New
New
Year 11

Working in politics – what can we do?

I can describe different roles in politics and analyse what is needed to succeed and create change.

New
New
Year 11

Working in politics – what can we do?

I can describe different roles in politics and analyse what is needed to succeed and create change.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Roles in politics range from elected officials to civil servants and advisers, all supporting government functions.
  2. Politics-related careers include MPs, civil servants, journalists, and NGO workers, each helping to create change.
  3. Key qualities like communication, empathy, and resilience are essential for creating change in politics.
  4. Practical experience and developing essential skills are crucial for making a lasting impact in politics.

Keywords

  • Career - an occupation pursued over a significant period of a person's life, offering opportunities for progression and development

  • Change - in this context, making improvements in society, policies, or government actions to address issues, solve problems, and create positive outcomes for communities and individuals

Common misconception

Working in politics is only about becoming an elected official, like an MP.

There are many other important roles, such as civil servants, journalists, and NGO workers, that also contribute to shaping policies and creating change.


To help you plan your year 11 citizenship lesson on: Working in politics – what can we do?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Encourage pupils to explore a variety of roles within politics beyond just elected positions. Highlight how different careers, such as civil servants or journalists, contribute to creating change and shaping society, helping them see the broader picture of political involvement.
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

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
Match the following terms to their correct descriptions.
Correct Answer:bias,having a one-sided view of a person or group

having a one-sided view of a person or group

Correct Answer:authoritarian regime,a system where one person or a small group controls the country

a system where one person or a small group controls the country

Correct Answer:voting system,a method used to decide which candidate wins an election

a method used to decide which candidate wins an election

Q2.
In a democracy, how are leaders chosen?
without the public's involvement
Correct answer: through fair elections where the public votes
selected by government officials only
appointed by the ruling party without elections.
Q3.
In the First Past The Post system, the candidate with the most in a constituency wins.
Correct Answer: votes
Q4.
Which of these voting systems is used in the Scottish Parliament and the Welsh Assembly?
First Past The Post
Correct answer: Additional Member System
Proportional Representation
Q5.
What is the main purpose of political parties in a democracy?
to ensure a specific candidate wins
Correct answer: to represent beliefs and put ideas into action
to control the country without election
Q6.
Can smaller political parties in the UK, like the Green Party or SNP, influence decisions?
No, they have no influence on decisions.
Correct answer: Yes, they can have an impact, even if not in power.
Yes, but they can influence decisions only in local elections.

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
What is this describing? An occupation pursued over a significant period of a person's life, offering opportunities for progression and development.
Correct Answer: career, careers
Q2.
Match the following career roles to their descriptions.
Correct Answer:Member of Parliament (MP),represents a constituency in government and makes laws

represents a constituency in government and makes laws

Correct Answer:Special political advisor (SpAD),provides expert advice to political leaders on key issues

provides expert advice to political leaders on key issues

Correct Answer:civil servant,implements policies, especially in public services

implements policies, especially in public services

Correct Answer:political journalist,researches, investigates and writes news stories

researches, investigates and writes news stories

Q3.
Complete the sentence: Roles in politics include elected officials, civil servants, and political advisers, all supporting functions.
Correct Answer: government
Q4.
Which of the following skills are essential for creating change in politics?
Correct answer: communication, empathy, and resilience
speed, competition, and secrecy
authority, control, and rigidity
Q5.
What is one way to gain experience practical for a career in politics?
watching the news
Correct answer: volunteering for a political campaign
reading history books
visiting political websites
Q6.
Which of the following is true about working in politics?
You can only work in politics as an elected official.
Correct answer: Many roles, like civil servants and journalists, can help shape politics.
Political careers focus only on campaigning and elections.
Only elected officials impact government decisions.