New
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How do elections work?
I can explain what elections are and describe the process of a UK general election.
Lesson 2 of 7
New
New
- Year 8
How do elections work?
I can explain what elections are and describe the process of a UK general election.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- A general election is a formal process for the electorate to choose their representatives (MPs) in the House of Commons.
- Each general election process is the same, starting with the dissolution of Parliament.
Keywords
Election - when people vote to choose their leaders or representatives
Constituency - the specific geographical area that is represented by each MP in the House of Commons
Prime Minister - the leader of the political party that is in power and the head of the Government
Common misconception
The Prime Minister is directly elected by the public during the general election.
The Prime Minister is not elected by the people; instead, they are the leader of the party that has the most seats in the House of Commons after the election.
You could make this more relevant by running a mock election to demonstrate how the election process works in action. Pupils could run campaigns and then vote.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), 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.Match the words to their correct definitions.
Match the words to their correct definitions.
Q2.What is the role of the Government in the UK?
What is the role of the Government in the UK?
to discuss political issues but not make any decisions
to only enforce laws without making any changes
Q3.How is Parliament structured?
How is Parliament structured?
It consists of just the Prime Minister and MPs.
It only includes elected MPs from different political parties.
Q4.What is the main difference between the Government and Parliament?
What is the main difference between the Government and Parliament?
The Government makes laws; Parliament runs the country.
The Government and Parliament are the same thing.
Q5.Who is responsible for making laws in the UK?
Who is responsible for making laws in the UK?
the Prime Minister alone
the monarch makes all the laws
Q6.Who is the leader of the Government?
Who is the leader of the Government?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What process does this definition explain? A formal process for the electorate to choose their representative in the House of Commons.
What process does this definition explain? A formal process for the electorate to choose their representative in the House of Commons.
the passing of a law
the creation of a policy
Q2.Match the word to its correct definition.
Match the word to its correct definition.
Q3.A general election starts with the dissolution of ...
A general election starts with the dissolution of ...
Q4.What kind of government is characterised by citizens having the power to choose their leaders and representatives?
What kind of government is characterised by citizens having the power to choose their leaders and representatives?
monarchy
oligarchy
Q5.Which of these is not a type of election in the UK?
Which of these is not a type of election in the UK?
general
local
mayoral
Q6.Which is not a method that candidates use to persuade the electorate to vote for them?
Which is not a method that candidates use to persuade the electorate to vote for them?
attending community events
canvassing
flyers
social media
