means two chambers; in a bicameral parliament there are two separate groups that must both agree on changes to laws; UK Parliament is bicameral it has two chambers: the House of Commons and Lords

an elected body currently consisting of 650 Members of Parliament, where MPs debate, make laws and scrutinise the Government; it is the lower house of Parliament and meets in the Palace of Westminster

the upper house of Parliament, composed of life peers and hereditary peers, who scrutinise the bills approved by the House of Commons; the House of Lords meets in the Palace of Westminster

What are the benefits and drawbacks of a bicameral system?

Citizenship

Is the physical set up of the House of Commons fit for purpose?

Should parliamentary procedures be modernised?

What are the advantages and disadvantages of an uncodified constitution?

Why do we have a separation of powers?

What does the Supreme Court do?

In this unit pupils consider why we need a separation of powers and whether the current political structures are fit for purpose.

What is the nature of the British Constitution?

Bicameral means there are {{}} chambers in the UK Parliament.

Order these events about the UK's bicameral system in chronological order.

only the elected chamber can influence decisions

simplifies the legislative process by reducing steps

ensures thorough scrutiny of laws through two levels of review

Which of these is a benefit of the bicameral system in the UK?

laws are reviewed too quickly, leading to potential errors

decisions are often made without considering diverse perspectives

the process can be slower due to additional reviews and debates

Which of these is a drawback of the bicameral system in the UK?

more legislative power, it is the main decision-making body.

primarily served as a revising chamber, it provides scrutiny.

Match the sentence starter to its correct end.

House of Lords, monarchy and Supreme Court

House of Commons, monarchy and Supreme Court

House of Commons, House of Lords and monarchy

House of Commons, House of Lords and Supreme Court

What are the three parts of Parliament made up of?

To enforce laws and manage the police force.

To create and pass laws, and hold the Government to account.

To interpret laws and settle legal disputes.

Which of the following best describes the role of the UK Parliament?

The elected chamber in UK Parliament is called the House of ...

laws that govern a country are written down, usually in one document.

laws that govern a country are not written down in one document.

Which part of Parliament is responsible for each of the following events?

A royal charter expanding the king’s power and granting new rights to nobles.

A royal charter limiting the king’s power and protecting certain rights.

A royal charter giving all the king's power to Parliament for the first time.

What are the benefits and drawbacks of a bicameral system?

Lesson outcome