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A major civilisation theme at BAC Terminale — linking English language skills to global citizenship. The United Nations system : UN Charter (1945), Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948), International Court of Justice, International Criminal Court (ICC). Civil and political rights : freedom of speech, press, assembly; right to vote; due process. Economic and social rights : right to work, education, healthcare, adequate living standard. Democracy : representative vs direct democracy, rule of law, separation of powers, free elections. Challenges to democracy : authoritarianism, corruption, populism, voter suppression, fake news. Social justice : equality vs equity, affirmative action, racial justice (Black Lives Matter), gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights. International justice : war crimes, genocide, the Nuremberg trials, the ICC. Africa and democracy : post-independence challenges, coups, the African Union, youth activism, election monitoring. Key vocabulary : sovereignty, due process, civil liberties, accountability, transparency, corruption, human dignity, universal jurisdiction.
Exercise 1 : Discuss in developed paragraphs.
1. What are the main threats to democracy in the 21st century?
2. What is the difference between equality and equity?
3. How effective is the International Criminal Court?
Exercise 2 : Write an argumentative essay (250 words):
'Freedom of speech must have limits in a democratic society. To what extent do you agree?'
What is the difference between equality and equity?
Correction
Equality means giving everyone the same resources or opportunities, regardless of need. Equity means giving people what they need to achieve the same outcomes — which may mean giving more to those who are disadvantaged. Example: equality = every student gets the same textbook; equity = students in under-resourced schools get extra support. Equity addresses structural inequalities that equality alone cannot fix.
What are the main challenges to democracy in Africa?
Correction
Challenges include: (1) military coups and political instability; (2) corruption and weak institutions; (3) ethnic and regional tensions; (4) voter suppression and electoral fraud; (5) poverty undermining political participation; (6) foreign interference (economic or military). Positive trends: youth activism, independent media, civil society organisations, the African Union's democracy norms, increased voter engagement.
Why does freedom of speech require limits?
Correction
Absolute freedom of speech can enable harmful speech: hate speech inciting violence against minorities, defamation (lies that damage reputation), dangerous misinformation (e.g., anti-vaccine propaganda), harassment and threats. Most democracies protect speech while limiting these specific harms. The challenge is defining the boundary without censoring legitimate dissent and criticism of power.