New
New
What do MPs do?
I can explain what an MP is and describe some of their key roles, responsibilities and skills.
Lesson 5 of 7
New
New
- Year 8
What do MPs do?
I can explain what an MP is and describe some of their key roles, responsibilities and skills.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- A Member of Parliament (MP) is an elected representative of citizens in Parliament.
- The name of the geographical area and its citizens that an MP represents is called a constituency.
- MPs split their time between working in Parliament and working in their constituency.
- Some MPs also have additional responsibilities working in the UK Government's Cabinet.
Keywords
Member of Parliament (MP) - a person elected to represent citizens’ interests and concerns in the House of Commons
Constituency - the specific geographical area that is represented by each MP in the House of Commons
Skill - the ability gained through training and experience to do a job or action well
Common misconception
MPs only work in Parliament.
MPs spend a lot of time helping constituents, attending local events and managing casework.
Could an MP visit the class? Bring the lesson to life and gain first-hand experience by arranging for pupils to meet with their MP. They could ask questions to gain more understanding about an MP's roles and responsibilities.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
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.What is a political party?
What is a political party?
a group of friends who meet regularly to discuss politics
a government department focused on a specific issue
Q2.Fill in the blank: A political party's align with their values.
Fill in the blank: A political party's align with their values.
Q3.Match the words with the correct definitions.
Match the words with the correct definitions.
Q4.Why are there so many UK political parties?
Why are there so many UK political parties?
to confuse voters
to reduce the number of elections
Q5.The political {{} shows where parties stand on political issues, from left wing to right wing.
The political {{} shows where parties stand on political issues, from left wing to right wing.
Q6.Choose the word that best fits in the sentence. Political parties want to influence public policies by having their members in positions of ...
Choose the word that best fits in the sentence. Political parties want to influence public policies by having their members in positions of ...
honour
support
isolation
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the main role of a Member of Parliament (MP)?
What is the main role of a Member of Parliament (MP)?
to travel around the world
to lead the United Nations
Q2.The name of the geographical area that an MP represents is called a ...
The name of the geographical area that an MP represents is called a ...
Q3.Match the words to the correct definition.
Match the words to the correct definition.
Q4.Fill in the blank: Each constituency have roughly the same size ...
Fill in the blank: Each constituency have roughly the same size ...
area
budget
Q5.Some MPs have additional responsibilities working in the UK Government's ...
Some MPs have additional responsibilities working in the UK Government's ...
Q6.What is something that MPs do not do?
What is something that MPs do not do?
attend local events
help constituents
manage casework
