Edexcel GCSE Citizenship Studies key terms

A system in which eligible citizens vote directly on a political decision rather than leaving that decision to elected representatives.

Tax charged directly on an individual's or business's income, profits, gains or wealth, rather than through purchases.

A physical or mental impairment that has substantial, long-term negative effects on a person's ability to carry out normal daily activities.

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

Dealing with a child through suitable support outside formal court proceedings, where appropriate.

The presence of different backgrounds, cultures, beliefs and identities within a society or group.

An online environment in which people mainly encounter views that reinforce their existing beliefs.

A person who moves mainly to find work or improve their economic circumstances.

Rules and standards that publications regulated by IPSO have agreed to follow.

A criminal offence that can be tried in either a magistrates’ court or the Crown Court, depending on its seriousness and the defendant’s choice of trial.

All the people entitled to vote in a particular election.

An independent legal body that hears employment disputes and makes decisions about claims such as discrimination or unfair dismissal.

Meeting present needs while protecting the environment and resources on which future generations depend.

Equal worth and dignity, with protection against unfair treatment and discrimination.

The principle that the law applies equally to everyone, without unfair discrimination or special treatment because of their status.

A sense of belonging connected to shared ancestry, history, language or cultural traditions.

A person's self-identified group based on their perceived ethnic and cultural background, which may involve shared ancestry, language or traditions.

An international treaty protecting rights such as the right to life, freedom from torture and the right to a fair trial.

The court which hears complaints that states have breached the European Convention on Human Rights, normally after effective domestic remedies have been exhausted.

A political and economic partnership of 27 European countries which cooperate through shared institutions, laws and policies.

Information used to support or challenge a claim, such as research findings, observations or accounts of experience.

The part of government responsible for developing and implementing policy and administering public services.

An organisation within a government department that usually delivers particular public services rather than deciding policy.

An electoral system in which the candidate receiving the most votes in a constituency wins its seat.

The effect on government finances of taxes and other revenues contributed, compared with the cost of public services and support provided.

An allocated share of the permitted catch of a particular fish stock.

Presenting an issue in a particular way by selecting which facts, words or images to emphasise.