Citizenship Studies key terms

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

The difference between the number of people immigrating and the number emigrating over a given period.

Internet-based forms of communication, including websites, blogs, podcasts and social media.

The National Health Service: publicly funded healthcare services across the UK, generally free at the point of use.

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 non-profit voluntary organisation that operates independently of government to pursue particular aims. It may work locally, nationally or internationally.

Basing advice and decisions on careful analysis of evidence rather than personal preferences.

A duty or responsibility arising from an agreement or membership.

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

An independent investigator who considers complaints about unfair treatment or poor administration by organisations within their remit.

A system in which one political party holds governing power and genuine competition to replace it is not permitted.

A result of an action, such as increased knowledge or a response from a decision-maker.

Restating an idea in your own words while keeping its original meaning.

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

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

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

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

An electoral system in which seats are allocated to parties according to their votes, and representatives are selected from party lists.

Action to maintain peace or a ceasefire, including monitoring opposing forces and preventing incidents from escalating.

Pressure from people of a similar age or social group to behave in a particular way.

The most senior civil servant in a government department.

A way of looking at an issue that may be shaped by a person's experiences, interests and values.