Lesson 2.1: Democracy vs. Dictatorship

Where Does Power Lie?

Students analyze the fundamental differences between democratic and authoritarian systems of government, exploring how each system distributes power, represents its people, and protects or violates rights.

Whakatūwhera - Cultural Opening

The Treaty of Waitangi promised a partnership, a system of co-governance where Māori retained their `tino rangatiratanga` (absolute sovereignty). However, the colonial government created a system where its power was absolute. This history teaches us a vital lesson: the most important question we can ask of any government is, "Who holds the power?" Today, we examine different systems to understand how they answer this question, and what that means for the people they govern.

Ngā Whāinga Ako - Learning Intentions

Students Will Learn

The key features of **democratic** systems.
The key features of **authoritarian** systems.
How the distribution of power affects citizens' rights.

Students Will Demonstrate

By placing different systems on a "power spectrum."
By analyzing case studies of different countries.
By evaluating the pros and cons of each system.

Ngā Mahi - Lesson Activities (75 minutes)

1. The Power Spectrum (20 mins)

Activity: Draw a long line on the board. Label one end "Power to the People (Democracy)" and the other "Power to the Leader (Dictatorship)."

Teacher-led Discussion: Introduce key concepts and have students place them on the spectrum:

Free & Fair Elections
One-Party Rule
Freedom of Speech
Censorship
Human Rights Protections
Rule by a Monarch (King/Queen)
Military Coup

2. Interactive Power Analysis - "Who Has the REAL Power?" (35 mins)

Interactive Digital Activity: Students use the interactive "Who Has the Real Power?" tool to explore how power is distributed in New Zealand's government system, discovering the difference between formal authority and actual political influence.

🎮 Launch Interactive Tool

🏛️ Open "Who Has the Real Power?" Tool

Students work individually or in pairs to match government roles with their powers, then discuss their discoveries.

Learning Objectives:

Understand the difference between symbolic power and real political power
Discover how the Governor-General's formal powers are exercised by the Prime Minister
Recognize voters as the ultimate source of democratic power
Analyze how different roles contribute to New Zealand's democratic system

Follow-up Discussion Questions:

What surprised you most about where real power lies in New Zealand?
Why might the Governor-General have formal powers but not use them?
How does this compare to other countries' power structures?
What does this teach us about the difference between democracy and dictatorship?

3. Case Study Analysis (20 mins)

Group Activity: In small groups, students analyze two different systems of government using the provided case study handout. They should discuss the analysis questions and record their answers.

Download Case Study Handout

4. Group Presentations & Class Discussion (20 mins)

Each group briefly presents their case study findings. The teacher facilitates a discussion comparing the different systems.

Aromatawai - Assessment & Next Steps

Formative Assessment

Can students accurately place concepts on the Power Spectrum?
Does their case study analysis show understanding of the core features of their assigned system?
Do they participate thoughtfully in the class discussion?

Homework & Extension

Research a country not discussed in class and place it on the Power Spectrum.
Write a short story from the perspective of someone living in a dictatorship.

Whakaaro - Reflection

The way a society organizes power has a massive impact on people's lives. While democracy is often messy and slow, it is built on the idea that every person has value and a voice. Authoritarian systems promise efficiency and order, but often at the cost of freedom and human rights. As we move forward, we will explore how New Zealand's unique system of government tries to balance these competing values.