Citizenship Studies key terms

The ceremony marking the start of a parliamentary session, at which the monarch delivers a speech setting out the government’s legislative plans.

A legal power allowing police to detain and search a person or vehicle for specified purposes, such as looking for stolen goods. Under ordinary PACE powers, reasonable grounds for suspicion are required.

A form of collective action in which workers stop working to put pressure on an employer during a dispute.

A judgement supported by relevant evidence and reasons.

Fairness in the outcome of a decision, rather than only in the procedure used to reach it.

A standard used to judge whether an action has achieved its aims.

An electoral system in which voters select a first and second choice; if nobody wins more than half the first-choice votes, eligible second choices are transferred to the remaining top two candidates.

A meeting or drop-in session where residents can discuss problems and concerns with their elected representative.

A custodial sentence that is not put into effect immediately, but may be activated if the offender commits another offence or breaches its requirements during the specified period.

A connected argument that develops relevant points and supports them with evidence and explanations.

A particular action used to help achieve an objective, such as writing a letter or organising a petition.

Choosing a candidate other than one's preferred candidate to try to influence which candidate wins.

The people, group or decision-makers an action is intended to inform, influence or encourage to act.

A tax charged on goods traded across national borders.

A compulsory payment imposed by government on individuals or businesses to raise revenue and sometimes influence behaviour.

Money that individuals and businesses are required to pay to government to fund public services and other state responsibilities.

Giving people the appearance of involvement while allowing them little or no real influence over decisions.

Accepting other people's freedom to hold different beliefs and live differently, even when one disagrees with them.

The agreement reached in December 2020 which provides a framework for UK–EU trade and cooperation following Brexit.

A measure that makes trade between countries more difficult, such as a tariff or a restriction on imports.

An organisation of workers that represents its members and seeks to protect their pay, working conditions and employment rights.

A union member who advises colleagues and represents them in dealings with their employer.

Established forms of communication such as newspapers, television and radio.

A policy area devolved to the Northern Ireland Assembly, such as education or health.

The government department responsible for economic policy and managing public finances.

An international agreement that creates legal obligations for the states that become parties to it. A convention is a type of treaty.

A specialist judicial body that decides particular types of dispute, such as employment or benefit appeals.