Year 11 - Citizenship
What is Parliament and what are its functions?
Should the UK be called a democracy?
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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 consider what makes a democracy, they explore key features of democracy in the UK and consider how those in power are held to account.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to explain what the UK Parliament is and what it does.
Key Notes
- UK Parliament is made up of three parts.
- The government is formed after a general election.
- The main political parties in the UK are Conservatives, Labour, Liberal Democrats and the SNP.
- Political parties and APPGs support democracy by offering choices and representing diverse views.
Vocabulary To Learn
- Parliament: the institution of Government in the UK; it comprises three parts: the House of Commons, the House of Lords and the monarch; its purpose is to debate, make laws and scrutinise the Government
- 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)
- political party: an organised group of people who share similar beliefs and goals about how society should run
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- All members of political parties share the same views.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain the lesson in two key points.
UK Parliament is made up of three parts. The government is formed after a general election.
2. What does this key word mean in this lesson? 'Parliament'
the institution of Government in the UK; it comprises three parts: the House of Commons, the House of Lords and the monarch; its purpose is to debate, make laws and scrutinise the Government.
3. Correct this common mistake.
Mistake: All members of political parties share the same views. Correction: Political parties generally align with core values and principles but will have varying opinions on certain issues.
More Lessons In This Unit
- How can I take part in the democratic process? The role of select committees Study Guide
- How can we hold our leaders to account? Study Guide
- How can we tell if the UK is democratic? Study Guide
- How is devolution impacting the UK's democracy? Study Guide
- What is a free press and why is it important for democracy? Study Guide
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