Citizenship Studies key terms

A proposed course of action to address an issue or achieve an aim.

Serving governments of different political parties equally well, without allowing personal political beliefs to determine official advice or actions.

Taking part in activities intended to influence political decisions or the selection of representatives.

An organised group of people with similar political beliefs and goals that seeks to influence government and win elected office.

A right that enables people to participate in political decision-making and democratic life.

A way of arranging political beliefs along a continuum, commonly from left wing to right wing.

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

Voting by sending a ballot paper through the post rather than attending a polling station.

Differences in access to services or their quality depending on where someone lives rather than only on their needs.

An arrangement in which political parties share responsibility for government, rather than one party governing alone.

A legal principle established in an earlier court decision that guides, or binds, decisions in later similar cases.

A judgement about someone made without adequate knowledge, often based on assumptions about a group they belong to.

A description of government in which leadership and decision-making are increasingly concentrated around the Prime Minister rather than the Cabinet collectively.

The setting and enforcement of standards for newspapers and other press publications, including handling complaints about their reporting.

A statement sent to journalists to announce news or present an organisation’s position, with the aim of gaining coverage.

An organisation seeking to influence decisions or public opinion without seeking government office itself.

The principle that an accused person must be treated as innocent unless their guilt is proved according to law.

Information collected first-hand for an investigation, for example through a survey, interview or observation.

The head of the UK government, responsible for leading the government and setting its overall policy direction.

The regular session in the House of Commons at which MPs question the Prime Minister.

A fundamental idea that guides how society should be organised and how decisions should be made.

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 their private life and personal information from unnecessary intrusion or disclosure.

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

Fairness in the way a decision is reached, including giving people an opportunity to present their case.

A response that is appropriate to the seriousness of a problem and does not impose excessive restrictions.

An electoral approach intended to give parties a share of seats closely matching their share of votes.