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QCA

Citizenship at key stage 3    (Year 7-9)

Unit 06: Government, elections and voting

QCA
About this unit

This unit focuses on the role of government, the electoral system and the importance of voting in a democratic society. It explores key characteristics of parliamentary government and introduces pupils to other forms of government in the UK. Pupils investigate how government is organised, how it spends its budget and the subsequent impact on society. They also learn about different electoral systems, the principles of the democratic process and about the role of those involved in the process (political parties, MPs, government departments, local government, the electorate). Through this unit pupils learn that the power of government depends on support in parliament, which in turn depends on the support (votes) of the electorate.

The unit includes opportunities for class discussion and debate. There are also opportunities for pupils to work as individuals or in small groups to undertake research and enquiry. It is important to ensure findings are shared with the whole class so that all pupils learn about each aspect of the work.


Sections in this unit

This unit is divided into sections. Each section contains a sequence of activities with related objectives and outcomes. You can view this unit by moving through the sections or print/download the whole unit.
1. When and how do we vote?
2. What is an election?
3. How are election campaigns organised?
4. Participating in elections
5. How does Parliament work? What other forms of parliament are there?
6. How does government spend its money?