Citizenship Studies key terms

A court sentence served in the community, with requirements such as unpaid work, treatment or a curfew.

A system in which eligible citizens are legally required to participate in voting, usually with a penalty for unjustified non-participation.

A reasoned judgement about what research findings mean, supported by evidence.

Support in the House of Commons that allows a government to remain in office and carry out its essential business.

An agreement under which a party outside government supports it on confidence votes and essential financial votes without taking ministerial posts.

A political philosophy emphasising tradition, duty and continuity, generally supporting private enterprise and limited government intervention.

A geographical area whose voters elect an MP to represent them in the House of Commons.

A meeting at which residents can discuss personal or local problems with their MP.

A person who lives in an MP’s constituency.

The rules and principles that organise a state, allocate political power and govern how that power is exercised.

An established constitutional rule or practice that is regarded as binding politically, although it is not itself a legal rule.

A system in which a monarch is Head of State but exercises powers within constitutional limits rather than personally governing the country.

Seeking people's views on a proposal before deciding what to do.

A current matter affecting a community or wider society that connects to citizenship, such as rights, laws, democratic participation or public decision-making.

An alternative arrangement prepared in case a difficulty prevents the original plan from working.

Preparing arrangements or resources to use if an unexpected problem occurs.

Crime committed by a company, or by people acting on its behalf, such as illegal pollution.

A tax paid by companies on their profits.

An elected member of a local council who represents residents and takes part in council decision-making.

A separate European organisation, with 46 member states, whose central role is protecting human rights. The UK remains a member.

An appointed, paid council employee who provides professional advice or manages and delivers council services.

A local tax on domestic properties, based mainly on property valuation bands, which helps fund local services.

A point that challenges another argument or viewpoint, supported by evidence and reasons.

A reasoned argument that challenges another argument.

A court that deals with most civil cases in England and Wales, including disputes over debts, contracts, property and compensation for injuries.

An act or omission that breaks criminal law and can be punished by the state.

Action intended to stop crime happening by addressing its causes or reducing opportunities to offend.