Lesson G - All About: Democracy

In Lesson G - All About: Democracy, students engaged in an interactive workshop designed to bring the principles of European parliamentary democracy to life. The session kicked off with energetic activities, including a physical "line-up" exercise to explore power dynamics and a competitive "washing line" game where groups raced to peg the stages of the EU legislative process in the correct order. Working in teams, students then tackled real-world issues by drafting legislative proposals on topics directly affecting young people, such as the voting and driving age. This active segment culminated in a lively "balloon debate," where participants had to argue for their chosen issue's survival, transforming abstract political theories into an engaging, hands-on challenge.

The second half of the lesson shifted focus to a practical exploration of how European institutions function through an immersive legislative role-play. Students assumed the roles of the European Commission and Members of the European Parliament, actively presenting their proposals and voting on recommendations just as real politicians do. The session also helped clarify the distinct roles of key EU bodies, allowing students to match clues to the correct branch of government. Ultimately, the outcome of this lesson gave students a solid grasp of how the EU is responsive and accountable, equipping them with the confidence to make their voices heard and actively engage in political decisions that impact their daily lives.

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Credits

The content used in this lesson was taken from various platforms listed below. This content is used for educational purposes and has been edited according to the needs of the Young European Diplomats Programme.

• PDF "Learning Guidelines": European Parliament Ambassador School Programme (EPAS) - UK Section

• Website "European Youth Parliament": EYP

• Website "European Youth Capital" & "Lowering Voring Age Campaign": European Youth Forum

• Website "Have Your Say Initiative": European Commission

• Website "European Youth Portal": EuroDesk

• Website "Ordinary Legislative Procedure" & "How EU Laws Are Made": European Union's Website

• PDF "EU Drinking Age Statistics" & "Minimum EU Voting Age": European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights

• PDF "EU Drivers License Legislation": Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs

• PDF "EU Minimum Driving Age": Wikipedia