DEMOCRACY In your group, discuss the world democracy. What does it mean? Can you give an example of democracy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6jgWxkbR7A
How can we as citizens change each of these issues?
What are political rights? In the UK we have political rights. This means that people can have their say and make a real difference. Our human right mean we are entitled “to vote and to be elected at genuine elections.”
What does this mean? It means we live in a democracy. We elect those who we want to represent us. At aged 18 every single citizen (except those in prison or in mental hospitals) in the UK has the right to vote. Key Questions Why do you think people believe so much in democracy? What does “not voting is a wasted vote” mean? Why can citizens of the UK not complain about the government in power if they haven’t voted?
Who exactly can we vote for? Locally we can vote for people to represent us. Whether a town or village everywhere has councillors. Internationally citizens of the UK are also citizens of Europe and have a right to vote in European elections. Nationally every area of the country is represented by a Member of Parliament. If you agree with their view you might vote for them! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3pT0v20l7E A student at the University of Hull made this clip to persuade citizens to vote in the EU elections June 2009
Where is this place? Speakers' Corner Hyde Park London
Freedom of Speech in the UK In the UK we are free to say what we like as long as it doesn’t incite violence or discriminate in anyway. London’s Hyde Park has an area called Speakers Corner where people can preach and share their view on anything they like. Everyone is entitled and is given the right to have their say. Question: Are there any rules applied to this? The laws states that everyone has freedom of speech so long as they are not in sighting racism or violence.
Quiz What is democracy? Where was it first used? What are political rights? What is speakers corner? What does it mean to have freedom of speech?