Year 10 - Citizenship
How are decisions made in other countries?
How do democratic systems work around the world?
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
Pupils explore how key democratic structures such as the justice system, the media and government operate across the globe and consider the impact this has on human rights and citizens ability to take action.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to explain what parliamentary and presidential systems are.
Key Notes
- Countries have different political systems for making decisions.
- Parliamentary systems, like the UK, have a Prime Minister.
- Presidential systems, like the USA, have a President who is the Head of State and Head of Government.
- Hybrid systems, like France, combine elements of other systems.
Vocabulary To Learn
- government: the group of people with the authority to govern a country; in the UK, the Government is chosen and led by the Prime Minister (PM)
- Parliament: an institution of government found in many countries; it often includes one or more parts, e.g., houses/chambers; its main roles are to debate, propose and amend laws and to scrutinise those in power
- Prime Minister: the leader of the political party who is in power and Head of the Government
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- All democratic countries make decisions in the same way.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain the lesson in two key points.
Countries have different political systems for making decisions. Parliamentary systems, like the UK, have a Prime Minister.
2. What does this key word mean in this lesson? 'government'
the group of people with the authority to govern a country; in the UK, the Government is chosen and led by the Prime Minister (PM).
3. Correct this common mistake.
Mistake: All democratic countries make decisions in the same way. Correction: The decision-making process varies between democratic countries and depends on the type of system they follow.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Are human rights really universal? Study Guide
- Do all nations work with international organisations? Study Guide
- How do citizens take action in democratic and non-democratic societies? Study Guide
- How do others govern? Study Guide
- How does the justice system work elsewhere? Study Guide
- Is the free press free everywhere? Study Guide
Browse all guides in the Year 10 Citizenship guide library.