Our government is run by a system of checks and balances. Make sure your students understand this. I once had a pop quiz (one of the only ones ever) after I was supposed to read a chapter for homework, and put that checks and balances was our financial system. Wrong! Our systems involves the three branches of government, but it can cover every other area of our government. Here, it shows the similarities and differences between labor, coalition, and green policies. Because these policies overlap, they check each other and everything remains balance.
Every part of the government wants everything to go their way every time. In fact, everyone does. But thanks to the system of checks and balances, people can make sure things go the way everyone desires within reason. Here is an example your students may be able to relate to. Say they have a party they are dying to go to, but they have to ask their parents permission. There may be inappropriate things going on at the party, but they swear they won’t do anything. They want to stay the night, mom doesn’t want them to go, dad thinks they should go for a little bit. Through mature debating, they get to go, but must be home by 10pm. If any one way had gotten their way, trouble may have been had, one party may have ended up very angry.
The government works in a similar way. If one side gets too much power, the rest of the sides, and the public, will get angry, or will get short changed. Use this in the classroom by dividing your students into three groups. Give each one a goal, and have them work the parts of the goal out maturely to find an even center.