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Democracy

Democracy cannot be taken for granted

All round the world, democracy is under pressure and the number of autocratic regimes is rising. Equal rights, freedom and democracy cannot be taken for granted. The Second World War and the Holocaust show us the possible consequences if the democratic rule of law falls away. The dismantling of the rule-of-law state directly impacted the lives of Anne Frank and millions of others.

Democracy is yours (Sound on!)

Daily life

To many people, the concepts of ‘democracy’ and ‘rule-of-law states’ are abstract and vague, but they impact our daily lives. The rule of law safeguards our freedom and equal rights. However, in day-to-day practice, democratic rule of law also has failings and imperfections. Yes, on paper everyone should be treated equally, but sometimes that has to be fought for and defended. Decision-making may also be slow, because consulting and reaching consensus takes time.

Values and vulnerability

How does the democratic rule of law protect your freedom and equal rights? What do democratic values such as freedom, equality and solidarity actually mean in your daily life? Our teaching materials drill down on these questions and explore the dilemmas around the values and vulnerabilities of rule-of-law democracies and what they mean for you.

Democracy cannot be taken for granted

Educational material

  • All subjects
  • An ordinary day
LessonUp digital lesson

Democracy is everywhere

With this activity using a comic and coloring page, you will discuss what democracy is and how we encounter democracy in our every day lives.

  • democracy
  • citizenship

An Ordinary Day

Educational activity exploring the impact of democracy versus dictatorship illustrated through the example of anti-Jewish measures.

  • democracy
  • citizenship
  • discrimination
  • persecution of Jews

Action cards democracy

This lesson encourages young people to reflect on the culture of democracy and the role they can play in it.

  • democracy
LessonUp digital lesson

The Scapegoat Mechanism

Students explore historical examples of scapegoating to understand how and why groups are blamed during uncertain times.

  • democracy
  • antisemitism
  • discrimination
  • racism

Discussing fundamental rights

With this educational material, students discuss what fundamental rights mean to them. What are the consequences if fundamental rights are restricted?

  • democracy
  • citizenship

Decision Tree: Democracy or Dictatorship

Use this interactive activity to help students explore the differences between democratic and dictatorial systems—and decide where they’d rather live.

  • democracy
  • citizenship
LessonUp digital lesson

Can you own democracy?

This interactive lesson and the video animation explain the concept of democracy to students/learners and show how democracy affects their daily live

  • democracy

Stories that Move

In several film clips, European students tell both positive stories and speak of their own experiences with exclusion and discrimination.

  • antisemitism
  • citizenship
  • discrimination
  • prejudice
  • stereotypes