Engage

Overview

In this experience, students begin by learning what political rights and civil liberties are. Then they define additional terms that elaborate on those rights. Next, they investigate a specific democratic country to see how it rates in terms of political rights and civil liberties. Finally, they develop a list of questions they might ask to find out more about how well a democracy is functioning.

This experience is best paired with the experience Democracy and Its Influence: Origins, which gives students the historical background and key features of democracy.

Students will work together in small groups in scenes 2 and 3. Note that there is no quiz at the end of this experience.

Estimated duration: 45-60 minutes

Vocabulary Words:

democracy: a system of government in which the people have the power to choose leaders and take part in decision-making.
political rights: rights that allow people to take part in government, such as voting, running for office, and choosing leaders.
civil liberties: basic freedoms that protect people from unfair government control, such as freedom of speech, religion, and assembly.
electoral process: the steps a country uses to choose government leaders through elections.
political pluralism and participation: a system in which different parties, groups, and people can take part in politics.
functioning of government: how well a government carries out its work, follows rules, and avoids corruption.
freedom of expression and belief: the freedom to share ideas and practice beliefs without unfair government interference.
associational and organizational rights: the freedom to meet, join groups, protest peacefully, or work with others for a shared purpose.
rule of law: the principle that everyone, including government leaders, must follow the law.

Objectives:

Describe the political rights and civil liberties in an ideal democracy
Evaluate the state of democracy in various contemporary societies

Democracy means “rule by the people,” but it’s not quite as simple as that. Who has political power? How do people take part in making decisions? And how can a democracy protect people’s rights while allowing them to participate in government? In this experience, you will explore political rights and civil liberties that are important to a well-functioning democracy.

Objectives:

Describe the political rights and civil liberties in an ideal democracy
Evaluate the state of democracy in various contemporary societies

There are numerous countries in the world besides the United States that are democracies. What makes a country democratic?

Discuss student responses. Remind students that a democracy is a government that is “ruled by the people.” It has limited government that prevents any individual or party from having total control.

If students need to review what a democracy is, refer them to the experience Democracy and Its Influence: Origins.

Divide students into their small groups for the next two scenes. When everyone is ready to continue, unlock the next scene.

Democracy in Today’s World