Year 7 - Citizenship
How is local government different to central government?
How does local democracy work?
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
This unit explores the difference between local and national government. Pupils consider how governments are elected, the role of local councils and the key people within them.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to explain some of the key differences between local and central government.
Key Notes
- The UK is a democracy which gives citizens the right to vote for people to make decisions on their behalf.
- The government is made up of two main branches, local and central, which have different roles and responsibilities.
- Central government makes laws and decisions about national issues. It is at the centre of decision-making.
- Local governments make decisions regarding how services are carried out in the local area.
Vocabulary To Learn
- government: the individuals who have been elected and given the authority to run the state, led by the Prime Minister (PM) in the UK
- authority: the power or right to have official responsibility, to give orders and make decisions
- policies: courses of action or goals that people plan to carry out, or are in the process of carrying out
- democracy: a system of government in which citizens vote in regular, fair elections for representatives, who then make laws and decisions on their behalf
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Local governments make laws.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain the lesson in two key points.
The UK is a democracy which gives citizens the right to vote for people to make decisions on their behalf. The government is made up of two main branches, local and central, which have different roles and responsibilities.
2. What does this key word mean in this lesson? 'government'
the individuals who have been elected and given the authority to run the state, led by the Prime Minister (PM) in the UK.
3. Correct this common mistake.
Mistake: Local governments make laws. Correction: Laws are made by central government, which must be followed by local councils. However, they can lobby the central government and influence policy through campaigns, consultations and public pressure.
More Lessons In This Unit
Browse all guides in the Year 7 Citizenship guide library.