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Year 8 - Citizenship

What is the difference between the Government and Parliament?

How does the political system work in the UK?

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 describe the key differences between the Government and Parliament and explain some of their key roles.

Key Notes

  • The Government has the authority to govern the UK.
  • It is formed by the political party that wins a majority in the House of Commons and is led by the Prime Minister (PM).
  • Parliament is made up of the House of Commons, the House of Lords and the monarch.
  • The Government runs the country and enforces laws. Parliament debates, makes laws and scrutinises the Government.

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
  • Parliament: 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

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • The Government is the same thing as Parliament.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain the lesson in two key points.

The Government has the authority to govern the UK. It is formed by the political party that wins a majority in the House of Commons and is led by the Prime Minister (PM).

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: The Government is the same thing as Parliament. Correction: Parliament makes laws and is made up of elected MPs, appointed Lords and the monarch. The Government implements laws and runs the country, led by the PM. Parliament scrutinises Government decisions.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 8 Citizenship guide library.