Participation Matters

SORRY - THIS LESSON IS STILL UNDER DEVELOPMENT

Lesson overview

This lesson explores the central role participation plays in our democratic system.

While acknowledging the important role values and ideology play in shaping the political landscape, this session focusses on public opinion. Political parties adjust their policies and rhetoric based on what they believe will maximise public support.

The activities explore how the balance of power shifts depending on who is participating and who is not. They also explore different ways in which people participate – beyond voting.

By shining the spotlight on public opinion, the session encourages students to see themselves as active and effective participants in our democracy.

Included in the download (left), are a lesson plan, a powerpoint presentation and a teacher's guide.

Key inquiry questions

•  How does public opinion influence the policy decisions of governments and politicians?
• How does participation by ordinary citizens improve the quality of public policy? 
• How can students shape public opinion and the voting behaviour of adults in their lives to ensure better outcomes for children and young people?

Learning Intentions

Key civics knowledge:

• Participation in democratic processes is important for three reasons:
  1. It strengthens public policy
  2. It ensures good policy ideas get public support
  3. It elects the people who support those ideas
• Political parties adjust their policies to align with public opinion and maximise their support
• Children and young people strengthen public policy and shape public opinion to ensure better outcomes.

Conceptual Understandings:

• Participation in democratic processes
• Public opinion