Understanding Parliament: UK Parliament Week

• newEditor
• PSHE
• Politics
• Further Education (Key Stage 5)
• Upper Secondary (Key Stage 4)
• Higher Education (non-degree)

Introductie

This lesson explores the structures and functions of Parliament in the United Kingdom. Your students will learn about both the Lords and the Commons, how the houses function, how they are filled and what the benefit of having both working as a single entity is.

Instructies

Simply save this lesson to your own 'My LessonUp' page, where you can adjust the imagery, text and content as much as you would like!

Or, press the 'teach now' button, to be able to instantly present and teach the content.

Please note, some of the text, images or videos may not be the most suitable for your class, depending on their ages and ability - so ensure you take some time to review and adapt the content to make the most of the session.

We hope you, and your students enjoy learning with LessonUp!

If you need any assistance with editing a lesson, or information on LessonUp in general - please contact: [e-mail]

What do you already know about parliament in the UK?

Introduction

UK Parliament Week is an annual event where schools, youth groups, and communities learn about the UK Parliament, its functions, and how they can participate in democracy.

Overview of the UK

It consists of four countries: England in the south and centre, Scotland in the north, Wales in the west and Northern Ireland off of the West Coast.

London, located in England, is the de facto capital of the entire United Kingdom and serves as its political, financial, and cultural centre. The population of Great Britain is just above 69 million people.

History of Parliament

Over the centuries, Britain became a global power, building an empire that once covered over a quarter of the world's land.

The monarchy evolved into a constitutional (democratic) system over time, and it’s history has largely shaped how parliament works to this very day.

The Economy

UK Parliament shapes the economy by setting laws, analysing government spending and taxation through the budget process and the Finance Bill, and approving key economic legislation such as the Bank Resolution Bill.

Through parliamentary debates, committees, and legislation, MPs and Lords influence economic policy, fiscal decisions, and the regulatory environment, impacting areas like public spending, public debt, employment, inflation, trade, and productivity growth.

Parliament and...

Tourism

Tourists visit the UK Parliament to see inside the iconic Palace of Westminster, learn about British democracy and its history, explore famous spaces like the House of Commons and Westminster Hall, and witness parliamentary proceedings like debates and committee hearings. Visitors can take guided or multimedia tours, watch live debates, and find out how the UK Parliament works today.

Parliament and...

British Nature

Parliament and...

UK Parliament affects the environment by legislating key policies, such as Net Zero targets and environmental quality standards, and by scrutinising the government's actions through committees like the Environmental Audit Committee. Parliament also implements its own sustainability policy for its buildings and activities and sets strategies for climate adaptation and resource management, influencing national environmental performance and development.

the House of Commons

Parliament and...

The House of Commons is the publicly elected, ‘lower’ house of the United Kingdom Parliament, where 650 elected Members of Parliament (MPs) debate issues, scrutinise the government, and make laws.

The UK public elects these MPs to represent their local areas (constituencies), and they come together in the House of Commons chamber to make decisions that affect the whole country.

the House of Lords

Parliament and...

The House of Lords is the second chamber of the UK Parliament, composed of appointed members, and serves as a ‘revising’ chamber that examines, questions, and amends legislation (laws) proposed by the elected House of Commons. It holds the government accountable, conducts inquiries into public policy, and can delay, but not veto, most bills, playing a vital role in the legislative process and parliamentary democracy.

Who leads the UK Parliament?

A

The Monarch

B

The Prime Minister

C

The Speaker

D

The Chancellor

What is the upper house called?

A

House of Lords

B

Senate

C

House of Representatives

D

House of Commons

How many houses are in the UK Parliament?

A

One

B

Four

C

Two

D

Three

What is the main role of UK Parliament?

A

Manage local councils

B

Control the military

C

Make laws

D

Represent the public

Class challenge: 

Your teacher will now split the class in two down the middle. One side will represent the government, the other will represent the opposition. You are going to have a mini-debate around the following topic: 

    "The school day should be shortened. It should start at 7am and finish at 12pm. Students will only have 40 minutes for lunch as their break time."

  The opposition is 'for' this proposal, the government is 'against'.

You will have a chance now to write down some points you'd like to make, then your teacher will give you opportunities to present your arguments to the class.

Note down your arguments for your debate on: "The school day should be shortened. It should start at 7am and finish at 12pm. Students will only have 40 minutes for lunch as their break time." (remember what side of the argument you are on, even if you don't agree!)

"For"

"Against"

What were good points made by either side?

Cast your vote!

You don't have to vote for the side you were on...

1

FOR the new school day

2

AGAINST the new school day

For more interactive lessons, inspiration and learning techniques; check out the UK Spotlight channel from the 'channels' tab above.