1. KEY CONCEPTS Governing Modern Britain

2. Course structure Four sections: The British Constitution Parliament The Core Executive Multi-level Governance

3. The British Constitution Nature of constitution Sources of the constitution The judiciary Links between judiciary and other branches of government Recent developments e.g. Human Rights Act and their impact

4. Parliament Structure of Parliament Parliamentary sovereignty Composition of Commons and Lords, and relationship between them Functions of Parliament Effectiveness of Parliament Roles of MPs Relationship between Parliament and the Government Reforms

5. The Core Executive The Prime Minister – powers, constraints, styles The Cabinet – composition, roles and functions Collective responsibility Models of government Roles of ministers and government departments Role of civil service Special advisors

6. Multi-level governance Local government Devolution – Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland Relationship between Westminster and the devolved assemblies The future of devolution – independnece for Scotland? The European Union Relationship between the EU and Westminster The future of our membership of the EU

7. The exam 1 hour 30 minutes Answer 2 questions from 4 Each question is on a different section of the course Each question has 3 parts: a) 5 marks – explanation of a term b) 10 marks – use of extract and own knowledge to explain 2 arguments c) 25 marks – 2 sided essay debating an issue, with argument, supporting knowledge and judgement

8. Learning objectives Know the key concepts of the UK’s political system Understand the 3 branches of government and the links between them Be able to explain at least 1 key concept

9. Learning outcomes All will understand the basic structure of the UK system Most will be able to explain the difference between Parliament and Government Some will grasp the implications of the fusion of the executive and legislature

10. Key concepts The branch that makes the laws The branch that carries out the laws The branch that enforces the laws and decides if they have been broken Branches of government Legislature ExecutiveJudiciary

11. Group task Take one of the political concepts and read about it Sources include the textbook P.143, 178-181, 186-7 Report back to the whole class what your concept means

12. Concepts Parliamentary sovereignty The role of the monarchy Motion of no confidence / bicameralism The differences between a presidential and a parliamentary political system

13. Parliament and Government What is Parliament? How is a government formed? What is the relationship between Parliament and the Government?

14. Homework 1. Notes on all 4 concepts: Parliamentary sovereignty The role of the monarchy Motion of no confidence / bicameralism The differences between a presidential and a parliamentary political system 2. Answer questions: What is Parliament? How is a government formed? What is the relationship between Parliament and the Government?