Question

Bellringer (5–7 min)
Prompt:
“What would happen if citizens stopped voting or speaking about issues?”

Students write a quick response.
short answers

Answer 1

- Elected leaders would face less accountability and could act without public oversight.
- A small, unrepresentative group would choose officials, so policies would favor special interests.
- Corruption and abuse of power would be more likely.
- Rights and freedoms could be eroded without public opposition.
- Marginalized groups would lose their voice and their needs would be ignored.
- Public services and budgets would reflect the priorities of the few, not the many.
- Polarization or extremism could grow as only loud minorities shape debates.
- Civic knowledge and engagement would decline, weakening democracy over time.
- The country could lose legitimacy and influence on the world stage.
- Social problems would worsen because policies wouldn’t be corrected through public input.