the individuals who have been elected and given the authority to run the state, led by the Prime Minister (PM) in the UK

the power or right to have official responsibility, to give orders and make decisions

courses of action or goals that people plan to carry out, or are in the process of carrying out

a system of government in which citizens vote in regular, fair elections for representatives, who then make laws and decisions on their behalf

How is local government different to central government?

Citizenship

What do local councils do?

What is the role of the local councillor?

How do local elections work?

Why is registering to vote so important?

How can young people be involved in local decision making?

This unit explores the difference between local and national government. Pupils consider how governments are elected, the role of local councils and the key people within them.

How does local democracy work?

a group of people elected to represent citizens and make decisions on how the local area should be run

ways in which to help, support and / or serve the public

compulsory charges to citizens and businesses by government to finance some of its spending

elected representatives who make decisions, set policies and represent the views of the community

smaller, specific area within a local council's district

often those with specialist knowledge who work for the council; support councillors to make decisions for the local area

when people vote to choose their leaders or representatives

actions or events organised by an individual or a group of people to achieve an aim

a statement published by a person or group of people which says what their aims and policies are

when people vote to choose leaders or representatives for public positions

to meet the criteria or rules to be able to do something

when a political party has more than half of the total seats in a group, e.g. a council or a parliament; in a majority, the party needs at least one more seat than half of all the seats available

an important problem or topic to consider, discuss or debate

practical steps designed to try to raise public awareness or influence key decision-makers

a person who actively takes responsibility, becomes involved in areas of public concern and tries to make a positive difference in their community

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Year 1

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Year 4

Year 5

Year 6

Primary

Year 7

Year 8

Year 9

Year 10

Year 11

Secondary

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Meet the team

Oak's curricula

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How does local democracy work?

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