Consensus decision-making

High school (ages 12+)
People & Society

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/consensus-decision-making

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the decision-making framework?A process where participants collaborate to develop proposals achieving broad acceptance
2. What is the historical precedents?Found in indigenous governance, Quaker meetings, and various social movements
3. Why do people use consensus instead of a majority vote?Consensus helps make sure everyone's voice is heard and reduces the chance that some people feel left out. It can lead to stronger teamwork and better ideas.
4. How does a group reach consensus?A group first defines the problem, then thinks of many ideas, talks about each idea, changes them based on feedback, and finally asks everyone if they agree not to block the choice.

Assent: Agreement to a proposal or decision, often signifying non-obstruction rather than full endorsement.
Unanimity: Complete agreement from all members of a group on a particular decision or outcome.
Consensus Democracy: A political system or approach that prioritizes broad agreement and deliberation in decision-making.