Government and Parliament

Overview

This 60-minute lesson introduces Year 10 students to the difference between Government and Parliament within the UK political system. Students will develop an understanding of the key roles, responsibilities, and qualifications of current government officials. The lesson will help pupils build their knowledge of how the UK is governed and how power is exercised, supporting active citizenship and democratic engagement aligned with the Curriculum for Excellence.

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Learning Intentions

By the end of this lesson, learners will be able to:

• Explain the key differences between the Government and Parliament in the UK.
• Identify the main components that make up Parliament (House of Commons, House of Lords, Monarch) and their functions.
• Name the current main government officials in the UK, describe their roles, responsibilities, and qualifications.
• Understand how Government and Parliament interact and hold each other accountable.
• Develop skills in extracting, summarising, and comparing political information.

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Relevant Curriculum for Excellence Benchmarks

Social Studies (People in Society, Economy and Business):

• SOC 4-14a: Recognise the organisation and role of different groups that make decisions which affect them and others, explaining their own values and attitudes towards these groups.
• SOC 4-15a: Explain how individuals and groups contribute to their communities and to society through roles and responsibilities.
• SOC 4-19a: Demonstrate an understanding of government structures, political processes, and how individuals participate in democratic society.

Literacy and English (Listening and Talking):

• LIT 4-02a: Organise and sequence significant facts and information clearly to communicate their message effectively.
• LIT 4-07a: Listen actively and critically, identify and summarise key points, and discuss issues.

Citizenship and Active Participation:

• Develop informed and responsible attitudes towards citizenship by understanding political processes and democratic institutions.

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Resources Needed

• Copies of summary sheets about Government and Parliament
• Profiles of current government officials (printed or digital)
• Whiteboard/Smartboard
• Sticky notes or small cards for quick quizzes
• Projector to display visuals/charts
• Worksheets for note-taking and reflection

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Lesson Structure

Starter Activity (10 mins) — What’s the Difference?

1. Think-Pair-Share:

   • Pose the question: “What is the difference between Government and Parliament?”
   • Students write down their initial thoughts individually (2 minutes).
   • Pairs discuss and refine their ideas (3 minutes).
   • Collect a few student ideas on the board.

2. Teacher input:

   • Present a concise definition of Government and Parliament, highlighting how they differ (use simplified bullet points and visuals).
   • Clarify any misconceptions.

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Main Teaching and Learning (30 mins) — Deep Dive into Parliament and Government

3. Interactive Presentation (15 mins):

   • Use slides or printed handouts to explain:
     • The composition and role of Parliament: MPs, House of Lords, Monarch.
     • Functions of Government: Creating laws, managing day-to-day running, answering to Parliament.
   • Present the list of key government officials, focusing on:
     • Their roles and responsibilities.
     • Their qualifications/backgrounds.
     • Use real recent examples (e.g., Sir Keir Starmer’s background).

4. Group Activity (15 mins):

   • Divide the class into 8 groups (4 students each)—each group is assigned one official from the list to explore in more detail.
   • Provide a fact sheet on their assigned official.
   • Task: Summarise the role, responsibilities, qualifications, and give one current example of what they do.
   • Groups then prepare a 2-minute verbal report to teach the rest of the class.

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Consolidation & Reflection (15 mins) — Quiz and Discussion

5. Quick Quiz Game (10 mins):

   • Use sticky notes or cards to ask questions such as:
     • “Who appoints the Prime Minister?”
     • “What is the role of the House of Lords?”
     • “Name 3 responsibilities of the Chancellor of the Exchequer.”
     • Students respond by holding up answers or writing on mini whiteboards.
   • Encourage students to explain their reasoning to develop critical thinking.

6. Whole-class Discussion (5 mins):

   • Reflect on the importance of knowing who runs the country and how Parliament acts as a check.
   • Pose the question: “Why is it important that government officials have certain qualifications?”
   • Encourage personal opinions linked to democratic engagement.

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Assessment for Learning

• Formative: Observation of group discussions and presentations for understanding of roles and responsibilities.
• Summative: Completed group worksheets and accuracy during quiz session.
• Exit ticket: On a note card, students write one new thing they learned about Government or Parliament and one question they still have.

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Differentiation and Inclusion

• Provide simplified fact sheets and scaffolded note-taking templates for those who need support.
• Challenge higher ability learners to compare the UK system to another government system briefly (e.g., Scottish Parliament or international example).
• Use mixed-ability groupings to encourage peer support and richer discussion.

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Extension Ideas & Cross-curricular Links

• Use the start of next week’s lesson to simulate a mini debate on a chosen political topic, allowing pupils to apply knowledge of parliamentary procedures.
• Link to Literacy through writing a reflective journal entry on the role of government in their daily lives.
• Connect to Modern Studies by researching how MPs represent their constituencies and role-play contacting an MP.

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Teacher Notes

• Ensure background info on officials is kept up to date; these can be adjusted as personnel change.
• Foster respectful discussion and model the importance of democratic values and listening skills.
• Promote curiosity – highlight the relevance of this knowledge to the pupils as future voters and citizens.

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End of Plan