Grade 6 · Social Studies · Unit 1 of 8
Principles of Democracy
Power to the people
What your child practises
The word democracy, who holds power, majority rule with protection for minorities, the rule of law, accountability, consensus and direct versus representative democracy.
Alberta Curriculum learning outcome: principles of democracy · what democracy means, majority rule, minority rights, the rule of law and the difference between direct and representative democracy
Sample questions
A taste of this unit. In the app, questions change every time and get easier or harder to match your child.
Question 1
Which of these does a democracy NOT have?
- Free elections
- Leaders who can never be replaced
- Freedom to share your opinion
Show answer
Leaders who can never be replaced
Hint: Citizens can vote leaders out.
Question 2
What does majority rule mean?
- The choice with more than half the votes wins
- The leader always decides
- The loudest person decides
Show answer
The choice with more than half the votes wins
Hint: A majority is more than half.
Question 3
What does the rule of law mean?
- Only some people must obey laws
- Everyone, even leaders, must follow the same laws
- Leaders may ignore the laws
Show answer
Everyone, even leaders, must follow the same laws
Hint: No one is above the law.
Question 4
What is a secret ballot?
- A vote that no one else can see
- A vote with no candidates
- A vote only leaders can see
Show answer
A vote that no one else can see
Hint: It lets people vote freely without pressure.
Question 5
Which best describes the rule of law in action?
- A prime minister must obey the same laws as a student
- A prime minister may break the law in secret
- A student's rights depend on their family's money
Show answer
A prime minister must obey the same laws as a student
Hint: Laws apply to everyone.
Question 6
Which is a risk of majority rule with no protection for minorities?
- Everyone's rights are protected
- A group could lose its rights because it has fewer votes
- Elections become more fair
Show answer
A group could lose its rights because it has fewer votes
Hint: That is why democracies also have laws that protect rights.