Power and Participation Sort
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Power and Participation Sort
Part 1: Cut-Apart Scenario Cards
Cut out the cards. Read each scenario with your group. Sort them under more democratic, more non-democratic, or uncertain/mixed. Be ready to explain your evidence.
Sorting headings
More democratic: People have meaningful opportunities to participate, choose representatives, influence decisions, or hold leaders accountable.
More non-democratic: Power is concentrated, public participation is limited, or leaders cannot be held accountable.
Uncertain/mixed: The scenario includes both democratic and non-democratic features, or more information is needed.
Scenario cards
A town holds a public vote on whether to build a new community centre. Every adult resident may vote, and the majority decision must be followed.
Citizens elect a council every four years. The council debates proposed rules in public meetings and must explain its decisions.
A single ruler announces new laws. People are not allowed to vote, question the laws publicly, or replace the ruler.
Government officials are appointed by a leader. They make decisions in private and do not consult residents before changing local services.
People elect representatives, but the representatives give themselves emergency powers and cancel the next election without public approval.
A council is elected, but only landowners may vote. The council protects some rights but does not allow other residents to participate.
A hereditary ruler makes most decisions but meets with an advisory group chosen by the public. It is unclear whether the ruler must follow the group’s advice.
Officials are chosen by the ruler. Residents may send petitions, but officials can ignore them and do not need to give reasons for their decisions.
Word bank
Participation: taking part in decisions. Representation: having people chosen to speak or decide on your behalf. Authority: the power to make or enforce decisions.
Rights: important freedoms or protections. Accountability: leaders being answerable for their decisions. Majority rule: the option supported by more than half of the voters.
Part 2: Record Your Evidence
Record your group’s classification and the evidence from each card. Use the word bank where helpful.
Classification: ____________________
Who holds power? ____________________
Public participation: ____________________
Accountability or rights: ____________________
Evidence: ________________________________
Classification: ____________________
Who holds power? ____________________
Public participation: ____________________
Accountability or rights: ____________________
Evidence: ________________________________
Classification: ____________________
Who holds power? ____________________
Public participation: ____________________
Accountability or rights: ____________________
Evidence: ________________________________
Classification: ____________________
Who holds power? ____________________
Public participation: ____________________
Accountability or rights: ____________________
Evidence: ________________________________
Classification: ____________________
Who holds power? ____________________
Public participation: ____________________
Accountability or rights: ____________________
Evidence: ________________________________
Classification: ____________________
Who holds power? ____________________
Public participation: ____________________
Accountability or rights: ____________________
Evidence: ________________________________
Classification: ____________________
Who holds power? ____________________
Public participation: ____________________
Accountability or rights: ____________________
Evidence: ________________________________
Classification: ____________________
Who holds power? ____________________
Public participation: ____________________
Accountability or rights: ____________________
Evidence: ________________________________
Part 3: Individual Exit Ticket
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