What are the key differences between the Westminster Parliament and US Congress?
I can explain the key differences between the UK Parliament and US Congress.
What are the key differences between the Westminster Parliament and US Congress?
I can explain the key differences between the UK Parliament and US Congress.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- The UK Parliament overlaps the executive and legislative branches, the US separates them.
- The Prime Minister is part of the UK Parliament, the US President is independent.
- UK laws are passed by the UK Parliament, whereas laws in the US need presidential approval.
Keywords
Bicameral - means two chambers; in a bicameral parliament there are two separate groups that must both agree on changes to laws; UK Parliament is bicameral as it has two chambers: the House of Commons and Lords
Legislative - the law-making body of the state, i.e. Parliament in the UK
Executive - the branch of government that is responsible for putting laws or decisions into effect
Common misconception
Laws are made the same way in both the UK and the US.
The process of creating laws is different. The UK has a parliamentary system whereas the US follows a presidential system.
Equipment
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of these types of government most closely describes the system used in North Korea?
Q2.What does it mean for a country to be a 'one-party state'?
Q3.In some countries, the Government uses to control public opinion and ensure the leadership remains unchallenged.
Q4.Which country is an example of an absolute monarchy?
Q5.Which of these factors contributes to making Iran an authoritarian regime?
Q6.Within which category of the Democracy Index is the USA located?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the words to their correct definitions.
the branch of government responsible for making and passing laws
a system of government involving two separate chambers
the branch of government responsible for putting laws into effect
the branch of government that interprets and fairly applies laws