Year 8 - Citizenship
What do MPs do?
How does the political system work in the UK?
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Study Guides
This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit, pupils learn about the roles of government and parliament and how they are organised. They explore how elections work and what the role of political parties and MPs are.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to explain what an MP is and describe some of their key roles, responsibilities and skills.
Key Notes
- A Member of Parliament (MP) is an elected representative of citizens in Parliament.
- The name of the geographical area and its citizens that an MP represents is called a constituency.
- MPs split their time between working in Parliament and working in their constituency.
- Some MPs also have additional responsibilities working in the UK Government's Cabinet.
Vocabulary To Learn
- Member of Parliament (MP): a person elected to represent citizens' interests and concerns in the House of Commons
- constituency: the specific geographical area that is represented by each MP in the House of Commons
- skill: the ability gained through training and experience to do a job or action well
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- MPs only work in Parliament.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain the lesson in two key points.
A Member of Parliament (MP) is an elected representative of citizens in Parliament. The name of the geographical area and its citizens that an MP represents is called a constituency.
2. What does this key word mean in this lesson? 'Member of Parliament (MP)'
a person elected to represent citizens' interests and concerns in the House of Commons.
3. Correct this common mistake.
Mistake: MPs only work in Parliament. Correction: MPs spend a lot of time helping constituents, attending local events and managing casework.
More Lessons In This Unit
Browse all guides in the Year 8 Citizenship guide library.