← Citizenship Studies syllabus

EnglandCitizenship Studies

Power and influence

7 dot points across 7 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How can citizens take part in politics, and how does this differ in other political systems?

The opportunities and barriers to citizen participation, the ways citizens contribute through direct and indirect action and hold power to account, how digital democracy and social media improve engagement, and key differences in participation between a democratic and a non-democratic political system.
A focused answer for Edexcel GCSE Citizenship Studies on the opportunities and barriers to citizen participation, direct and indirect action, digital democracy, and the differences in participation between a democratic and a non-democratic political system.
10 min answer →

How do groups, organisations and trade unions give people a voice?

The role of groups and organisations in providing a voice and support, how citizens working together attempt to improve communities, the role and origins of trade unions, and the rights of people in the workplace and how they are protected.
A focused answer for Edexcel GCSE Citizenship Studies on the role of groups and organisations in giving people a voice, how citizens work together to improve communities, the role and origins of trade unions, and workplace rights and how they are protected.
10 min answer →

How are rights protected in conflict, and what role do international law, NGOs and the UK play?

Balancing rights and responsibilities in conflict situations, the role of international law and international humanitarian law in limiting the effects of war on civilians, the role of non-governmental organisations, and the methods the UK can use in an international dispute including mediation, sanctions and force.
A focused answer for Edexcel GCSE Citizenship Studies on balancing rights in conflict, international humanitarian law and the rules of war, the role of non-governmental organisations, and the methods the UK can use in an international dispute: mediation, sanctions and force.
10 min answer →

Why does a free press matter, and what are the media's rights and responsibilities?

Why a free press is important in a democracy and the role of the media in informing the public and holding power to account, and the rights and responsibilities of the media, including accuracy, privacy, press regulation and reasons for censorship.
A focused answer for Edexcel GCSE Citizenship Studies on why a free press is important in a democracy, the role of the media in informing the public and holding power to account, and the rights and responsibilities of the media including accuracy, privacy and press regulation.
9 min answer →

What are the EU and the Council of Europe, and how has the UK's relationship with Europe changed since Brexit?

The different roles of the European Union and the Council of Europe, and how the UK's relationship with the EU has changed after Brexit as a result of decisions about migration, fishing, travel and trade.
A focused answer for Edexcel GCSE Citizenship Studies on the different roles of the European Union and the Council of Europe, and how the UK's relationship with the EU has changed after Brexit in areas such as migration, fishing, travel and trade.
9 min answer →

What international organisations does the UK belong to and what does membership involve?

The role of the United Nations and its agencies, NATO, the Commonwealth and the World Trade Organisation, and the UK's relations with these organisations including the benefits and commitments of membership.
A focused answer for Edexcel GCSE Citizenship Studies on the role of the United Nations, NATO, the Commonwealth and the World Trade Organisation, and the UK's relations with them including the benefits and commitments of membership.
9 min answer →

How do groups, individuals and those in power use the media to influence public opinion?

How groups, individuals and those in power use the media to try to influence public opinion, including campaigns, social media and the framing of news.
A focused answer for Edexcel GCSE Citizenship Studies on how groups, individuals and those in power use the media, including social media and the framing of news, to try to influence public opinion.
8 min answer →