Pupils should have a basic understanding of:

• who makes law and the difference between parliament and government
  
  
• how a general election works and when a by-election becomes necessary
  
  
• how a bill becomes an Act of Parliament
  
  
• how they can get involved the decision making process and have their say
  
  

Begin the lesson by talking to students about the law and examine who is involved with making the law. Look at the difference between parliament and government. How much do your students know about the political parties that exist in this Country?

Talk to the students about elections. Look at how constituencies are divided and consider what happens at a general election. Ask the students if they know the difference between a general election and a by-election.

Consider how a bill becomes an Act of Parliament. Look at the ways it can be introduced into the House for discussion and the stages that it passes through before it can become law.

Ask the students how important they think it is to have their say on different issues that affect their lives. Discuss the ways in which students can get actively involved in the decisions that take place around them.