How does devolved government work?
I can describe some of the powers and responsibilities of the devolved governments and explain some of the pros and cons of devolution.
How does devolved government work?
I can describe some of the powers and responsibilities of the devolved governments and explain some of the pros and cons of devolution.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Devolution is the transfer of political powers from a central government to regional government.
- Devolved powers are issues or matters on which the devolved government or regional areas can decide.
- Reserved powers are issues or matters on which the UK Government can decide.
- Devolved governments have authority on issues affecting their regions, such as health, education and transport.
- Devolution has pros and cons, for example, giving control, but may contribute to confusion or inequality.
Keywords
Devolution - the transfer of political powers from a central government or parliament to a national, regional or local government or parliament
Government - the group of people with the authority to govern a country; in the UK, the Government is chosen and led by the Prime Minister (PM)
Regional - relating to a particular area, or part of an area, of a state or country
Common misconception
Devolved governments can make laws on any issue.
The powers of devolved governments are limited to specific policy areas defined by devolution agreements.
To help you plan your year 8 citizenship lesson on: How does devolved government 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 does devolved government 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.
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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 the political system work in the UK? 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
elected to represent citizens’ concerns in the House of Commons.
the specific geographical area that each MP represents.
the group of people with the authority to govern a country.
develops and oversees policies related to education and child welfare
regulation of roads, aviation, tunnels, bridges, harbours, etc
manages government finances, including taxes and public spending
Exit quiz
6 Questions
to manage or control something
a group of elected people with the authority to run a country/state
relating to particular area, or part of an area, of a state or country