THE COLD WAR
PRINCIPLES OF
COMMUNISM
AND
DEMOCRACY
COMMUN
ISM
DEMOCRACY
By Education with DocRunning
Cold War: Communism and Democracy
Overview
Cold War: Communism and Democracy is a handson activity in which students analyze and sort the
principles of democracy and communism.
Understanding these differences is a key component
to the study of the Cold War.
Use at station activities, individually, or for a whole
class activity. This activity is a great addition to your
study of the Cold War.
Provide the tools for students to understand these
seemingly abstract concepts by identifying how
communism and democracy differ.
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Copyright 2015 Education with DocRunning
Cold War: Communism and Democracy
How To Use
Whole Class

Have a set of cards prepared for each group of 3 – 4
students.

Provide each group a large piece of butcher paper, glue
sticks, scissors, and markers or colored pencils.

Have students follow the directions on Communism and
Democracy Principles activity sheet.

When the Venn diagrams are completed, have students
analyze the diagram.

Have students respond on a piece of paper or in their
notebooks to the following (also on the activity sheet).

What do you see as some of the benefits and
disadvantages of both communism and democracy?
Individual or at Activity Station

At activity centers, have a set of cards prepared for each
student.

Have students follow the directions on Communism and
Democracy Principles activity sheet.

When the Venn diagrams are completed, have students
analyze the diagram.

Have students respond on a piece of paper or in their
notebooks to the following (also on the activity sheet).

What do you see as some of the benefits and
disadvantages of both communism and democracy?
Copyright 2015 Education with DocRunning
Cold War: Communism and Democracy
Objectives

Students will categorize principles as being part of
democracy, communism or both.

Students will analyze their Venn diagrams on
communism and democracy.

Students will identify what they perceive to be
disadvantages and advantages of each government
system.
Copyright 2015 Education with DocRunning
Cold War: Communism and Democracy
Materials

Communism and Democracy Principles Activity
Directions (1 per student)

Communism and Democracy Principles Cards ( 1 per

Scissors

Glue sticks

Colored pencils, markers, or crayons

Butcher paper (for group) or single paper or
notebooks (for activity centers or individual work)
student or 1 per group)
Copyright 2015 Education with DocRunning
Cold War: Communism and Democracy
Communism and Democracy
Principles
Activity Directions
Cut out the democracy and communism principle cards on
the next page.
•
Draw two circles to form a Venn Diagram
•
Label one side of the Venn Diagram – Communism
•
Label the other side of the Venn Diagram – Democracy
•
Glue the principle cards in place on the Venn diagram
where you think each card belongs.
•
Add color if it will make it easier for you to visualize the
different sections of the diagram.
•
In your notebook or on a separate piece of paper respond
to the following:
•
•
What do you notice?
•
What do you see as some of the benefits and
disadvantages of both communism and democracy?
Copyright 2015 Education with DocRunning
Cold War: Communism and Democracy
Communism and Democracy
Principles
Group Cards
Central Banking System
Social class structures
are determined by society
Government controlled
education
Each member of the
community contributes
Government Controlled
Transportation System
Free access to all items in
the community
Government Controlled
Media system
All Citizens get equal say in
decisions
Government Owned
manufacturing and farms
Rejection of Free markets
in all forms
There are no class
distinctions
Free markets a key part of
the system
Production is organized
for human needs
Leaders are elected by
voters
Production does not need
money
All religion and gods are
rejected
There is no free choice by
individuals
Freedom of religion is
included
Everyone in the community
is taken care of.
Individuals are permitted to
make individual choices.
Copyright 2015 Education with DocRunning
Cold War: Communism and Democracy
Communism and Democracy
Principles
Notebook Cards
Copyright 2015 Education with DocRunning
Cold War: Communism and Democracy
Copyright 2015 Education with DocRunning
Cold War: Communism and Democracy
ANSWER KEY
(Room for interpretation)
COMMUNISM
There is no free choice by
individuals
Rejection of Free markets
in all forms
All religion and gods are
rejected
Everyone in the community
is taken care of.
All Citizens get equal say in
decisions (possibly both)
Central Banking System
Government controlled
education
Government Controlled
Transportation System
Government Controlled
Media system
Government Owned
manufacturing and farms
There are no class
distinctions
Each member of the
community contributes
(possibly both)
DEMOCRACY
Social class structures
are determined by society
Free access to all items in
the community
Free markets a key part of
the system
Leaders are elected by
voters
Production is organized
for human needs
Freedom of religion is
included
Production does not need
money
Individuals are permitted to
make individual choices.
Copyright 2015 Education with DocRunning
Cold War: Communism and Democracy
STUDENT SAMPLE
SMALL VERSION
Copyright 2015 Education with DocRunning
Cold War: Communism and Democracy
Quick and Easy Newspaper: Industrial Revolution
ALSO FROM EDUCATION
WITH DOCRUNNING
Cold War: Communism and Democracy
Quick and Easy Newspaper: Industrial Revolution
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