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How are decisions made in other countries?
I can explain what parliamentary and presidential systems are.
Lesson 2 of 7
New
New
- Year 10
How are decisions made in other countries?
I can explain what parliamentary and presidential systems are.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Countries have different political systems for making decisions.
- Parliamentary systems, like the UK, have a Prime Minister.
- Presidential systems, like the USA, have a President who is the Head of State and Head of Government.
- Hybrid systems, like France, combine elements of other systems.
Keywords
Government - the group of people with the authority to govern a country; in the UK, the Government is chosen and led by the Prime Minister (PM)
Parliament - an institution of government found in many countries; it often includes one or more parts, e.g., houses/chambers; its main roles are to debate, propose and amend laws and to scrutinise those in power
Prime Minister - the leader of the political party who is in power and Head of the Government
Common misconception
All democratic countries make decisions in the same way.
The decision-making process varies between democratic countries and depends on the type of system they follow.
Countries can change and adapt their political systems over time, so it is important to always check for up-to-date information. This knowledge helps pupils see how political systems evolve in response to historical, social or political changes, and why staying informed matters.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Why does separation of powers exist?
Why does separation of powers exist?
To allow one branch to control all decisions.
To make the Government more efficient by combining branches.
To reduce the number of branches in government.
Q2.Which branches are involved in separation of powers?
Which branches are involved in separation of powers?
executive, police and legislative
legislative, judiciary and police
courts, executive and judiciary
executive, courts and police
Q3.Match the branch to its function.
Match the branch to its function.
Q4.Who has judicial power in the UK?
Who has judicial power in the UK?
Parliament
the Prime Minister
the monarch
the President
Q5.In a system with judicial independence, judges are free to make decisions without interference from the ...
In a system with judicial independence, judges are free to make decisions without interference from the ...
Q6.Do all countries have a clear separation of powers?
Do all countries have a clear separation of powers?
All countries have a clear and strict separation of powers.
All countries have no separation of powers.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match each political system with the correct description.
Match each political system with the correct description.
Q2.In a parliamentary system, the Head of Government is called the…
In a parliamentary system, the Head of Government is called the…
monarch
President
Q3.The is the group of people with the authority to run a country. In the UK, they are led by the Prime Minister.
The is the group of people with the authority to run a country. In the UK, they are led by the Prime Minister.
Q4.In the US, what is the President the head of?
In the US, what is the President the head of?
Parliament
Q5.Which of these countries has a hybrid system of government combining presidential and parliamentary elements?
Which of these countries has a hybrid system of government combining presidential and parliamentary elements?
Canada
United Kingdom
United States
Q6.Which of the following best explains how democratic countries make decisions?
Which of the following best explains how democratic countries make decisions?
Democratic countries all use the same system with a President in charge.
Democratic countries all use a Prime Minister to make decisions.
Democratic countries all use a Prime Minister and a President to make decisions.
