AQA GCSE Citizenship Studies key terms

The use of digital technology to support participation in democratic discussion and decision-making.

Inequality in access to digital technology and in the skills or confidence needed to use it.

Being unable to participate fully online because of barriers such as a lack of internet access, suitable devices, digital skills or support.

A person’s worth and entitlement to respectful treatment, rather than unnecessary humiliation or exploitation.

Managing relationships and disagreements through communication and negotiation rather than military force.

Action that directly intervenes in a situation to highlight an issue or apply pressure, rather than relying only on requests to representatives.

A form of democracy in which citizens vote directly on decisions or laws rather than electing representatives to decide for them.

Unfair treatment of a person because of a characteristic such as their race, sex or disability.

A legal restriction that prevents someone from standing for, or holding, an elected office.

The formal ending of a Parliament before a general election, when all MPs cease to hold their seats.

Responding to a child's behaviour through suitable support or less formal measures rather than taking them further into the criminal justice system.

Differences among people in a population, including their ethnic backgrounds, religions, languages, cultures, ages and identities.

A voluntary Defence and Security Media Advisory guideline about information whose disclosure could damage national security or endanger lives. Editors retain the decision about publication.

The use of proper legal procedures when the state takes action against someone.

An obligation to act in a particular way; it may be required by law or based on a moral responsibility.

A legal obligation to take reasonable care to avoid causing harm to others.

The extent to which an action achieves its intended aims.

The official list of people registered to vote.

The people entitled and registered to vote in a particular election.

Meeting the legal conditions needed to stand for an election.

For parliamentary candidacy, a Commonwealth citizen who does not need permission to enter or remain in the UK, or who has indefinite leave to remain.

Electronic communication channels, such as email, websites and social media, used to share information or communicate with others.

Movement out of a country to live elsewhere.

An organisation that represents employers’ shared interests and may provide advice, support and a collective voice in discussions with government.

House of Commons procedures introduced in 2015 and abolished in 2021 that required consent from MPs representing English, or English and Welsh, constituencies for certain legislation applying only to those areas.

The principle that people have equal worth and should receive fair treatment without unjust discrimination.

The principle that everyone is subject to the law and entitled to equal legal protection, regardless of wealth, status or background.