What is the difference between the Government and Parliament?
I can describe the key differences between parliament and government and explain some of their roles.
What is the difference between the Government and Parliament?
I can describe the key differences between parliament and government and explain some of their roles.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The Government has the authority to govern the UK. It is chosen and led by the Prime Minister (PM).
- Parliament is made up of the House of Commons, the House of Lords and the monarch.
- The Government runs the country and enforces laws. Parliament debates, makes laws and scrutinises the Government.
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
Parliament - comprises three parts: the House of Commons, the House of Lords and the monarch. Its purpose is to debate, make laws and scrutinise the government
Common misconception
That government is the same thing as parliament.
Parliament is the law-making branch, made up of elected MPs. The Government, including the Cabinet, is in charge of running the country and implementing those laws. It is led by the Prime Minister. Parliament scrutinises Government actions/decisions.
To help you plan your year 8 citizenship lesson on: What is the difference between the Government and Parliament?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 8 citizenship lesson on: What is the difference between the Government and Parliament?, 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
Exit quiz
6 Questions
the leader of the Government.
a person elected by citizens of UK as their representative.
the group of people given the authority to run the country.
the group of people chosen by the PM to lead government departments.
put a plan, decision, or system into action
examine or inspect something very carefully and in detail
create, amend or approve laws
officially choose someone for a specific job or role
choose someone for a position through the use of voting