Teachers Resources //
Politics - Who Rules
KS4 and Above
Below is a list of the interactive activities that support the Citizenship curriculum for 14-19 year olds.
Subscribers to Life Stuff will have access to comprehensive programme and activity notes.
Scroll down the page to view the aims and curriculum relevance for each of the Citizenship activities.
Political systems
Aims
- To understand that there are differences in the ways countries are run
- To understand that the differences between the ways countries are run are related to political systems
Citizenship Key Stage 4 Programme of Study Links:
Knowledge and understanding about becoming informed citizens
1a. the legal and human rights and responsibilities underpinning society and how they relate to citizens, including the role and operation of the criminal and civil justice systems
1b. the origins and implications of the diverse national, regional, religious and ethnic identities in the United Kingdom and the need for mutual respect and understanding
1c. the work of parliament, the government and the courts in making and shaping the law
1d. the importance of playing an active part in democratic and electoral processes
1f. the opportunities for individuals and voluntary groups to bring about social change locally, nationally, in Europe and internationally
1g. the importance of a free press, and the media's role in society, including the internet, in providing information and affecting opinion
Developing skills of enquiry and communication
2a. research a topical political, spiritual, moral, social or cultural issue, problem or event by analysing information from different sources, including ICT-based sources, showing an awareness of the use and abuse of statistics
2b. express, justify and defend orally and in writing a personal opinion about such issues, problems or events
2c. contribute to group and exploratory class discussions, and take part in formal debates
Developing skills of participation and responsible action
3a. use their imagination to consider other people's experiences and be able to think about, express, explain and critically evaluate views that are not their own
3b. negotiate, decide and take part responsibly in school and community-based activities
3c. reflect on the process of participating
Modern Studies (Standard Grade) Links:
Also relevant for National Qualifications Modern Studies Intermediate and Higher
Syllabus Area 1: Living in a Democracy - The UK
a. Democratic government is exercised by representatives with the consent of the people, as expressed in elections.
b. Representation is a key feature of democratic decision-making processes nationally, locally and in the workplace.
c. Democratic political processes are sustained by certain social attitudes and structures, eg: acceptance of the responsibilities of citizenship including participation through political parties and pressure group activities; respect for, and tolerance of, the rights of individuals and minorities.
d. Individuals and groups influence decision-making by various means and with varying degrees of success.
Syllabus Area 2: Changing Society - The UK
d. There are different views about the role the individual and the state should play in meeting the needs of groups within society.
Syllabus Area 3: Ideologies - The USA or Russia or China
a. The ideologies of states are reflected in their perceptions of equality.
b. Interpretations of human rights vary between and within different societies.
c. The attitudes of citizens and the responses of states to political participation may differ and lead to internal conflict and protest.
Syllabus Area 4: International Relations
a. The interests of states often diverge causing competition and rivalry.
b. States cooperate and join international organisations to solve common problems and meet national interests.
Personal and Social Education
Framework (Wales) Links:
Community Aspect:
- Know how democratic systems work
- Understand how government evolves and affects individuals
- Have a developing global awareness of contemporary issues and events
National Government
Aims
- To understand how the UK system of government works
- To understand how ordinary individuals can contribute to political decisions
Citizenship Key Stage 4 Programme of Study Links:
Knowledge and understanding about becoming informed citizens
1a. the legal and human rights and responsibilities underpinning society and how they relate to citizens, including the role and operation of the criminal and civil justice systems
1b. the origins and implications of the diverse national, regional, religious and ethnic identities in the United Kingdom and the need for mutual respect and understanding
1c. the work of parliament, the government and the courts in making and shaping the law
1d. the importance of playing an active part in democratic and electoral processes
1e. how the economy functions, including the role of business and financial services
1f. the opportunities for individuals and voluntary groups to bring about social change locally, nationally, in Europe and internationally
Developing skills of enquiry and communication
2a. research a topical political, spiritual, moral, social or cultural issue, problem or event by analysing information from different sources, including ICT-based sources, showing an awareness of the use and abuse of statistics
2b. express, justify and defend orally and in writing a personal opinion about such issues, problems or events
2c. contribute to group and exploratory class discussions, and take part in formal debates
Developing skills of participation and responsible action
3a. use their imagination to consider other people's experiences and be able to think about, express, explain and critically evaluate views that are not their own
3b. negotiate, decide and take part responsibly in school and community-based activities
3c. reflect on the process of participating
Modern Studies (Standard Grade) Links:
Also relevant for National Qualifications Modern Studies Intermediate and Higher
Syllabus Area 1: Living in a Democracy - The UK
a. Democratic government is exercised by representatives with the consent of the people, as expressed in elections.
b. Representation is a key feature of democratic decision-making processes nationally, locally and in the workplace.
c. Democratic political processes are sustained by certain social attitudes and structures, eg: acceptance of the responsibilities of citizenship including participation through political parties and pressure group activities; respect for, and tolerance of, the rights of individuals and minorities.
d. Individuals and groups influence decision-making by various means and with varying degrees of success.
Syllabus Area 2: Changing Society - The UK
d. There are different views about the role the individual and the state should play in meeting the needs of groups within society.
Personal and Social Education Framework
(Wales) Links:
Community Aspect:
- Know how democratic systems work and understand how individual citizens, public opinion, lobby groups and the media can contribute and have an influence and impact
- Understand how government evolves and affects individuals
Making Laws
Aims
- To understand how the UK system of government works
Citizenship Key Stage 4 Programme of Study Links:
Knowledge and understanding about becoming informed citizens
1a. the legal and human rights and responsibilities underpinning society and how they relate to citizens, including the role and operation of the criminal and civil justice systems
1c. the work of parliament, the government and the courts in making and shaping the law
1f. the opportunities for individuals and voluntary groups to bring about social change locally, nationally, in Europe and internationally
Developing skills of enquiry and communication
2a. research a topical political, spiritual, moral, social or cultural issue, problem or event by analysing information from different sources, including ICT-based sources, showing an awareness of the use and abuse of statistics
2b. express, justify and defend orally and in writing a personal opinion about such issues, problems or events
2c. contribute to group and exploratory class discussions, and take part in formal debates
Developing skills of participation and responsible action
3a. use their imagination to consider other people's experiences and be able to think about, express, explain and critically evaluate views that are not their own
3b. negotiate, decide and take part responsibly in school and community-based activities
Modern Studies (Standard Grade) Links:
Also relevant for National Qualifications Modern Studies Intermediate and Higher
Syllabus Area 1: Living in a Democracy - The UK
a. Democratic government is exercised by representatives with the consent of the people, as expressed in elections.
b. Representation is a key feature of democratic decision-making processes nationally, locally and in the workplace.
c. Democratic political processes are sustained by certain social attitudes and structures, eg: acceptance of the responsibilities of citizenship including participation through political parties and pressure group activities; respect for, and tolerance of, the rights of individuals and minorities.
d. Individuals and groups influence decision-making by various means and with varying degrees of success.
Syllabus Area 2: Changing Society – The UK
d. There are different views about the role the individual and the state should play in meeting the needs of groups within society.
Personal and Social Education Framework
(Wales) Links:
Community Aspect:
- Know how democratic systems work and understand how individual citizens, public opinion, lobby groups and the media can contribute and have an influence and impact
- Understand how government evolves and affects individuals
- Have a developing global awareness of contemporary issues and events including human rights and sustainable development
Regional and Local Government
Aims
- To understand the purpose of local and regional government
Citizenship Key Stage 4 Programme of Study Links:
Knowledge and understanding about becoming informed citizens
1b. the origins and implications of the diverse national, regional, religious and ethnic identities in the United Kingdom and the need for mutual respect and understanding
1c. the work of parliament, the government and the courts in making and shaping the law
1d. the importance of playing an active part in democratic and electoral processes
1f. the opportunities for individuals and voluntary groups to bring about social change locally, nationally, in Europe and internationally
Developing skills of enquiry and communication
2a. research a topical political, spiritual, moral, social or cultural issue, problem or event by analysing information from different sources, including ICT-based sources, showing an awareness of the use and abuse of statistics
2b. express, justify and defend orally and in writing a personal opinion about such issues, problems or events
2c. contribute to group and exploratory class discussions, and take part in formal debates
Developing skills of participation and responsible action
3a. use their imagination to consider other people's experiences and be able to think about, express, explain and critically evaluate views that are not their own
3b. negotiate, decide and take part responsibly in school and community-based activities
3c. reflect on the process of participating
Modern Studies (Standard Grade) Links:
Also relevant for National Qualifications Modern Studies Intermediate and Higher
Syllabus Area 1: Living in a Democracy – The UK
a. Democratic government is exercised by representatives with the consent of the people, as expressed in elections.
b. Representation is a key feature of democratic decision-making processes nationally, locally and in the workplace.
c. Democratic political processes are sustained by certain social attitudes and structures, eg: acceptance of the responsibilities of citizenship including participation through political parties and pressure group activities; respect for, and tolerance of, the rights of individuals and minorities.
d. Individuals and groups influence decision–making by various means and with varying degrees of success.
Syllabus Area 2: Changing Society – The UK
d. There are different views about the role the individual and the state should play in meeting the needs of groups within society.
Syllabus Area 4: International Relations
c. States use trade and economic and military aid to pursue power and influence as well as to promote development.
Personal and Social Education Framework
(Wales) Links:
Community Aspect:
- Know how democratic systems work and understand how individual citizens, public opinion, lobby groups and the media can contribute and have an influence and impact
- Understand how government evolves and affects individuals
- Have a developing global awareness of contemporary issues and events including human rights and sustainable development
The media
Aims
- To understand the influence the media have over the political views and opinions of people
Citizenship Key Stage 4 Programme of Study Links:
Knowledge and understanding about becoming informed citizens
1a. the legal and human rights and responsibilities underpinning society and how they relate to citizens, including the role and operation of the criminal and civil justice systems
1c. the work of parliament, the government and the courts in making and shaping the law
1g. the importance of a free press, and the media's role in society, including the internet, in providing information and affecting opinion
Developing skills of enquiry and communication
2a. research a topical political, spiritual, moral, social or cultural issue, problem or event by analysing information from different sources, including ICT-based sources, showing an awareness of the use and abuse of statistics
2b. express, justify and defend orally and in writing a personal opinion about such issues, problems or events
2c. contribute to group and exploratory class discussions, and take part in formal debates
Developing skills of participation and responsible action
3a. use their imagination to consider other people's experiences and be able to think about, express, explain and critically evaluate views that are not their own
3b. negotiate, decide and take part responsibly in school and community-based activities
3c. reflect on the process of participating
Modern Studies (Standard Grade) Links:
Also relevant for National Qualifications Modern Studies Intermediate and Higher
Syllabus Area 1: Living in a Democracy – The UK
a. Democratic government is exercised by representatives with the consent of the people, as expressed in elections.
b. Representation is a key feature of democratic decision-making processes nationally, locally and in the workplace.
c. Democratic political processes are sustained by certain social attitudes and structures, eg: acceptance of the responsibilities of citizenship including participation through political parties and pressure group activities; respect for, and tolerance of, the rights of individuals and minorities.
d. Individuals and groups influence decision–making by various means and with varying degrees of success.
Syllabus Area 2: Changing Society – The UK
d. There are different views about the role the individual and the state should play in meeting the needs of groups within society.
Personal and Social Education Framework
(Wales) Links:
Community Aspect:
- Know how democratic systems work and understand how individual citizens, public opinion, lobby groups and the media can contribute and have an influence and impact
- Understand how government evolves and affects individuals
Next elections
Aims
- To understand how elections work
Citizenship Key Stage 4 Programme of Study Links:
Knowledge and understanding about becoming informed citizens
1a. the legal and human rights and responsibilities underpinning society and how they relate to citizens, including the role and operation of the criminal and civil justice systems
1d. the importance of playing an active part in democratic and electoral processes
Developing skills of enquiry and communication
2a. research a topical political, spiritual, moral, social or cultural issue, problem or event by analysing information from different sources, including ICT-based sources, showing an awareness of the use and abuse of statistics
2b. express, justify and defend orally and in writing a personal opinion about such issues, problems or events
2c. contribute to group and exploratory class discussions, and take part in formal debates
Developing skills of participation and responsible action
3a. use their imagination to consider other people's experiences and be able to think about, express, explain and critically evaluate views that are not their own
3b. negotiate, decide and take part responsibly in school and community-based activities
3c. reflect on the process of participating
Modern Studies (Standard Grade) Links:
Also relevant for National Qualifications Modern Studies Intermediate and Higher
Syllabus Area 1: Living in a Democracy – The UK
a. Democratic government is exercised by representatives with the consent of the people, as expressed in elections.
b. Representation is a key feature of democratic decision-making processes nationally, locally and in the workplace.
c. Democratic political processes are sustained by certain social attitudes and structures, eg: acceptance of the responsibilities of citizenship including participation through political parties and pressure group activities; respect for, and tolerance of, the rights of individuals and minorities.
d. Individuals and groups influence decision–making by various means and with varying degrees of success.
Syllabus Area 2: Changing Society – The UK
a. Individuals have certain common needs and interact with others in society to fulfil them.
d. There are different views about the role the individual and the state should play in meeting the needs of groups within society.
Personal and Social Education Framework
(Wales) Links:
Community Aspect:
- Know how democratic systems work and understand how individual citizens, public opinion, lobby groups and the media can contribute and have an influence and impact
- Understand how government evolves and affects individuals
- Have a developing global awareness of contemporary issues and events including human rights and sustainable development
