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Citizenship Studies
Key terms
Arbitrary rule

GCSE Citizenship Studies · key term

Arbitrary rule

Definition

The exercise of power according to a ruler's wishes rather than consistent laws and fair procedures.

Used by Edexcel

How each exam board covers it

Edexcel GCSE Citizenship Studies · 1CS0

Paper 1, Paper 2

In 1215, King John agreed to Magna Carta at Runnymede. It was an early step against arbitrary rule: governing according to a ruler's wishes rather than according to consistent laws and fair procedures.
Revise: Development of Human Rights

Edexcel Citizenship Studies past papers

Related key terms

European Convention on Human Rights
Human right
Human Rights Act 1998
Magna Carta
Rule of law

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Arbitrary rule — Edexcel GCSE Citizenship Studies Definition

United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child

Universal Declaration of Human Rights