1.

North Korea: North Korea is known for its authoritarian regime under the Kim
dynasty. It has a single-party system with no free elections and strict
government control over all aspects of life.
2. China: China is governed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), which
maintains strict control over political activities and suppresses dissent. While
there are some local elections, they are tightly controlled, and the country does
not have a democratic system as understood in Western contexts.
3. Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia is an absolute monarchy, where political power is
concentrated in the hands of the ruling royal family. There are no national
elections, and political freedoms are limited.
4. Iran: Iran is an Islamic Republic with a theocratic system of government. While it
holds elections, the candidates are vetted by clerical authorities, and the
ultimate power rests with unelected religious leaders.
5. Russia: Russia, under President Vladimir Putin, has seen a decline in democratic
institutions and political freedoms. There have been concerns about the fairness
of elections and the suppression of political opposition.
6. Cuba: Cuba has a one-party socialist system, with the Communist Party of Cuba
as the dominant political force. There are no multi-party elections, and the
government controls most aspects of society.
7. Syria: Syria has been under the rule of the Assad family for decades, and it has
experienced a civil war that has further eroded democratic institutions and
processes.
8. Myanmar (Burma): Myanmar has a history of military rule, and even after some
political reforms, the military retains significant power and has been involved in
the country's politics.
9. Belarus: Belarus has been ruled by President Alexander Lukashenko for an
extended period, and there have been concerns about the lack of political
freedom and electoral integrity.
Explaining democracy to children in a simple and understandable way is important. Here's a
child-friendly explanation of democracy:

"Imagine a Big Decision-Making Game!" HIGH KEYS

"Democracy is like a big decision-making game that we play in our country. In this game,
everyone gets to have a say in the choices we make about important things, just like when we
pick what game to play with our friends. Here's how it works:

1. Everyone Gets a Vote: In a democracy, every grown-up in our country gets to have a
vote. It's like when you and your friends vote on what game to play next. Each vote
counts the same, so everyone has an equal chance to choose.

2. We Choose Our Leaders: We also get to pick our leaders, like the captain of a sports
team or the leader of your game. These leaders are called 'politicians' or
'representatives,' and they help make important decisions for our country.

3. Laws and Rules: Just like when we make rules for our games to make sure they're fun
and fair, we have rules for our country too. These rules are called 'laws.' Our leaders
and elected representatives make these laws to keep things fair and safe for everyone.

4. Listening to Everyone: In a democracy, it's important to listen to what everyone

thinks. It's like when you ask your friends for their ideas on how to make the game
more exciting. Leaders and representatives should listen to the ideas and concerns of
the people they represent.

5. Change is Possible: Sometimes, people might not agree with the rules or decisions. In
a democracy, we can talk about it, vote on it again, or choose new leaders if we want.
It's like playing different games with your friends; if everyone agrees, you can change
the game.

6. Respecting Others: In a democracy, we also learn to respect others' opinions, even if

they're different from ours. Just like you respect your friends' choices in games, we
respect what others think when making big decisions for our country.

So, democracy is like a special game where we all have a voice and work together to make
choices that are fair and good for our country. It's about being kind, sharing, and making sure
everyone gets a chance to play."

This simple explanation should help children understand the basic idea of democracy as a way
for people in a country to make decisions together fairly and with respect for one another.
The lack of democracy or the presence of authoritarianism can be attributed to a combination
of historical, political, social, and economic factors. Here are some common causes:

1. Historical Factors:

 Colonial Legacy: Many countries that were once colonies have struggled to
establish stable democracies due to the legacy of colonialism, which often
disrupted local governance structures and left behind unequal systems.

 Historical Conflicts: Ongoing conflicts or a history of civil wars can hinder the
development of democratic institutions and the rule of law.

2. Political Factors:

 Authoritarian Leaders: The presence of strong authoritarian leaders who

concentrate power in their hands and suppress opposition can prevent the
growth of democratic institutions.

 Military Coups: In some cases, military coups can overthrow democratically

elected governments, leading to long periods of authoritarian rule.

 Weak Political Parties: The absence of strong, inclusive political parties can
undermine the democratic process, as they play a crucial role in representing
diverse interests.

3. Social Factors:

 Ethnic or Religious Divisions: Societies with deep ethnic or religious divides

may struggle to establish stable democracies, as these divisions can lead to
political polarization and conflicts.

 Lack of Education: A poorly educated population may struggle to engage in

democratic processes effectively, as they may not have the knowledge and
skills necessary to make informed choices.

4. Economic Factors:

 Poverty and Inequality: High levels of poverty and economic inequality can
create conditions where authoritarian leaders promise stability and economic
growth in exchange for political freedoms.

 Resource Dependence: Countries heavily reliant on a single resource (e.g., oil

or minerals) may be more prone to authoritarianism, as these resources can
be a source of wealth that leaders are reluctant to share.

5. External Factors:

 Geostrategic Interests: Superpowers and other influential countries may

support authoritarian regimes for strategic reasons, often at the expense of
democracy.
  Foreign Interventions: In some cases, foreign interventions, such as military
interventions or political interference, can disrupt the democratic process or
support authoritarian leaders.

6. Cultural Factors:

 Cultural Beliefs: Cultural norms and beliefs that prioritize hierarchy and
obedience over individual freedoms and democracy can hinder the
development of democratic values.

It's essential to note that the causes of the lack of democracy can vary significantly from one
country to another. In many cases, these causes interact with one another, creating complex
situations that are difficult to address. Establishing and maintaining democracy often requires
a combination of internal and external efforts, including political reforms, social change, and
international diplomacy.

Activity Title: "Democracy Appreciation Discussion"

Level: ESL A1

Objective: To engage A1 level ESL students in a discussion about the concept of democracy and
help them appreciate the benefits of living in a democratic country.

Materials Needed:

 A whiteboard or flip chart with markers.

 A world map or images of various countries.

 Handout with simple sentences or phrases related to democracy.

Instructions:

1. Introduction (10 minutes):

 Begin by asking the students what they know about democracy. Write their
responses on the board.

 Introduce the concept of democracy, explaining that it's a form of government

where people have the power to elect their leaders and have a say in decision-
making.

 Show the world map or images of different countries and ask students if they
know which countries have democracy and which do not.

2. Vocabulary (10 minutes):

 Distribute the handout with simple sentences or phrases related to

democracy. Examples could include:

 "People can vote in a democracy."

 "Leaders are chosen by the people."

 "There is freedom of speech in a democracy."

  Have students read the sentences and ask if they understand them. Discuss
any unfamiliar words or phrases.

3. Group Activity (15 minutes):

 Divide the class into small groups.

 Give each group a list of countries, some with democracies and others
without. You can use simple flags or names of countries.

 Ask each group to sort the countries into two categories: "Countries with
Democracy" and "Countries without Democracy."

 Afterward, have each group share their lists and explain their choices.

4. Discussion (15 minutes):

 Engage the class in a discussion about the importance of democracy.

 Ask questions like:

 "Why do you think democracy is important?"

 "What freedoms and rights do people have in a democratic country?"

 "How do you feel about living in a country with democracy?"

 Encourage students to share their opinions and experiences.

5. Gratitude Activity (10 minutes):

 Have students write or draw one thing they appreciate about living in a
democratic country on a piece of paper.

 Ask a few students to share what they wrote or drew with the class.

6. Conclusion (5 minutes):

 Summarize the main points of the discussion, emphasizing the benefits of

living in a democracy.

 Thank the students for their participation and encourage them to continue
learning about democracy.

This activity aims to introduce the concept of democracy to ESL A1 level students, promote
critical thinking about its importance, and help them appreciate the privileges of living in a
democratic society. It also encourages discussion and allows students to express their feelings
and thoughts on the topic.
Lesson Plan: Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Democracy in Argentina

Level: ESL A1

Duration: 60 minutes

Objective: To introduce ESL A1 students to the historical significance of the 40th anniversary of
democracy in Argentina and engage them in discussions related to democracy and its
importance.

Materials Needed:

1. Whiteboard and markers.

2. Pictures or visual aids related to Argentina and democracy.

3. Handout with basic vocabulary related to the topic.

4. Short video clips or images portraying moments from Argentina's democracy

restoration.

Introduction (10 minutes):

 Start by showing a picture or visual aid related to Argentina and ask students if they
recognize it. If not, inform them that it's Argentina, a country in South America.

 Explain that you will be discussing a special event related to Argentina's history, the
40th anniversary of democracy, and its significance.

Vocabulary (10 minutes):

 Distribute the handout with basic vocabulary related to the topic. Include simple
words and phrases like "democracy," "anniversary," "freedom," and "celebrate."

 Read the words aloud and have students repeat after you. Discuss the meanings of the
words.

Historical Overview (15 minutes):

 Provide a brief historical background about Argentina's transition to democracy.

Mention the military dictatorship that ruled from 1976 to 1983 and the return to
democracy in 1983.

 Show short video clips or images portraying moments from Argentina's democracy
restoration, such as elections, celebrations, and leaders.

Discussion (15 minutes):

 Engage the students in a discussion about democracy and its importance. Use open-
ended questions such as:
  "What is democracy, and why is it important for a country?"

 "What do you think life was like for people living under a dictatorship?"

 "How do you think the return to democracy in Argentina changed people's

lives?"

Group Activity (5 minutes):

 Divide the class into small groups.

 Assign each group a specific aspect of Argentina's return to democracy (e.g., the first
democratic election, the role of human rights activists).

 Have each group discuss their assigned topic and its significance.

Wrap-up (5 minutes):

 Have each group share a summary of their discussion with the class.

 Summarize the main points discussed during the lesson, emphasizing the importance
of democracy and its impact on people's lives.

Closing Activity (5 minutes):

 Show a picture or visual aid of a moment from Argentina's democracy restoration,

such as people celebrating.

 Ask students to share one thing they have learned or found interesting about
Argentina's democracy.

Homework (optional):

 Assign a short writing task where students can express their thoughts on democracy
and its significance in Argentina and in their own lives.

This lesson plan is designed to introduce ESL A1 students to the historical significance of the
40th anniversary of democracy in Argentina, engage them in discussions about democracy, and
emphasize its importance in society. The use of visuals and discussions makes the topic
accessible and relatable to the students.