Two people completely disagree about something, can they both be right? To have on the screen as students walk in to introduce them to the theme – then ask for a couple of contributions from around the room to begin the session. Every effort has been made to trace copyright holders and to obtain their permission for the use of copyright material within this resource. If you believe you hold copyright of any assets featured and we have not requested your permission, please contact pealdigital@parliament.uk

Introduction to the UK Parliament

Purpose of the day… To gain a better understanding of: The role and work of the UK Parliament The history of Parliament and representation in the UK

A brief history of representation in the UK Who made all of the important decisions before Parliament was formed? What are our representatives in Parliament called today? Click on the images to watch the video. Ask students to discuss the questions with the person sitting next to them.

Parliament is made up of: Monarch House of Commons House of Lords Parliament makes and changes laws, debates important issues and checks the work of the Government, e.g. how they are spending taxes and whether they are keeping to the promises made at election time. Parliament is made up of three parts, the House of Commons, the House of Lords and the Monarch. Members of the House of Commons are called MPs or ‘Members of Parliament’. There are 650 in total. They are elected - this happens at a general election. Members of the House of Lords are often called Peers. There are around 800 in total. They are unelected – they are nominated for being very good in their field e.g. medicine, business, charity work, art, etc. Monarch – our King or Queen.

What is the difference between Parliament and government? Parliament is made up of people we have elected and people who have been appointed. They sit in the House of Commons and the House of Lords. The main work of Parliament is to make laws, check and challenge the work of the Government, approve government spending and debate important issues.

What is the difference between Parliament and government? The Government are the people elected to run the UK. The political party that wins the most seats at a general election takes charge of the Government until the next general election. The leader of the winning party is appointed as Prime Minister.

A little bit more detail to get us started… Click on the images to watch the video. Ask students to discuss the questions with the person sitting next to them. What work does Parliament do? How is Parliament different to government?

Get Involved! Contact your local MP or a member of the House of Lords about an issue that is important to you Visit Parliament and watch a debate Start or sign a petition Give evidence to a select committee Inform students that there are many different ways that they can get involved with Parliament: Contact an MP or Peer, invite them to your school Visit Parliament and watch a debate in one of the Chambers Start or sign a petition Give written or oral evidence to a select committee

Introduction to the day Structure of the day… Lesson Activity Groups Room Staff Now   Introduction to the day Everyone Main Hall All staff Rest of Period 1 Period 2 Break Period 3 Click on image icon to get the picture you would like to insert Fill out and edit for your groups. Don’t forget that the sessions are interchangeable, half the cohort could start session 2 and half start session 3 after the first session. Grey and white boxes represent each cohort.