Where does power and influence lie?
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain who has the power in the UK and who has the influence in society.
Key learning points
- Parliamentary sovereignty grants the UK Parliament ultimate legal authority to enact or repeal laws.
- Devolved governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland possess legislative powers over key areas, such as health.
- Local governments influence daily life through the delivery of essential public services, including transport.
- Media outlets, charities and NGOs play a significant role in influencing political discourse and public attitudes.
- Civic engagement, such as demonstrations and boycotts, enables individuals to influence democratic processes.
Keywords
Power - having control or authority over something or someone
Influence - the power to affect or change someone's thoughts, actions or decisions
Parliamentary sovereignty - the principle that Parliament is the supreme legal authority in the UK; only Parliament can create or end any UK law
Common misconception
The Prime Minister (PM) holds all the power in the UK.
The PM is only in their position because of the electorate, and many decisions are made by the Cabinet, who are appointed by the PM to make decisions on behalf of the country. The media, other decision-makers and the public also hold power in the UK.
Teacher tip
Include examples of people in your local community that have either power or influence to engage pupils and relate the subject material to their own lives.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Representative democracy is ...
Q2.Match the word with its definition.
everyone that is entitled to can vote in elections
a voting method in which identity in an election is kept anonymous
the fundamental principles that guide democratic systems of governance
Q3.In the rule of law, is above it.
Q4.Starting with the earliest, order these important legal legislation into date order.
Q5.The law called the Official Act was passed in 1911 which affects democratic values like freedom of press.
Q6.The Equality Act helps to prevent the ‘tyranny of the __________' where the preferences of the majority might discriminate against minorities if left unchecked.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the word to its definition.
having control or authority over something or someone
the power to affect or change someone's thoughts, actions or decisions
the principle that Parliament is the supreme legal authority in the UK
Q2.Which of these is a devolved power in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland?
Q3.Match the action to its example.
marching in a peaceful climate protest
refusing to buy a product for ethical reasons
signing a petition on social media
Q4.What is one responsibility of local government?
Q5.Individuals can take part in civic by attending protests or joining campaigns.
Q6.Put these actions in the correct order for how a new law is made in the UK.
To help you plan your 11 citizenship lesson on: Where does power and influence lie?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 citizenship lesson on: Where does power and influence lie?, 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.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 citizenship lessons from the Practising what we have learnt unit, dive into the full secondary citizenship curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.