Activity: Debating and voting

One of the roles of Parliament is to debate and vote on new laws or changes to existing laws.

Everyone in your class will be able to share their opinion in this fast paced debating activity. It’s also a great opportunity for everyone to see at-a-glance whether people agree or disagree with a specific statement or point of view.

Resources Aye and No opinion cards for each student

True or false

Use the examples below to get you started, ask the group whether a statement is true or false. Pupils answer at the same time by holding up the appropriate Aye or No card to show whether they agree or disagree with the statement.

Your opinions

In this activity your pupils will decide whether they agree or disagree with a range of statements and ideas. The group will hold up the appropriate card to show whether they agree or disagree. There is no correct answer for these questions,so they provide an excellent starting point for further discussion or debate.

True or false

QThe clock tower at the Houses of Parliament is can Big Ben.

AFalse/No Big Ben is the name of the largest bell inside the tower.

QThe Queen can decide to make new laws without asking Parliament.

AFalse/No There are three parts of Parliament working together to make new laws: the House of Commons, the House of Lords and the Queen.

QThere are 650 Members of Parliament (MPs).

ATrue/Aye They sit in the House of Commons.

QOnly men can become members of the House of Lords.

AFalse/No Women were admitted to the House of Lords from 1958, women peers are called baronesses.

QMPs have to wait for the Speaker to call out their name before they are allowed to speak during a debate.

ATrue/AyeMr/Madam Speaker is in charge of debates and gives MPs permission to speak by calling their names.

QWhen the members of the House of Commons or House of Lords are debating, members of the public can enter Parliament to watch the debates.

ATrue/Aye Both Chambers have free public viewing galleries.

QYou have to be aged 18 or over if you want to talk to your local MP about an issue.

A False/NoPeople of any age can contact their local MP to discuss issues, ideas and questions.

Your opinions

QShould children be made to wear a uniform at school?

QShould pocket money be paid out weekly and should it be the same amount for all children in the UK?

QShould we ban the use of animals in entertainment e.g. horse racing, dog shows, zoos and safari parks?

QShould people in prison be allowed to use a television or games console?

QShould the age at which people can learn to drive be reduced to 16?

QShould school kitchens be allowed to provide fried food for children and staff?

QShould the voting age be reduced from 18 to 16 for all nations in the UK?

QShould all buses and trains be free for children aged 16 and under?

Extension opportunity

Individually or in pairs, pupils could discuss a range of topical or local issues in order to write their own opinion statements to put to the group vote.

Opinion cards

AYE / AYE / AYE
NO / NO / NO
AYE / AYE / AYE
NO / NO / NO