Bellwork What do you think today’s lesson is about? Project: Political Ideologies. School: Chalfonts Community College, Buckinghamshire. Date: September 2016 Image: Aerial View of Saint Peter's Square in Vatican City, Rome Image: Masjid al-Haram (The Holy Mosque) in Mecca

What will I learn today? Title: Theocracy LO: To explore ‘theocracy’ as a political ideology Knowledge: To know and understand how theocracies work Skills: To consider whether theocracies are effective ways to lead a state

What is a theocracy? A state that is governed by the Law of God or a religious system. Human leaders can be thought of as extensions of God (like in the Vatican City). They can also be thought of simply as heads of state who promote God’s law (like in Saudi Arabia). Theocracies can work in line with democracies but this is unlikely. Most theocracies have the next leader elected in by a small committee of people or through inheritance. Theocracies can be compared to dictatorships, because the law is considered to be God’s law and therefore cannot be changed.

Theocracies: true or false? Saudi Arabia is an Islamic theocracy True. Other religious groups cannot observe their faith here and converting away from Islam is punishable by death.

Theocracies: true or false? The Vatican City think that homosexuality should be illegal. False. This used to be the case, but the Vatican City announced in 1957 that whilst homosexuality is considered a sin, homosexual people should not be criminalised.

Theocracies: true or false? Women cannot vote in Saudi Arabia. False. This was true until 2015 when women were allowed to vote for the first time.

Theocracies: true or false? The UK is a theocracy. False. Although we have Christian teachings at the heart of our laws, we are a constitutional monarchy and Christianity is used to inform laws, but not dictate them.

Theocracies: true or false? ‘Theocracy’ and ‘Dictatorship’ are synonymous. This is a tricky one. Some say this is true, but if this is the case then the dictator is technically God. States such as the UK and Israel are close to a democratic theocracy because they are democratic states with religion informing decisions.

My journal: what do you think? In your notes, journal your thoughts/feelings about theocracy so far. Things to consider: What is a theocracy? How does it differ from other political ideologies? How is it similar? Do you think this could work? Would you like to live in a theocracy?

Strengths and weaknesses You have been given four statements. 2 are strengths of theocracies and 2 are weaknesses. Cut and stick them in your notes in appropriate columns, then answer this question in your assessment book. ‘Explain the view that a theocracy is a bad political system’. (6 marks) Note: you don’t have to believe this to answer the question! Use the sample answer to self-assess your answer when you are finished.

What have I learnt today? Title: Theocracy LO: To explore ‘theocracy’ as a political ideology Knowledge: To know and understand how theocracies work Skills: To compare theocracies to other political ideologies To consider whether theocracies are effective ways to lead a state