Understand

Young people will learn how decisions are made in the UK, at all levels of government, and how laws are created. This helps them understand how the system works and where power sits.

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To take part in democracy, young people need to understand how it works: where power sits, how decisions are made and how those decisions affect their lives and communities.

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The Understand strand explores how democracy has developed over time and how government operates at local, regional, devolved and national levels. It introduces young people to the institutions where decisions are made and power is exercised, electoral and democratic processes, and the ways laws and policies are created. 

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By learning about and visiting parliaments, councils and other public institutions, young people can see democracy in practice.

Importantly, they can understand how to have a say in the decisions that affect them and learn more about the people who represent them.

This strand can be delivered through lessons and workshops. You can also engage young people through visits to parliaments, town halls and other public institutions; by taking part in or observing committee hearings or select committee sessions; or by holding a mock committee or council hearing in the classroom.