AQA GCSE Citizenship Studies key terms

An elected member of a local council who represents residents and takes part in council decision-making.

A local tax on domestic properties, based mainly on property valuation bands, which helps fund local services.

A point that challenges another argument or viewpoint, supported by evidence and reasons.

A reasoned argument that challenges another argument.

An act or omission that breaks criminal law and can be punished by the state.

A survey asking people living in households in England and Wales about their experiences of crime, including incidents not reported to the police.

Proceedings concerning an alleged criminal offence, in which the prosecution seeks to establish the defendant’s guilt.

Criminal behaviour, including the types of offences committed and patterns of offending in society.

Law concerned with offences treated as wrongs against the state, which can lead to punishment following conviction.

An evidence-based judgement about an action's effectiveness, including its achievements, limitations and possible improvements.

Raising money from many people, usually through an online appeal, to support a project or cause.

The shared customs, language, traditions, beliefs and ways of life of a group.

A sentence requiring an offender to spend time in prison.

Rules arising from state practice that states accept as legally binding.

An arrangement in which participating countries remove customs duties on goods traded between them and apply common tariffs to goods arriving from outside.

Money awarded in a civil case to compensate a successful claimant for harm or loss.

A discussion in which people hold different views about an issue or what should be done about it.

Payments of interest on money the government has borrowed.

A person or body with the authority to make the change being requested.

A formal statement of principles or standards, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

A person or organisation against whom a civil claim is brought, or a person accused of a criminal offence.

Careful consideration of an issue, including its evidence, competing arguments and possible consequences, before reaching a decision.

A political system in which people can influence government through free, fair and competitive elections, supported by political rights and freedoms.

Principles or standards that reflect the ideals of a democratic society and guide how citizens and those in power should act.

A public gathering or march expressing support for, or opposition to, an issue.

A political party’s decision not to choose an existing representative as its candidate for a future election.

A court sentence involving detention in secure accommodation for young people and training intended to help prevent further offending.