How does devolved government operate in the UK?
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain what devolution is and its role in the UK today.
Key learning points
- Devolution is the transfer of powers from the UK government to regional government.
- Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own parliaments or assemblies.
- Devolution allows regions to make decisions on local issues such as health or education.
- Devolution is still evolving and powers continue to be devolved.
Keywords
Centralisation - when the central government makes decisions on the majority of issues
Devolution - the transfer of political powers from a central government or parliament to a national, regional or local government or parliament
Devolved powers - issues or matters on which the devolved government or regional areas can decide
Reserved powers - issues or matters on which the UK government can decide
Common misconception
Devolution means that areas become independent.
Devolution means powers are devolved but they are still part of the UK and Parliament still holds central power.
Teacher tip
If there are specific topics students are intersted in such as sport or health then you can look for examples of how devolution has impacted these areas.
Equipment
Pen, pencil, paper
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.The group of people with the authority to govern a country. In the UK, the is chosen and led by the Prime Minister (PM).
Q2.Who makes decisions in national government?
Q3.Which is the best description of a 'policy'?
Q4.Which of the following are types of government in the UK?
Q5.'Responsible for the security and welfare of the whole country. Sets laws and policies that apply to all of us' is a description of Local or Central government?
Q6.The is made up of various ministers and led by the Prime Minister. It usually meets weekly at Whitehall in London.
Assessment exit quiz
5 Questions
Q1.Match the term to the definition.
transfer of some powers from the UK government to regional governments
when the government decides on the majority of topics
topics on which the devolved governments can make decisions
topics on which the UK government retains control
Q2.Match the parliament or assembly to their location.
Senedd
Holyrood
Stormont
Q3.Which of the following is an example of a reserved power in the UK?
Q4.Which of the following are examples of devolved powers in the UK?
Q5.Devolution is still evolving, and more are expected to be transferred to the devolved governments over time.
To help you plan your 11 citizenship lesson on: How does devolved government operate in the UK?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 citizenship lesson on: How does devolved government operate in the UK?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 4 citizenship lessons from the Where does power reside in the UK? unit, dive into the full secondary citizenship curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.