How is local government different to central government?
I can explain some of the key differences between local and central government.
How is local government different to central government?
I can explain some of the key differences between local and central government.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The UK is a democracy which gives citizens the right to vote for people to make decisions on their behalf.
- The government is made up of two main branches, local and central, which have different roles and responsibilities.
- Central government makes laws and decisions about national issues. It is at the centre of decision-making.
- Local governments make decisions regarding how services are carried out in the local area.
Keywords
Government - the individuals who have been elected and given the authority to run the state, led by the Prime Minister (PM) in the UK
Authority - the power or right to have official responsibility, to give orders and make decisions
Policies - courses of action or goals that people plan to carry out, or are in the process of carrying out
Democracy - a system of government in which citizens vote in regular, fair elections for representatives, who then make laws and decisions on their behalf
Common misconception
Local governments make laws.
Laws are made by central government, which must be followed by local councils. However, they can lobby the central government and influence policy through campaigns, consultations and public pressure.
To help you plan your year 7 citizenship lesson on: How is local government different to central government?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 7 citizenship lesson on: How is local government different to central government?, 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.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 3 citizenship lessons from the How does local democracy work? unit, dive into the full secondary citizenship curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
people living in the same place or having particular characteristics
something that is in, represents or affects a small area, e.g. town
something that is in, represents or affects an entire nation/country
people living together in ordered communities