AQA GCSE Citizenship Studies key terms

A tax included in the price of many goods and services bought by consumers.

A decision about whether a defendant is guilty or not guilty in a criminal trial.

The ability of a permanent member of the UN Security Council to block a substantive resolution, even when other members support it.

Checks on an applicant’s background, references and suitability before a party approves them as a potential candidate.

A person who suffers harm or loss directly caused by a criminal offence. Under the Victims’ Code, certain bereaved relatives also qualify.

A statement explaining how a crime has affected the victim, which the court considers when sentencing the offender.

A person's position or opinion on an issue, including the reasons they give for it.

An organisation in which people freely give time or skills to help others or promote a cause.

An organisation outside government that works for social or community purposes rather than distributing profits to owners, such as a charity.

Giving time and effort without payment to support an organisation, people or a community.

A lack of interest in or concern about voting and political participation.

Citizens’ interest in elections and involvement in activities such as learning about candidates, registering and voting.

The percentage of the registered electorate who vote in an election.

A serious violation of the laws governing armed conflict, such as deliberately targeting civilians or torturing prisoners.

A system in which government helps protect people against hardship arising from poverty, unemployment, illness, disability or old age.

The question of why MPs from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland can vote on England-only matters at Westminster when MPs from England cannot vote on equivalent matters devolved elsewhere.

A parliamentary party organiser who maintains party discipline and encourages members to attend votes and vote as instructed.

Crime committed through a person's occupation, such as professional or financial fraud.

The generation of Caribbean migrants who came to Britain after the Second World War, associated with the arrival of Empire Windrush in 1948.

The agreement between the UK and EU setting out the terms of the UK’s departure, including financial obligations arising from membership.

A person who provides evidence relevant to a case, helping the police or court establish the facts.

A special type of magistrates’ court in England and Wales dealing with people aged 10–17.

The public body responsible for overseeing the youth justice system in England and Wales and supporting improvements in its services.

The arrangements for responding to offending by children, including prevention, support, court proceedings and supervision of sentences.

A local team that assesses and supports children involved with the law, advises courts and supervises young people serving sentences.