Year 11 - Citizenship
Where does power and influence lie?
Practising what we have learnt
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Study Guides
This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
Pupils revisit a number of the key concepts covered in earlier units in preparation for their GCSE papers.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to explain who has the power in the UK and who has the influence in society.
Key Notes
- Parliamentary sovereignty grants the UK Parliament ultimate legal authority to enact or repeal laws.
- Devolved governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland possess legislative powers over key areas, such as health.
- Local governments influence daily life through the delivery of essential public services, including transport.
- Media outlets, charities and NGOs play a significant role in influencing political discourse and public attitudes.
- Civic engagement, such as demonstrations and boycotts, enables individuals to influence democratic processes.
Vocabulary To Learn
- power: having control or authority over something or someone
- influence: the power to affect or change someone's thoughts, actions or decisions
- parliamentary sovereignty: the principle that Parliament is the supreme legal authority in the UK; only Parliament can create or end any UK law
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- The Prime Minister (PM) holds all the power in the UK.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain the lesson in two key points.
Parliamentary sovereignty grants the UK Parliament ultimate legal authority to enact or repeal laws. Devolved governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland possess legislative powers over key areas, such as health.
2. What does this key word mean in this lesson? 'power'
having control or authority over something or someone.
3. Correct this common mistake.
Mistake: The Prime Minister (PM) holds all the power in the UK. Correction: The PM is only in their position because of the electorate, and many decisions are made by the Cabinet, who are appointed by the PM to make decisions on behalf of the country. The media, other decision-makers and the public also hold power in the UK.
More Lessons In This Unit
- How are my rights protected? Study Guide
- How does the justice system work in the UK? Study Guide
- How does the UK Constitution affect the way the country is governed? Study Guide
- What does it mean to live in a democracy? Study Guide
- What has shaped the identity of the UK? Study Guide
- What is the UK's relationship with international organisations? Study Guide
Browse all guides in the Year 11 Citizenship guide library.