What are the benefits and drawbacks of a bicameral system?
I can explain what the bicameral system is and describe the benefits and drawbacks of this system.
What are the benefits and drawbacks of a bicameral system?
I can explain what the bicameral system is and describe the benefits and drawbacks of this system.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Bicameral refers to the two chambers in UK Parliament which are the House of Commons and the House of Lords.
- The bicameral system has evolved over time.
- Advantages include more scrutiny of suggested laws; disadvantages include slower processes and not fully representative.
Keywords
Bicameral - means two chambers; in a bicameral parliament there are two separate groups that must both agree on changes to laws; UK Parliament is bicameral it has two chambers: the House of Commons and Lords
House of Commons - an elected body currently consisting of 650 Members of Parliament, where MPs debate, make laws and scrutinise the Government; it is the lower house of Parliament and meets in the Palace of Westminster
House of Lords - the upper house of Parliament, composed of life peers and hereditary peers, who scrutinise the bills approved by the House of Commons; the House of Lords meets in the Palace of Westminster
Common misconception
Both chambers in the UK's bicameral system have equal power and roles.
The House of Commons holds more legislative power, while the House of Lords primarily acts as a revising chamber, providing scrutiny and suggesting amendments, rather than making final decisions.
To help you plan your year 11 citizenship lesson on: What are the benefits and drawbacks of a bicameral system?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 citizenship lesson on: What are the benefits and drawbacks of a bicameral system?, 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 4 citizenship lessons from the What is the nature of the British Constitution? unit, dive into the full secondary citizenship curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
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Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
laws that govern a country are written down, usually in one document.
laws that govern a country are not written down in one document.
House of Commons, Lords and monarchy
House of Lords
House of Commons
Exit quiz
5 Questions
more legislative power, it is the main decision-making body.
primarily served as a revising chamber, it provides scrutiny.