Government Structure

How are things run in Aotearoa?

As mentioned earlier, we live in a democratic country. What does this mean?

GovernmentStructure (1).pdf

Introduction

Teacher print this on A3 and cut out circles. Have students arrange them on the board to display who they think is in charge/flow of power.

Discussion points:

If the Prime Minister is in charge do they personally make all the laws?
If the people vote doesn't that mean they're in charge?
What is the point of Parliament and MPs?

Untitled document

nz-ss-1664994709-what-does-a-new-monarchy-mean-for-aotearoa-new-zealand-powerpoint.pptx

This is quite a long slideshow. Pick and choose what engages your students as needed.

Why vote/pōti?

Everyone in our country has the right to participate in decision making that affects them. Adults in our country can vote to pick those they want in power based on promises they make. E.g. a party may promise to increase the minimum wage- people who believe this is important may end up voting for this party so that it has a greater chance of happening. The party (or group of parties if they team up) that get the most votes become the government until the next vote (3 years).

Not all countries have this system.

Teacher notes: Main take aways for students here- how votes relate to seating in parliment and how the number of seats determines the government.

Poster.pdf

Activity sheet.pdf

Who represents the area of Aotearoa New Zealand where we live? Which party do they belong to?
Between 2014 and 2017, the red and blue dots swapped sides. What do you think that means?
What do you notice about the shaded and outlined areas in each government diagram? What do you think they represent, and why are they important?

Torohanga - Extension

Government- Round Robin Resources

Government Types

Teacher print this and cut the different sections and place stations around the room.

Brainstorm in groups different types of government systems. We will be putting these on the board as a class.
Each group select one government system to research the definition
Round robin- each table has a sheet to look at and answer questions in your book or on a doc. You may discuss these as a group but you need to write down your own answers. 5mins each sheet.

Want to see what parliament looks like?

Teachers- if you download this app and using Google Home, cast phone screen to TV, you can use headset in A6 and students can have turns in VR but the whole class can see it at the same time!