Year 11 - Citizenship
What are the benefits and drawbacks of a bicameral system?
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 explain what the bicameral system is and describe the benefits and drawbacks of this system.
Key Notes
- Bicameral refers to the two chambers in UK Parliament, which are the House of Commons and the House of Lords.
- The bicameral system has evolved over time.
- Advantages include more scrutiny of suggested laws.
- Disadvantages include slower processes and a system that not being fully representative.
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 it has two chambers: the House of Commons and Lords
- House of Commons: an 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
- House of Lords: the upper house of Parliament, composed of life peers and hereditary peers, who scrutinise the bills approved by the House of Commons; the House of Lords meets in the Palace of Westminster
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Both chambers in the UK's bicameral system have equal power and roles.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain the lesson in two key points.
Bicameral refers to the two chambers in UK Parliament, which are the House of Commons and the House of Lords. The bicameral system has evolved over time.
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 it has two chambers: the House of Commons and Lords.
3. Correct this common mistake.
Mistake: Both chambers in the UK's bicameral system have equal power and roles. Correction: The House of Commons holds more legislative power, while the House of Lords primarily acts as a revising chamber, providing scrutiny and suggesting amendments, rather than making final decisions.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Is the physical set up of the House of Commons fit for purpose? Study Guide
- Should parliamentary procedures be modernised? Study Guide
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of an uncodified constitution? Study Guide
- What does the Supreme Court do? Study Guide
- Why do we have a separation of powers? Study Guide
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