Edexcel GCSE Citizenship Studies key terms

Valuing other people’s equal rights and treating them fairly, while recognising that their beliefs, backgrounds and lifestyles may differ from your own.

Listening to and learning about one another’s views, cultures and experiences so that people can live and work together respectfully.

The government's total outstanding borrowing.

A sense of belonging to a nation, which can be connected to its history, culture, institutions or shared citizenship.

The belief that a nation should govern itself; in UK party politics, this can involve seeking Scottish or Welsh independence, or a united Ireland.

In Northern Ireland, a person who supports a united Ireland rather than Northern Ireland remaining part of the United Kingdom.

The legally required minimum hourly pay for eligible workers, with rates depending on age and apprenticeship status.

Discussion aimed at reaching an agreement between people with different preferences or interests, sometimes involving compromise.

A punishment that does not involve serving a term of imprisonment, such as a fine or community sentence.

A political system in which citizens cannot freely choose and replace those holding power through genuinely competitive elections.

An organisation independent of government that works on issues such as humanitarian relief, development or human rights.

A duty or responsibility arising from an agreement or membership.

The largest political party in the House of Commons that is not part of the government.

A political system in which one party controls government and citizens have no genuine opportunity to elect an alternative party into power.

The result of an activity, such as a response from a decision-maker or a change in participants’ knowledge.

The movement of a bill between the House of Commons and the House of Lords as they consider each other’s amendments and seek agreement on its wording.

The principle that Parliament is the highest legal authority in the UK: it can make, change or repeal any law, and cannot bind a future Parliament.

Work to help maintain peace and security in areas affected by conflict, often involving military, police and civilian personnel.

A way of understanding an issue shaped by someone’s experiences, circumstances or interests.

A formal request for action supported by people's signatures.

Offences that come to the attention of the police and are formally entered into their crime records.

The ways people take part in political life and try to influence decisions, including voting, campaigning, joining parties and protesting.

An organisation that seeks to win elections and exercise political power through its candidates and policies.

An entitlement to take part in how the country is governed, including voting in free, regular elections by secret ballot when eligible and choosing elected representatives.

The make-up of a population, including the proportions of people in different age, ethnic, religious and disability groups.

An arrangement in which different political parties or communities share executive authority, rather than one governing alone.

A legal principle established by a court decision that guides, and may bind, courts deciding later similar cases.