Parliament, the monarch and you
The UK's system of government developed over centuries, not overnight. Understanding who holds power — and who checks it — is the starting point for citizenship.
Part of your national curriculum
- Democracy and government: Understand the development of the political system of democratic government in the United Kingdom, including the roles of citizens, Parliament and the monarch
Lesson overview
What you'll learn in this lesson
Understand the development of the political system of democratic government in the United Kingdom, including the roles of citizens, Parliament and the monarch
Key learning points
- • Three parts of Parliament
- • A constitutional monarchy
- • Citizens in the system
This lesson at a glance
- 20 minutes
- 17 parts to scroll through
- 3 quick checks
- Marked quiz at the end
- Gentle pace: short sittings with pauses
Words to know
Scroll down — the lesson carries on below
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Part 1 of 17
Visual introductionPicture this
Parliament, the monarch and you
The UK's system of government developed over centuries, not overnight. Understanding who holds power — and who checks it — is the starting point for citizenship.
In a nutshell
Understand the development of the political system of democratic government in the United Kingdom, including the roles of citizens, Parliament and the monarch
Learning cycle
Part 2 of 17
Learning cycle 1 of 2
Part 1 · Three parts of Parliament
A short piece of teaching, then a check to make sure it has landed.
Explore the idea
Part 3 of 17
Learn
Three parts of Parliament
UK Parliament has three parts: the House of Commons (elected MPs who represent constituencies), the House of Lords (appointed and hereditary members who scrutinise and revise laws) and the monarch, who formally gives royal assent to bills. In practice, the House of Commons holds the most power because its members are directly elected by the public.
Reset break
Part 4 of 17
Pause
That's sitting 1 of 4 done
Stretch, get a drink, look out of the window. There is no timer and nothing is counting down — your place is saved, so you can come back in five minutes or tomorrow.
Explore the idea
Part 5 of 17
Learn
A constitutional monarchy
The UK is a constitutional monarchy, meaning the King is head of state but has almost no political power — he acts on the advice of ministers. This developed gradually, especially after events like the Magna Carta in 1215 and the Bill of Rights in 1689, which limited royal power in favour of Parliament.
Quick check
Part 6 of 17
Quick check
Part 7 of 17
Reset break
Part 8 of 17
Pause
That's sitting 2 of 4 done
Stretch, get a drink, look out of the window. There is no timer and nothing is counting down — your place is saved, so you can come back in five minutes or tomorrow.
Learning cycle
Part 9 of 17
Learning cycle 2 of 2
Part 2 · Citizens in the system
A short piece of teaching, then a check to make sure it has landed.
Explore the idea
Part 10 of 17
Learn
Citizens in the system
Ordinary citizens take part by voting, joining political parties, campaigning, contacting their MP or standing for election themselves. Even outside election time, citizens can petition Parliament, and any petition with over 100,000 signatures must be considered for a Commons debate.
Quick check
Part 11 of 17
Quick check
How many signatures does a public petition need to be considered for a Commons debate?
Reset break
Part 12 of 17
Pause
That's sitting 3 of 4 done
Stretch, get a drink, look out of the window. There is no timer and nothing is counting down — your place is saved, so you can come back in five minutes or tomorrow.
Challenge round
Part 13 of 17
Game · Sort it
Which of these are true?
Drag each card into the right column. Tap a card first if dragging is fiddly.
True
Not true
Challenge round
Part 14 of 17
Game · Fill the gaps
Finish the sentences
Choose the word that belongs in each gap.
The UK is a constitutional monarchy, meaning the King is head of state but has almost no ____ power — he acts on the advice of ministers.
Challenge round
Part 15 of 17
Game · Recall cards
Which part of Parliament is directly elected by the public?
Card 1 of 3
Mastery quiz
Part 16 of 17
Marked quiz
End of lesson quiz: Parliament, the monarch and you
3 questions, marked with the reasoning shown. No timer.
1. Which part of Parliament is directly elected by the public?
2. What does 'constitutional monarchy' mean?
3. How many signatures does a public petition need to be considered for a Commons debate?
Lesson round-up
Part 17 of 17
Lesson round-up
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Understand the development of the political system of democratic government in the United Kingdom, including the roles of citizens, Parliament and the monarch