Key terms & definitions

The final passing of an enlightened being: complete liberation, with no further rebirth. Parinirvana is the Sanskrit form of the term.

Final or complete nirvana at the death of an enlightened being, with no further rebirth.

A festival especially associated with Mahayana Buddhism that commemorates the Buddha’s death and passing into final nibbana.

A local area served by a church and its clergy.

A local Catholic community, normally cared for by a priest.

A local official responsible for maintaining order and dealing with minor offences within a parish.

An elected council serving a small local community, which may provide amenities such as allotments, play areas and community centres.

A hollow tube of hot, softened thermoplastic inflated inside a mould during blow moulding.

The agreement signed on 27 January 1973 intended to end fighting in Vietnam and secure the withdrawal of US forces.

The agreement signed on 27 January 1973 that provided for a ceasefire, US withdrawal and the return of American prisoners of war, but did not bring lasting peace to Vietnam.

A transport system in which people leave their cars in a car park outside the city centre and complete their journey by public transport.

A discussion between opposing sides, usually during a conflict. At Philippi, the generals' meeting becomes an exchange of accusations rather than a negotiation.

The institution summoned by the monarch to help make laws and grant taxation, comprising the House of Lords and House of Commons.

The UK institution that makes laws, debates national issues and holds government to account. It includes the House of Commons, the House of Lords and the monarch.

The Acts of 1911 and 1949 which limit the Lords' powers to block legislation and allow qualifying bills to become law without its consent.

A supporter of Parliament in its conflict with King Charles I during the English Civil War.

Supporters of Parliament in its conflict with Charles I.

The power of Parliament to participate in government and hold rulers to account.

A geographical electoral area that elects one MP to the UK Parliament.

A system in which people influence government through elected representatives in Parliament.

A system of government in which citizens elect representatives to Parliament to debate issues, make laws and scrutinise government.

A system in which the government is accountable to parliament and depends on its support to remain in office.

More than half of the seats in a parliament, giving a party or cooperating group enough votes to outvote the remaining representatives.

A system in which the monarch governs within legal limits and increasingly through ministers who depend on support in Parliament.

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.

Protection for Parliament’s proceedings and freedom of speech from interference by the monarch, courts or other outside bodies.

The principle that the UK Parliament is the supreme law-making authority and can make or repeal any law.

A grant of taxation approved by Parliament to help finance royal government.

A comic imitation that exposes or mocks the features of its subject.

An arrangement allowing a prisoner to live outside a prison under agreed restrictions, having promised not to escape.