Year 11 - Citizenship
What are the key differences between the Westminster Parliament and US Congress?
How do others govern?
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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 compare different types of government from the UK to US and North Korea.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to explain the key differences between the UK Parliament and US Congress.
Key Notes
- The UK Parliament overlaps the executive and legislative branches, the US separates them.
- The Prime Minister is part of the UK Parliament, the US President is independent.
- UK laws are passed by the UK Parliament, whereas laws in the US need presidential approval.
Vocabulary To Learn
- bicameral: means two chambers; in a bicameral parliament there are two separate groups that must both agree on changes to laws; UK Parliament is bicameral as it has two chambers: the House of Commons and Lords
- legislative: the law-making body of the state, i.e. Parliament in the UK
- executive: the branch of government that is responsible for putting laws or decisions into effect
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Laws are made the same way in both the UK and the US.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain the lesson in two key points.
The UK Parliament overlaps the executive and legislative branches, the US separates them. The Prime Minister is part of the UK Parliament, the US President is independent.
2. What does this key word mean in this lesson? 'bicameral'
means two chambers; in a bicameral parliament there are two separate groups that must both agree on changes to laws; UK Parliament is bicameral as it has two chambers: the House of Commons and Lords.
3. Correct this common mistake.
Mistake: Laws are made the same way in both the UK and the US. Correction: The process of creating laws is different. The UK has a parliamentary system whereas the US follows a presidential system.
More Lessons In This Unit
- How do different systems of government compare? Study Guide
- How do elections work in different countries? Study Guide
- How does government work in a non-democratic nation? Study Guide
- How does the Prime Minister's role differ from other elected leaders? Study Guide
- What is the difference between democratic and non-democratic government? Study Guide
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