Back to Overview

Democracy education: Two out of five students show sympathy for autocratic forms of government.

A recent study in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, reveals a concerning trend: satisfaction with democracy among ninth-graders has significantly decreased. Only 27% of students surveyed expressed satisfaction, a sharp drop from 47% two years prior. While most still support democracy in principle, there's a growing sympathy for autocratic or expert-led governance. 42% like the idea of a strong leader disregarding parliament (up from 30% two years prior) and 53% would prefer experts making decisions for the country. The study also found decreasing interest in politics. Students are also increasingly concerned about issues like rising prices, war, and job security. Despite experiencing challenges, many also report feeling happy and enjoying life. The study's authors and politicians express concern over these trends and are exploring ways to promote youth participation in democracy.

April 14, 2025
Cover StoryAuthoritarianismDemocracy EducationYouth StudyStudents
Source: News4Teacher

Article Content

Democracy Education: Concerning Trends Among Students – Are We Preparing Them for the Future?

April 12, 2025

A recent study has revealed a worrying trend: a significant portion of students are showing signs of dissatisfaction with democracy and even harboring sympathy for autocratic forms of government. This raises critical questions about the effectiveness of our current education system in preparing young people for the complexities of the modern world.

Dissatisfaction with Democracy on the Rise

According to a study commissioned by the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Education, only 27% of ninth-graders expressed satisfaction with democracy in Germany. This is a significant drop from 47% just two years prior. The study, which surveyed over 2,000 students, also found a decline in trust in politicians. Link to the full study

These findings highlight a growing disconnect between young people and the democratic process.

Sympathy for Autocratic Rule

While the majority (87%) of students still view a democratic political system favorably, 42% expressed sympathy for a strong leader who doesn't need to worry about parliament or elections. This figure is up from 30% two years ago. Furthermore, 53% believe it would be good or very good if experts, rather than a government, decided what's best for the country.

This inclination towards authoritarianism, even among a substantial minority, is a cause for concern.

The Role of Education

These trends underscore the urgent need to re-evaluate how we educate our children. Are we providing them with the critical thinking skills necessary to understand the importance of democracy and to engage in constructive civic discourse?

The study also noted a difference in attitudes between students attending different types of schools, with Gymnasium students showing less support for a "strong leader". This suggests that the type of education received can influence a student's political views.

A Call for Modern Education: Introducing BlitzFast

The findings from this study are alarming, but they also present an opportunity to reshape the educational landscape. Traditional school systems often struggle to keep pace with the rapidly evolving world, leaving students unprepared for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. This is precisely why BlitzFast is being developed – to offer a future-proof education that goes beyond the conventional curriculum.

BlitzFast is a groundbreaking, fully AI-powered online school designed to revolutionize learning. We recognize that education must extend beyond rote memorization and standardized testing. That's why BlitzFast integrates crucial 21st-century skills like entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence (AI), digital literacy, critical thinking, and sustainability.

The BlitzFast Difference

  • Flexible Learning: Learn from anywhere, at your own pace.
  • Safe and Secure Environment: A protected online space for learning.
  • German Curriculum and Beyond: Covers the standard curriculum while incorporating forward-thinking subjects.
  • Future-Focused Skills: Equips students with the practical abilities to thrive in a rapidly changing world, whether as entrepreneurs, innovators, or problem-solvers.
  • Personalized Learning: AI-powered platform adapts to individual learning styles and speeds.

Join the BlitzFast Revolution!

BlitzFast was founded by Engin, a father of four, who experienced firsthand the limitations of the traditional school system. Inspired by his own children's challenges, including bullying and violence, he sought to create a better alternative – a platform that empowers families with the freedom to live anywhere, without compromising their children's education.

BlitzFast is currently in development, and we're seeking a select group of parents to join our exclusive test group. Your feedback will help us shape the future of learning, from AI-powered core subjects to hands-on projects, language practice, and creative arts.

Are you ready to give your child the education they deserve? Be a part of this revolution by signing up for our newsletter and joining our test group: https://blitzfa.st

Help us build a future where education is safe, flexible, and empowers children to shape the world.


Key Takeaways:

  • Student satisfaction with democracy is declining.
  • Sympathy for autocratic forms of government is increasing among students.
  • There's a need to re-evaluate the role of education in preparing students for the future.
  • BlitzFast offers a forward-thinking, AI-powered online education that addresses these concerns.

This article is based on content from News4Teacher. Visit the original source for more information.

Similar Articles

More binding elementary school recommendations become a political debacle: Court expresses doubts about the new "potential test".

In Baden-Württemberg, Germany, a stricter procedure for 4th-grade students transitioning to Gymnasium (a type of secondary school) is in place. A court has now expressed doubts about the legality of a "Potential Test" which is part of this procedure. The court believes that the test's legal basis is questionable, arguing that essential decisions regarding school placement are being delegated to the school administration rather than being defined by law. While the Ministry of Education disagrees and maintains the test results are valid, the opposition party views the court's concerns as a "legal slap in the face" to the state government. This comes after another element of the procedure, the "Kompass 4" competency test, has already been widely criticized for its difficulty, particularly in mathematics.

April 14, 2025
No student has ended up in a psychiatric institution because of exams (a reply).

No student has ended up in a psychiatric institution because of exams (a reply).

A student in Munich submitted a petition to the Bavarian Parliament, signed by over 50,000 people, calling for the abolishment of pop quizzes ("Stegreifaufgaben" and "Abfragen"). However, Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder publicly rejected the idea before the parliament could even consider it. This article, a response to criticism of Söder's stance, argues against abolishing pop quizzes. The authors, two education researchers, contend that current regulations already allow teachers to choose whether or not to use these methods. They believe abolishing them would further limit teachers' autonomy and that these assessments are valuable tools for learning and development, helping students learn continuously and develop the ability to perform under pressure. They also argue that the petition's support represents a small minority of the Bavarian population and that a focus on easy, comfortable education is detrimental to preparing students for a performance-driven society. They claim problems in youth are more likely caused by excessive media use, poor diet and other issues.

April 14, 2025

"Too difficult": Influencer starts Gaga-petition against math A-levels – before the exam.

An influencer named Levi Penell has started a petition claiming the upcoming math Abitur (high school graduation exam) in Saarland, Germany, will be the "most inhumane" ever, even though the exam hasn't happened yet. Penell's goal is to generate attention and go viral, possibly at the expense of unsettling students. He initially launched similar petitions for all states but is now focusing on Saarland to get more signatures than the state's population. The Saarland education ministry is taking the situation calmly, stating that the exam is comparable to others and that the petition won't affect its difficulty or grading. The article criticizes Penell's stunt, suggesting it undermines the value of legitimate petitions.

April 14, 2025