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Year 11 - Citizenship

How does devolved government operate in the UK?

Where does power reside in the UK?

Unit Summary

Pupils look at the role of local and national government and identify reserved and devolved powers in the UK.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explain what devolution is and its role in the UK today.

Key Notes

Devolution is the transfer of powers from the UK government to regional government.
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own parliaments or assemblies.
Devolution allows regions to make decisions on local issues such as health or education.
Devolution is still evolving and powers continue to be devolved.

Vocabulary To Learn

centralisation: when the central government makes decisions on the majority of issues
devolution: the transfer of political powers from a central government or parliament to a national, regional or local government or parliament
devolved powers: issues or matters on which the devolved government or regional areas can decide
reserved powers: issues or matters on which the UK government can decide

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Devolution means that areas become independent.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain the lesson in two key points.

Devolution is the transfer of powers from the UK government to regional government. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own parliaments or assemblies.

2. What does this key word mean in this lesson? 'centralisation'

when the central government makes decisions on the majority of issues.

3. Correct this common mistake.

Mistake: Devolution means that areas become independent. Correction: Devolution means powers are devolved but they are still part of the UK and Parliament still holds central power.

More Lessons In This Unit

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