Addressing Threats to Democracy
In an era where the pillars of democracy are being rigorously tested and often strained, it is important to equip students, who are the future torchbearers of our society, with the knowledge and skills to navigate through the complexities and challenges that lie ahead. This collection of teaching resources, curated for PreK-12 students, is designed to unravel the multifaceted idea of "Threats to Democracy," by providing educators with a robust toolkit to foster a deep understanding and critical thinking among students regarding the democratic processes and the perils that endanger them.
Democracy, characterized by the principles of freedom, equality and participation, is not merely a form of government but a philosophy that permeates every layer of a civilized society. However, recent events and trends have illuminated the vulnerabilities that can potentially destabilize democratic structures. From the shocking events of January 6th to the subtle yet pervasive erosion of democratic elements, the threats are real, varied and multifaceted.
This collection is not merely a collection of information but an opportunity to encourage active engagement, discussion and reflection among students. Help facilitate a learning environment where students can explore, understand and critically evaluate various aspects related to the functioning of democracy and the threats it faces in the contemporary world with a blend of historical facts, case studies and interactive resources that you can explore below:
January 6
- Overview of the events of January 6, 2021
- Impact on democratic institutions and values
- Reflections on governance, law, and order
Democratic Erosion
- Definition and identification of democratic erosion
- Historical and global perspectives
- Mechanisms to safeguard democratic processes
Media Literacy
- Understanding and evaluating media content
- Identifying misinformation and disinformation
- Developing critical thinking and analytical skills
Book Banning
- Exploring instances of book banning and censorship
- Analyzing the impact on freedom of expression and thought
- Engaging in debates on ethical considerations
Civil Discourse
- Understanding the importance of civil discourse in democracy
- Exploring instances of decay and its implications
- Strategies to revive and sustain healthy public dialogues
Voter Suppression
- Defining and identifying voter suppression
- Investigating historical and contemporary instances
- Discussing the importance of inclusive participation
In each section, educators will find a wealth of resources including lesson plans, activities, discussion guides and multimedia content, all tailored to cater to the diverse learning needs and curiosity of students from PreK to 12. The resources are designed to be adaptable, allowing educators to seamlessly integrate them into their existing curriculum, enriching the learning experience and sparking meaningful conversations among students about democracy, its values and the challenges it faces.
