How do elections work?
I can explain what elections are and describe the process of a UK general election.
How do elections work?
I can explain what elections are and describe the process of a UK general election.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- A general election is a formal process for the elecorate to choose their representatives (MPs) in the House of Commons.
- Each general election process is the same, starting with the dissolution of Parliament.
Keywords
Election - when people vote to choose their leaders or representatives
Constituency - the specific geographical area that is represented by each MP in the House of Commons
Prime Minister - the leader of the political party who is in power and head of the Government
Common misconception
The Prime Minister is directly elected by the public during the general election.
The Prime Minister is not elected by the people; instead, they are the leader of the party that has the most seats in the House of Commons after the election.
To help you plan your year 8 citizenship lesson on: How do elections work?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 8 citizenship lesson on: How do elections work?, 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 3 citizenship lessons from the How does the political system work in the UK? unit, dive into the full secondary citizenship curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
those elected and given the responsibility to run the state
the power or right to have official responsibility and make decisions
where citizens have the right to vote and participate in decisions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
the specific area that is represented by each Member of Parliament
when people vote to choose their leaders or representatives
the leader of the political party in power and head of the Government