Wealth C Balances the number of votes cast
6 Which of the following may take place 12 Those unable to vote due to age can do
during a free election? which of the following?
A A write-in vote A Voice their opinions in a letter
B Voting 2 or more times B Help candidates with their campaigns
C Children can vote C Both A and B
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Homework Name __________________________ Date _________
In the space below, create a poster encouraging people to vote. It can be a drawing, images from
magazines or other sources, a slogan, short poem, or other persuasive design. The design can be
vertical or horizontal. You will share it with the class.
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Practice Answer Key
Name __________________________ Date _________
Circle the correct answer for each question
1 Which of the following best defines a 7 Millions of people voting for a law is an
democracy in the United States? example of which type of democracy?
A Government run for the people. A Indirect democracy
B Government run by the people. B Representative democracy
C Government run with the people. C Direct democracy
2 Which of the following are council members 8 The democracy in the U.S. is also called
and mayors elected? which of the following?
A Local elections A Republic democracy
B State elections B Democratic republic
C Federal elections C Direct democracy
3 Which of the following is the voting age in 9 Which of the following is FALSE in a
the United States? representative democracy?
A 16 A Used in Ancient Greece
B 21 B Used by the United States
C 18 C Used in most countries
4 Which of the following is the type of 10 Which of the following defines term limits?
democracy used in the United States?
A Indirect A Having checks and balances
B Direct B Representatives are limited to certain terms
C Representative C Limited power for a representative
5 Which of the following is protected during a 11 Which of the following best defines checks
majority rule vote? and balances?
A Checks and balances A Helps keep the government within a budget
B Rights of an individual B Assures voted officials do not abuse power
C Wealth C Balances the number of votes cast
6 Which of the following may take place 12 Those unable to vote due to age can do
during a free election? which of the following?
A A write-in vote A Voice their opinions in a letter
B Voting 2 or more times B Help candidates with their campaigns
C Children can vote C Both A and B
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