Year 11 - Citizenship
Is the physical set up of the House of Commons fit for purpose?
What is the nature of the British Constitution?
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit pupils consider why we need a separation of powers and whether the current political structures are fit for purpose.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to recognise the layout of the House of Commons and consider the benefits and drawbacks of this layout.
Key Notes
- The House of Commons (HoC) is rectangular in shape, with opposing sides facing each other.
- The debating chambers of the Scottish Parliament and the Welsh Parliament / Senedd are laid out differently to the HoC.
- The House of Commons has a traditional layout and others follow a more modern layout.
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
- House of Commons: elected body currently consisting of 650 members of Parliament, where MPs debate, make laws and scrutinise the Government; it is the lower house of Parliament and meets in the Palace of Westminster
- Member of Parliament (MP): the representative elected to represent a constituency in the UK's national legislative body
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- The Speaker is able to influence decisions in the House of Commons.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain the lesson in two key points.
The House of Commons (HoC) is rectangular in shape, with opposing sides facing each other. The debating chambers of the Scottish Parliament and the Welsh Parliament / Senedd are laid out differently to the HoC.
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: The Speaker is able to influence decisions in the House of Commons. Correction: The Speaker is politically neutral and there to chair debates and keep order in the House of Commons.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Should parliamentary procedures be modernised? Study Guide
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of an uncodified constitution? Study Guide
- What are the benefits and drawbacks of a bicameral system? Study Guide
- What does the Supreme Court do? Study Guide
- Why do we have a separation of powers? Study Guide
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