Edexcel GCSE Citizenship Studies key terms

The principle that a person accused of a criminal offence is treated as innocent unless their guilt is proved.

Research in which you collect first-hand information yourself, for example through questionnaires, interviews or observations.

The head of the UK government, who leads government policy and appoints Cabinet ministers.

The rule agreed in the Good Friday Agreement that Northern Ireland’s constitutional status cannot change without the consent of a majority of its people.

A person's ability to keep aspects of their personal life and information from unwanted public attention.

The transfer of a government-owned organisation or service into private ownership.

A voting system intended to give parties a share of seats broadly corresponding to their share of the vote.

A punishment whose severity appropriately reflects the seriousness of the offence.

A characteristic covered by discrimination protections under the Equality Act 2010, such as disability, race or sex.

Government spending, including spending on public services, benefits and debt interest.

A body that forms part of the state and helps govern society or make public decisions, such as a local council.

A benefit to society, such as exposing wrongdoing or protecting public safety, which can justify investigating and reporting an issue.

The views held by members of the public about an issue, person or policy; these views may differ between groups.

A service funded by government to meet people’s needs, such as NHS healthcare.

A feature that attracts someone to a destination, such as employment, safety or family connections.

A condition that encourages someone to leave a place, such as unemployment, persecution or conflict.

Information expressed through descriptions, opinions or explanations rather than numbers.

Information expressed as numbers, such as counts or ratings.

A change that an employer or service provider must reasonably make to reduce disadvantages faced by a disabled person.

A vote in which the electorate answers a specific political question.

Reviewing your experiences to identify what you learned and how you could improve.

A person recognised as needing protection because they are outside their country and cannot safely return owing to a well-founded fear of persecution.

A sense of belonging to a wider area within a country, such as the North East of England.

Helping an offender change their behaviour so that they do not commit further crimes.

The religion with which a person identifies; this does not necessarily indicate their beliefs or level of religious practice.

An aspect of identity connected to religious beliefs, practices or membership of a faith community.

A legal response intended to resolve a civil claim, such as compensation or an order requiring particular behaviour.