Citizenship Studies key terms

A person’s worth and entitlement to respectful treatment, rather than unnecessary humiliation or exploitation.

Managing relationships and disagreements through communication and negotiation rather than military force.

Action that directly intervenes in a situation to highlight an issue or apply pressure, rather than relying only on requests to representatives.

A form of democracy in which citizens vote directly on decisions or laws rather than electing representatives to decide for them.

Tax charged directly on an individual's or business's income, profits, gains or wealth, rather than through purchases.

A physical or mental impairment that has substantial, long-term negative effects on a person's ability to carry out normal daily activities.

Unfair treatment that disadvantages people because of who they are, such as their race or sex.

A legal restriction that prevents someone from standing for, or holding, an elected office.

The formal ending of a Parliament before a general election, when all MPs cease to hold their seats.

Responding to a child's behaviour through suitable support or less formal measures rather than taking them further into the criminal justice system.

The presence of people with different backgrounds and characteristics, including ethnicity, culture, religion and language.

A voluntary Defence and Security Media Advisory guideline about information whose disclosure could damage national security or endanger lives. Editors retain the decision about publication.

The use of proper legal procedures when the state takes action against someone.

An obligation to act in a particular way; it may be required by law or based on a moral responsibility.

A legal obligation to take reasonable care to avoid causing harm to others.

An online environment in which people mainly encounter views that reinforce their existing beliefs.

A person who moves mainly to find work or improve their economic circumstances.

Rules and standards that publications regulated by IPSO have agreed to follow.

The extent to which an action achieves its intended aims.

A criminal offence that can be tried in either a magistrates’ court or the Crown Court, depending on its seriousness and the defendant’s choice of trial.

The official list of people registered to vote.

The people entitled and registered to vote in a particular election.

Meeting the legal conditions needed to stand for an election.

For parliamentary candidacy, a Commonwealth citizen who does not need permission to enter or remain in the UK, or who has indefinite leave to remain.

Electronic communication channels, such as email, websites and social media, used to share information or communicate with others.

Movement out of a country to live elsewhere.

An organisation that represents employers’ shared interests and may provide advice, support and a collective voice in discussions with government.