GCSE 2025 Mock Revision – Life in Modern Britain: Rights, Responsibilities & British Values

What is citizenship?

Being a member of a country with legal rights and responsibilities. Example: UK citizens vote & pay taxes.

Name the 5 British Values.

Democracy, Rule of Law, Individual Liberty, Tolerance, Mutual Respect.

What is democracy?

A system where citizens vote to choose representatives or make decisions. Example: UK General Elections.

What is multiculturalism?

A society where people from different cultures live together and are respected equally. Example: UK is multifaith.

What does tolerance mean?

Acceptance of others’ beliefs and opinions. Example: Citizenship lessons teach respect for diversity.

What is the rule of law?

No one is above the law. Example: MPs Expenses Scandal 2009.

What is individual liberty?

Freedom to act within the law. Example: Peaceful protests, choosing religion.

Difference between emigration, immigration, and migration?

Emigration → leaving a country; Immigration → moving into a country; Migration → moving between countries.

What are human rights?

Basic rights everyone is entitled to. Example: Right to life, freedom of expression.

What is a pressure group?

Campaigns to change laws or policies. Example: Liberty campaigns for human rights.

What is an interest group?

Represents causes and influences government. Example: Howard League works on criminal justice reform.

What are trade unions?

Protect workers’ rights, pay, and conditions. Example: Unite campaigns for better wages.

What do charities/voluntary groups do?

Support people and push for legal change. Example: NSPCC protects children.

What is a petition?

Formal request to Parliament; 100,000+ signatures = debated. Example: Online petitions for school policy changes.

What is lobbying?

Contact MPs to influence laws. Example: Climate groups lobbying for climate laws.

What is legal action/advocacy?

Challenge unfair laws in court. Example: Liberty takes cases to defend civil rights.

What is volunteering in legal/political context?

Help communities and support services. Example: Victim Support volunteers help crime victims.

What is legislation?

Laws made by Parliament. Example: Equality Act 2010.

What is common law/precedent?

Judges’ past decisions create rules. Example: R v Brown.

What is European/international law?

Human rights and treaties via Council of Europe. Example: European Convention on Human Rights.

What are magistrates?

Volunteer judges for minor cases. Example: Petty theft.

What is the role of a jury?

12 adults in Crown Court decide verdicts in serious criminal trials.

What is a Police & Crime Commissioner?

Oversees local policing priorities and ensures police do their job effectively.

What is a tribunal member?

Resolves civil disputes like employment or benefits cases.

What is criminal law?

Laws against crimes harming society. Example: Murder, assault, theft.

What is civil law?

Laws for private disputes between people or organisations. Example: Divorce, property disputes.

Criminal courts hierarchy in England & Wales?

Magistrates → Crown → High Court → Court of Appeal → Supreme Court.

Civil courts hierarchy in England & Wales?

County Court → High Court → Court of Appeal → Supreme Court; Tribunals handle specific cases faster/cheaper.

Ways to solve civil disputes?

Negotiation, Mediation, Tribunals, Civil Courts.

What happens when a youth offender (10–17) is arrested?

Parents informed; case goes to youth court with privacy measures; focus on rehabilitation.

What are types of sentences?

Custodial → prison; Community → unpaid work/rehab; Fines → money; Conditional/Absolute Discharge → minimal/no punishment; Referral/Reparation → youth programs.

Pros of jury system?

Fairness, democracy, citizen participation.

Cons of jury system?

Jurors may be biased, stressed, misunderstand law, inconsistent verdicts, costly.

Age of criminal responsibility in England/Wales/NI?

10 years old.

Age of criminal responsibility in Scotland?

12 years old.

Rights at age 16?

Leave school, work, consent to sexual activity, join armed forces/marry with parental consent.

Rights at age 17?

Provisional driving licence, join armed forces (some branches).

Rights at age 18?

Vote, full adult criminal responsibility, buy alcohol/tobacco, marry without consent, full legal contracts & work rights.