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ENGLISH EXTRA

Conversation Club

Democracy

Before Conversation Club

Do you know these words? If not, look them up!

 Democracy
 Electoral system
 Campaign (V & N, the stress is slightly different)
 Constitution
 Parliament
 Guy Fawkes (name. historical figure)
 Minority government
 The opposition
 Anarchy
 Ballot
 Enfranchised/disenfranchised
 Candidate
 first-past-the-post/proportional representation
 to run for office

At Conversation Club

1. What are the advantages of a first-past-the-post electoral system?


2. What are the disadvantages?
3. In England people often say that there have only ever been 2 honest
people in Parliament, one was Guy Fawkes, the other was Dennis
Skinner. Are there any completely honest politicians?
4. In some countries (Australia, Luxemburg and many Southern and
Central American countries) it is mandatory to vote. How do you feel
about this?
5. Should everybody who lives in your country have the right to vote?
(think about age, taxes, nationality, criminal record)
6. Do you feel you are fairly represented politically?
7. Do you ever get into political arguments with friends or family?
8. With regards to politics, which specific topics are best avoided?
9. Do you think it would be a good idea for all government jobs to be
decided by democratic means? (for example, a police chief or a head
teacher)
10. How do you envisage democracy changing in the future?

After Conversation Club

Check the meaning of the words in bold. Do you say something similar in
your language?

1. Is there a politician that you admire?


2. Have you ever been on a demonstration?
3. Have you ever campaigned for a candidate or a political party?
4. How could democracy be improved in your country?
5. Is democracy the only way or is there a better option?
6. Do you trust the ballot box?
7. Have you ever voted for something and then regretted it later?
8. What’s the point in democracy if people who vote aren’t given the
correct information?
9. Why do people become politicians?
10. Would you ever run for political office?

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