theme A

• which two of the following legal requirements apply to UK citizens?

  1. a duty to pay taxes on any earned income
  2. a duty to care for and look after your children
• explain two reasons why the Magna Carta was commemorated

  1. it established the principle of fairness in relation to taxes and changed the way the country was governed for the better.
  2. it initiated the acceptance of rights for individuals and limited authoritarian power and human rights are essential in a modern society
• Explain why both tolerance and respect are central values that underpin life for citizens in the UK.

  • tolerance is a central value because it gives the opportunity to discuss issues with people in what is a diverse society making an inclusive society
  • respect is a central value because it is good in society as it offers kindness to fellow citizens
• two ways in which a citizens identity affects their life:

  • a negative identity can make people lead to feeling excluded from society
  • allows citizens to stand out s unique individuals which creates a sense of worth
• freedom of speech: freedom to say anything about people or issues within the law
• the Human Rights Act 1998 has incorporated rights in the European Convention into UK law.
• how can an individual have multiple identities?


  they may base their identity in their work and also with a sport they play or sports team they support.

  they may base identity on their nationality and also with an identity based on their language
• why have people migrated to the UK

  • economic reasons - they may have no employment in their home country
  • due to war and famine - e.g those in Syria fleeing war for stability
• one source of local government income :

  council tax - levied against residential properties in the locality
• functions carried out by main local councils

  • providing library services
  • providing collection services for refuse
• why is it desirable that people who are elected a local councillors come from the same local area?

  • Local councils spend locally raised money, so they have to be accountable for their actions to the community where it is raised
  • local people can become involved in civic life; elections are a transparent and open way to do this
• how can individuals be affected by inequality:

  • it damage community life and cohesion
  • can have an effect on peoples health and wellbeing
• how does diversity benefit UK society?

  diversity earns different cultures will mix and interact which leads to more tolerance and understanding
• a tax used to pay for the services of local government: council tax

  UN Universal Declaration on Human Rights - It was agreed soon after the Second World War.
• how do schools promote integration

  1. they promote common cohesion and this fosters harmony and peace in society
  2. schools teach common positive values such as tolerance and mutual respect which stay with them for life which benefit future generations and future society
• characteristics protected by the Equality Act 2010

  • those who are pregnant or on maternity
  • those unfairly discriminated due to religion
  • discrimination of age, race, gender, sexuality
• why is the rule of law necessary

  • it ensures that no one person is above the law - and remit falls on all
  • It means that the government is accountable in law for all of its actions
• tolerance: allowing others views and opinions to be voiced even if you don’t agree with them
• how did the Magna Carta contribute to the development of human rights?

  • it promoted the right to trial by jury which serves individual justice
  • it advanced the rule of law which illustrates how the law is applicable to all in society, no matter status or wealth
• differences between councillors and officers in local government

  • Councillors are elected by local population whereas officers are appointed
  • Councillors remain in post until re-elected or retired which varies with officers as they have permanent terms of employment
• age population effect on government spendings

  • sufficient places in education
  • all generations should have access to medical support.
• asylum seekers - people who have fled their country and seek protection in another country
• why is mutual respect necessary in society?

  • mutual respect is necessary in a diverse society with different cultures so it is necessary for society to have mutual respect so they live with each other peacefully
  • no mutual respect means no community cohesion which means breakdown in civil life
  • lack of mutual respect leads to discrimination and rudeness which can make individuals feel worthless and not part of society
• how are local councils democratic ?

  • local councillors are elected by the local community in a fair election
  • they cannot remain in power if they commit crimes which is democratic as it ensures they are not above the law
  • they are held accountable for their actions and have to explain this to the public - they have to conduct their work in an open and transparent manner
• benefits of migration

  • economic benefits
  • uk workforce expands
  • new cultures food and fashion
  • fills skill shortages
  • more diverse means more tolerance and mutual respect