Want to try our resources? Sign up for our 14-Day Free Trial

Demo & Training
Business & Organisations
Terms & Conditions

Should the UK be a dictatorship?

20th - 27th February 2025

Back to results

59396

Total votes

14451

5-11 votes

44945

11-16+ votes

In an era where media headlines often oversimplify young people's political perspectives, VotesforSchools continues its mission to amplify the voices of 5-18 year-olds and challenge assumptions. A recent headline from Channel 4, claiming that "more than half of Gen Z want a dictator" caught our attention, prompting us to dig deeper. With around 60,000 young people responding to our weekly VoteTopics, we set out to understand the nuanced perspectives of UK youth on governance and democracy. By posing the question "Should the UK be a dictatorship?", we aimed to move beyond soundbites and provide a more comprehensive view of how young people truly think about political systems and social change.

Secondary, College & 16+ students discussed, “Should the UK be a dictatorship?”, while Primary 7-11-year olds considered, "Can you trust one leader to make all decisions for you?" and Primary 5-7-year olds voted on the question, “Do you find teamwork helpful?”

59,396 young people voted on this topic.

Age 5-11 voter

This year we have learnt about Henry VIII and we know what problems can arise when one person makes the rules to suit them.

Age 11-16 voter

We would lose our freedom of speech and political freedom if the UK became a dictatorship. Historically, dictatorships have created extreme suffering in society so it would make the UK worse.

Age 11-16 voter

We do think a dictator would work as long as they were perfect, incorruptible and knew what was best for everyone - does that person exist?

Thank you to Unlock Democracy and I Have A Voice for responding to young people's voices on this VoteTopic!

  • 5-7-year olds were discussing the question, "Do you find teamwork helpful?" and 80% voted 'Yes'.
  • Meanwhile, 86% of 7-11-year olds voted 'No' to the question, "Can you trust one leader to make all decisions for you?"

  • Secondary, College and 16+ students were discussing the question, "Should the UK be a dictatorship?"
  • 93% of Secondary students and 86% of College and 16+ students said 'No'.

  • Many Primary and Secondary students gave examples of times in history where dictatorship caused suffering, such as during WWII.
  • Some said that they'd be happy for one person to make all the decisions if they trusted them, however most were against the idea and thought that important decisions should be made collaboratively.