Edexcel GCSE Citizenship Studies key terms

The rules and principles that establish how a country is governed, how power is distributed and how its institutions operate.

An established practice that guides constitutional behaviour, although it is not itself a legally enforceable rule.

A system in which a monarch is head of state but exercises powers within constitutional rules and conventions, rather than personally governing.

An alternative arrangement prepared in case a difficulty prevents the original plan from working.

An elected member of a local council who represents residents, participates in council decisions and holds the council to account.

A separate European organisation, with 46 member states, whose central role is protecting human rights. The UK remains a member.

An appointed, paid council employee who provides professional advice or manages and delivers council services.

A tax on domestic properties that helps fund local services. The bill depends on the home's valuation band, the council's charge for that band and any applicable discounts, exemptions or reductions.

A court that deals with most civil cases in England and Wales, including disputes over debts, contracts, property and compensation for injuries.

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

Action intended to stop crime happening by addressing its causes or reducing opportunities to offend.

The number of crimes within a specified population and period, often expressed per a set number of people.

A survey that asks a sample of people in households about their experiences of crime, including incidents not reported to the police.

Law dealing with criminal offences, which aims to protect the public from harm and hold offenders accountable.

An evidence-based judgement about strengths, weaknesses and the extent to which an activity achieved its aims.

A court that tries serious criminal offences, with a judge and jury when guilt is contested. It also sentences some defendants referred by magistrates and hears appeals from magistrates’ courts.

A sense of belonging connected to shared customs and ways of life, including language, food, music and celebrations.

A sentence involving imprisonment or detention in another secure institution.

An arrangement in which members do not charge customs duties on goods traded between them and apply a common external tariff to goods from outside.

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

A system of government in which citizens have a say in how they are governed, including through free and fair elections.

Discouraging crime by making potential offenders aware of the consequences of breaking the law.

Something intended to discourage an action, such as the possibility of a fine discouraging speeding.

Long-term improvement in people's living conditions, opportunities and ability to meet their needs.

The transfer of powers from central institutions to bodies governing particular nations or regions within the same state.

A policy area in which a devolved body has authority to make decisions under its devolution settlement.

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