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Year 11

How is devolution impacting the UK's democracy?

I can explain what devolution is and the impact it is having on the UK’s democracy.

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New
New
Year 11

How is devolution impacting the UK's democracy?

I can explain what devolution is and the impact it is having on the UK’s democracy.

Download all resources
Share activities with pupils

These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Devolution is the transfer of powers from the UK to regional government.
  2. Devolution invovles transferred powers for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
  3. Devolution impacts democracy by giving regions more control over local issues.
  4. Devolution can impact the unity and identity of the UK.

Keywords

  • Devolution - the transfer of political powers from a central government or Parliament to a national, regional or local government or Parliament

  • Regional - relating to a particular area, or part of an area, of a state or country

Common misconception

Devolution means the regional governments are independent.

Devolution allows more powers, but the countries still remain part of the UK.


To help you plan your year 11 citizenship lesson on: How is devolution impacting the UK's democracy?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

To help pupils understand, use a case study involving two regions they are familiar with. Comparing how devolution works in each area, pupils can observe the practical differences and explore how regional governments make decisions based on local needs making the concept more relatable and engaging.
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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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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Which of these are key features of a democracy?
one party system
Correct answer: protection of human rights
Correct answer: rule of law
Q2.
of powers is when power is shared between different branches.
Correct Answer: Separation
Q3.
What is a multi-party system?
a system where two political parties share power equally
a system where only one political party is allowed to exist
Correct answer: a system where there is more than one political party to choose from
a system where no political parties are allowed
Q4.
What is the UK Parliament?
a group of judges who make legal decisions
a group of local councils working together
Correct answer: the body that makes and passes laws in the UK
the body that enforces laws in the UK
Q5.
The UK Parliament is part of the branch of power.
Correct Answer: legislative
Q6.
How might a free press support a democracy?
Correct answer: allows the open sharing of ideas
Correct answer: allows communication with government representatives
allows the press more powers to make decisions

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Match the correct term with its definition.
Correct Answer:devolution,the transfer of powers from central government to smaller governments

the transfer of powers from central government to smaller governments

Correct Answer:devolved powers,specific powers that have been transferred such as transport

specific powers that have been transferred such as transport

Correct Answer:reserved powers,powers that remain with the central government, such as defence

powers that remain with the central government, such as defence

Q2.
Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have gained powers to make decisions on matters like education and health.
Correct Answer: devolved
Q3.
Which of the following is not a direct impact of devolution?
greater local control over services
Correct answer: increased funding from central government
more power for regional governments
creation of policies that suit local needs
Q4.
Which of these are advantages of devolution for UK democracy?
It reduces the need for local elections.
It eliminates the need for central government involvement.
Correct answer: It allows regional governments to make decisions that suit local needs.
Q5.
Which of these are disadvantages of devolution for UK democracy?
Correct answer: It can lead to unequal policies between regions.
It increases central government control.
Correct answer: It can lead to confusion for citizens with different policies between regions.
Q6.
Which of the following is true about devolution in the UK?
full independence for each UK nation
shared rule by the UN and local leaders
Correct answer: nations have more local powers but are still part of the UK
local councils replacing Parliament