a group of members of a legislative body chosen to investigate and report on specific issues or topics

investigations conducted by committees to examine specific issues or areas of government policy

Can citizens play a bigger role in select committees?

Citizenship

What is direct democracy?

What roles can citizens play in policy shaping?

Should environmental issues be decided by referendum?

Should moral decisions be decided by referendum?

Should political problems be solved by a referendum?

Should the UK involve citizens more directly in democracy?

Through a series of case studies from across the globe pupils explore different methods of direct democracy and consider how UK citizens can play a part in shaping national policy.

How can politicians involve citizens in direct decision making?

What is the main purpose of a select committee?

a group of MPs or Lords chosen to examine a specific issue

investigations by committees into specific government policies

a public gathering of people to hear evidence from experts

citizens' written contributions to committees

Match the term to the correct description.

They decide on the final government policy.

They submit evidence and take part in consultations.

Which of the following best describes the role of citizens in select committees?

increasing the complexity of committee reports

limiting public access to committee meetings

reducing the number of public consultations

Which of the following is an example of how public engagement with select committees can be improved?

Select committees are not just for criticising the Government; they gather {{}} to make recommendations aimed at improving policies.

to investigate issues and make recommendations to the Government

to represent the views of political parties in Parliament

to create laws specifically for young people

to provide legal advice about young people to Parliament

What is the purpose of the Youth Select Committee?

by holding public consultations and debates in Parliament

by passing laws with no involvement from MPs

by asking citizens to vote on each policy

How does the Government typically shape policies?

Which of the following is an example of how citizens can indirectly shape policies?

choosing representatives who make decisions on laws and policies

collecting public signatures to formally request government action

trying to influence decision-makers by promoting a specific cause

Match the method of shaping policy to its correct definition.

A {{}} assembly brings together a group of people to discuss an issue and make recommendations to the Government.

consider them, but is not required to implement them

send them to a public vote via a referendum

What must the Government do with recommendations made by a citizens' assembly?

They allow citizens to vote on government bills.

They raise awareness and put pressure on decision-makers.

They replace the need for government debate.

How can indirect methods like petitions or protests help shape policy?

Can citizens play a bigger role in select committees?

Lesson outcome