Citizenship Studies key terms

A tendency in the selection, collection or presentation of information that favours a particular viewpoint and may distort the findings.

A parliament with two chambers. At Westminster, these are the House of Commons and the House of Lords.

A proposal for a new law or a change to an existing law, considered by Parliament.

A parliamentary committee that examines a proposed law in detail, including consideration of its wording and possible amendments.

A senior House of Lords official with responsibilities for order, security and ceremonies, including summoning MPs at the State Opening of Parliament.

A deliberate refusal to buy goods or participate in activities in order to express opposition or apply pressure.

The United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union, following the 2016 referendum.

A sense of belonging to the United Kingdom and identifying with shared British values and traditions.

A plan setting out an organisation's expected income and spending over a particular period.

A shortfall arising when government spending exceeds its revenue over a particular period.

The process of planning expected income and expenditure over a period and checking whether the plan remains affordable.

The responsibility to prove an allegation. In a criminal trial, this normally rests with the prosecution.

A tax on non-domestic properties, such as shops, offices and factories, which contributes to local government funding.

The group of senior government ministers who discuss and agree major government policies.

A planned series of actions intended to raise awareness, gain support or achieve a particular change.

People working together through coordinated activities to promote a particular change.

Organised action intended to raise awareness, win support or achieve a particular change.

A person who puts themselves forward for election to a public office, such as MP or local councillor.

Law established through court decisions, which can interpret and clarify legislation and guide later cases.

A detailed examination of a particular event, campaign or situation used to understand wider issues.

An agreement to stop fighting, which does not necessarily settle the underlying dispute.

Preventing or limiting the publication or communication of information.

An official count of the population that also collects information about its characteristics.

The government minister who leads the Treasury and is responsible for taxation, public spending and management of the UK's public finances.

An organisation established for charitable purposes that benefit the public, such as relieving poverty or supporting people in need.

Arrangements through which institutions oversee and challenge one another, helping to prevent any one institution becoming too powerful.

The most senior council officer and head of its paid staff, responsible for managing operations and implementing councillors’ decisions.