AQA GCSE Citizenship Studies key terms

A non-profit voluntary organisation that operates independently of government to pursue particular aims. It may work locally, nationally or internationally.

Basing advice and decisions on careful analysis of evidence rather than personal preferences.

The largest party in the House of Commons that is not in government.

An independent investigator of complaints about unfair treatment or failures by organisations within their remit.

A system in which one political party holds governing power and genuine competition to replace it is not permitted.

A result achieved by an action, such as a reply from a decision-maker or increased understanding of an issue.

Restating an idea in your own words while keeping its original meaning.

An elected council serving a small local community, which may provide amenities such as allotments, play areas and community centres.

The UK institution that makes laws, debates national issues and holds government to account. It includes the House of Commons, the House of Lords and the monarch.

The Acts of 1911 and 1949 which limit the Lords' powers to block legislation and allow qualifying bills to become law without its consent.

A geographical electoral area that elects one MP to the UK Parliament.

A system of government in which citizens elect representatives to Parliament to debate issues, make laws and scrutinise government.

The principle that the UK Parliament is the supreme law-making authority and can make or repeal any law.

An electoral system in which seats are allocated to parties according to their votes, and representatives are selected from party lists.

Action to maintain peace or a ceasefire, including monitoring opposing forces and preventing incidents from escalating.

Pressure from people of a similar age or social group to behave in a particular way.

The most senior civil servant in a government department.

A way of looking at an issue that may be shaped by a person's experiences, interests and values.

A request supported by collected signatures, showing support for a specified change.

A directly elected official who oversees a local police force, sets policing priorities, controls its budget and holds the Chief Constable to account.

Offences reported to or detected by the police and entered into their crime records.

A proposed course of action to address an issue or achieve an aim.

Serving governments of different political parties equally well, without allowing personal political beliefs to determine official advice or actions.

Taking part in activities intended to influence political decisions or the selection of representatives.

An organisation that seeks political power through elections so that it can put its policies into practice.

A right that enables people to participate in political decision-making and democratic life.

A way of arranging political beliefs along a continuum, commonly from left wing to right wing.