AQA GCSE Citizenship Studies key terms

A legal principle established in an earlier court decision that guides, or binds, decisions in later similar cases.

A description of government in which leadership and decision-making are increasingly concentrated around the Prime Minister rather than the Cabinet collectively.

The setting and enforcement of standards for newspapers and other press publications, including handling complaints about their reporting.

An organisation that seeks to influence decisions or public opinion without seeking election to government itself.

The principle that an accused person must be treated as innocent unless their guilt is proved according to law.

Information collected first-hand for an investigation, for example through a survey, interview or observation.

The head of the UK government, responsible for leading the government and setting its overall policy direction.

The regular session in the House of Commons at which MPs question the Prime Minister.

A fundamental idea that guides how society should be organised and how decisions should be made.

A person’s ability to keep their private life and personal information from unnecessary intrusion or disclosure.

Fairness in the way a decision is reached, including giving people an opportunity to present their case.

A response that is appropriate to the seriousness of a problem and does not impose excessive restrictions.

An electoral approach intended to give parties a share of seats closely matching their share of votes.

Public action expressing opposition to a decision or situation and calling for change.

A licence that allows someone to learn to drive, subject to conditions such as the minimum driving age and appropriate supervision.

An organisation carrying out public functions, such as a government department, state school or public hospital.

A group of MPs that examines a bill in detail, usually line by line, and considers proposed amendments.

A process in which a public body invites people to give their views on a proposal before a decision is made.

Money spent by government on services, support and other public purposes.

A state body involved in public decision-making, representation, law, accountability or service delivery, such as Parliament, a local council or a court.

A benefit to society, such as exposing wrongdoing, protecting people or revealing misuse of public money.

The views and attitudes held by members of the public about an issue.

A decision or course of action adopted by government or another public authority to address an issue.

A service provided, organised or funded by government to meet public needs, such as healthcare, education or social care.

Money spent by government on public services, benefits, infrastructure and other responsibilities.

A feature that attracts someone to a destination, such as employment or joining family.

A circumstance that encourages or forces someone to leave a place, such as unemployment or persecution.