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  GOVERNMENT AND DEMOCRACY - YEAR 7
Local Government and it's role in helping the Consumer		  
     
 


Information about this unit
Learning Objectives Ideas for achieving Learning Objectives Learning Outcomes

Pupils should gain a basic understanding of

  • the difference between Central and Local Government

  • the key features of Local Government

  • how Local Government is structured in their own locality and which services are offered by their Local Authority

  • how Trading Standards Departments fit into Local Government

  • what role the Trading Standards Service plays in the protection of local people

Link MarkerBegin the lesson by talking to the students about decision making. Ask them to make a list of examples of when they do and don't make their own decisions.

Link MarkerTalk about decision making on behalf of the whole Country. Try to elicit the words 'Government' or 'Parliament'. Briefly discuss the role of 'Central Government' and then go on to look at the important role of 'Local Government'

Link MarkerExamine some of the key characteristics of Local Government:

  • elected
  • multi-purpose
  • local decisions
  • subordinate to parliament
  • local tax system

Link MarkerExplain to the students the structure of local Government. Ask the students to find out how Local Government is set up in the area they live and/or go to school. Consider the services offered by the local council and discuss why they are important.

Link MarkerDiscuss how the Trading Standards Service structure fits into local councils and how they help local consumers and traders

Students will be able to recognise the difference between Central Government and Local Government

Students will be aware of the historical background to local councils and will understand how local government is set up in their geographical area

Students will also be aware of the wide range of services that are available to the public from local authorities

Students will understand the work of Trading Standards and how it fits into local government