Cities, people and change
Dictatorship, Democracy and Freedom
This activity looks at two different types of government – a dictatorship and a democracy - and
considers how they might behave during a period of unrest.
Starter activity
Use an image of voters during the Tunisian elections in 2011 to start a discussion about democracy,
such as this one used by abc.net. It would be useful to find out some information about the events
in Tunisia, and the style of government there prior to 2011. You might find the following questions
helpful:
?
What is happening in this picture? Why does the woman have blue ink on her fingers? Why
do they appear happy? What does this picture represent? What do you think is happening
beyond the edges of the frame?
?
Imagine you are one of the people in the picture? How would you feel? What would you be
thinking?
?
Will the response be the same at the next elections in Tunisia?
These images show protests in Syria and the UK in 2011.
Syria protest
Photo: The Israel Project
London protest
Photo: Grim23
?
How are the images similar or different?
?
What are the circumstances which might have led up to these actions?
?
What do you think is happening in the photographs?
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Role play activity
This activity considers the actions of leaders in an imaginary dictatorship and an imaginary
democracy. While the events are based loosely on real situations which took place in 2011, they
are not direct descriptions. The intention is for young people to start to understand some of the
political processes which lead to decision making at the highest level, and how particular forms of
government might respond.
The pupils work in groups of 4 or 5, and each is given a role play card. The group must work
together to produce a short statement [3 minutes] to advise the Dictator or Prime Minister on
what they should do, following unrest in their country. The statement will be ‘televised’ and the
media spokesperson will present the video. You could video these statements. It might be useful
to watch some clips of media spokespeople to study the style. You could get the class to react to the
announcement from the authorities by mocking up Twitter, or Messenger responses.
Once the groups have prepared the statements, they can be shared with the class and discussed.
Dictatorship
Background Information
Riots have broken out in your country, over demands for freedom and democracy. Night after night,
people are on the street demanding change. The police force cannot cope with the disorder, the
world’s media is giving your country bad publicity, and its Human Rights record is being brought
before the United Nations. Much of what is happening is being reported on Twitter and via mobile
phone video.
The Dictator has ruled your country with an ‘iron fist’ since taking power many years ago. He is no
mood to compromise. The military have supported his leadership, and they are relatively well paid
and powerful.
The country is a popular destination for tourists. The major export is oil, which is sold to many
European countries. The income from the oil has been used to improve the living conditions of the
population, and standards of health care, housing and education provision are all relatively high.
There are pockets of real poverty, especially in the rural areas.
You are part of a committee who must advise the dictator on what to do.
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Committee Role Cards
Chief of the Secret Police
The Secret Police have been set up to protect the political
power of the dictator. Secret Police usually operate ‘beyond
the law’. You are responsible for widespread human rights
abuses of the people. If the Dictator goes you are afraid what
will happen to you and your family.
Chief of the Armed Forces
[Army, Navy and Air Force]
You are loyal to the Dictator for now, but you are aware that
your troops are very uneasy about shooting at the people.
Business Owner
You want law and order, but all this uncertainty is bad for
business, especially tourism. You would strongly oppose
anything that will hit business, such as turning off the mobile
phone network.
Loyal Son
You have studied and lived in London and New York, and are
expected to take over You have studied and lived in London
and New York, and are expected to take over from your
father as leader. You see yourself as a ‘man of the people’.
You respect your father, and have never spoken against him
publicly.
Media Chief
You are the public face of the regime. You have control of all
press, TV and Internet Access. It is your job to announce to
the people and the world what the Dictator wants.
Human Rights Activist
You have campaigned for Human Rights in your country for
many years, and are well known internationally. You are not
allowed to meet the Dictator, but are friends with his son.
Spare card for another role
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Democracy
Background information
Rioting and looting have broken out in your major cities. The Police have found it very difficult to
deal with a breakdown in law and order on such a mass scale. TV and newspapers are full of reports
critical of the government and the police. Images of burning buildings in the capital city have been
shown around the world.
The Prime Minister is half way through a five year term of office. The government has only a narrow
majority, and relies on other political parties for support. She is worried about the opinion polls,
which show the government is behind in support. Some of your party want to let the police use
water cannons and rubber bullets, and let the army help the police.
Your country is one of the biggest economies in the world, but also one of the most unequal. Recent
economic problems have led to an increase in unemployment, particularly in big cities.
You are part of a committee which must advise the Prime Minister what to do.
Committee Role Cards
The Representative of
the Chief Constables
Association
Your officers have been criticised for their slow response to the riots,
but you are concerned that your officers have also been criticised for
their heavy handed tactics in the past, such as the use of ‘kettling’
[containing crowds].
Law Advisor
Water Cannon, rubber bullets and using the army all have serious
Human Rights consequences. The Government could be sued in the
courts.
Press Officer
The Media is demanding a statement from the Government on what it
is going to do.
Leader of Political Party,
who the government
relies on for support
Members of your party have been critical of your role supporting the
government, and are putting pressure on you to stand up to the Prime
Minister.
Faith Community Leader You are concerned about the safety of the young people within your
community. You want to set up patrols in your local area and be
available to support local people. You are concerned that the riots
might lead to clashes between faith groups or communities in your
local area.
Small Business Owner
You own a shop in one of the areas most affected by the riots. Some
shops in your area have already been attacked and goods stolen. You
are concerned for your premises, your stock and the welfare of your
staff.
Spare card for another
role
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Cities, people and change
In each case, what would you advise the government to do?
Your suggestions might include:
1.
Declare a state of emergency, and bring in the armed forces to clear the streets.
2.
Restrict communication, and order a shut down of the internet and mobile phone
network.
3.
Offer to meet with the leaders of the protest to listen to their concerns.
4.
Give concessions to particular powerful groups.
5.
Appeal to neighbouring countries for support.
6.
Offer to resign.
7.
What else?
To help you make your decision, think about how the actions will be seen by government
supporters, the people who are protesting, business people, the media, and the international
community.
?
Which of these groups is most important? Why?
?
Are you offering short term or long term solutions?
Prepare a 3 minute video for the press officer to announce to the waiting media.
Ideas developed by Dennis Edwards [Hamstead Hall School, Birmingham],
Jackie Zammit [Freelance Education Consultant], Manraj Mander [Birmingham Young
People’s Parliament representative] and Cameron Nimmo [Envision, Birmingham] and
Cathryn Gathercole [Tide~ global learning].
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