Resource

The Government and the Economy

During this lesson students examine the role of national government in relation to taxation and public spending.

The lesson can be run as a stand-alone unit or as a follow up to the lesson Economic Cycles.

Overview

By the end of the lesson students will:
  • Understand key economic terms including taxation, welfare benefits, public spending and the budget;
  • Assess the impact of changes to taxation and welfare benefits on people with different personal circumstances;
  • Appreciate some of the dilemmas involved in public spending decisions.

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The G7 (Lesson Plan)

During this two lesson resource pupils learn about the G7 and take part in a mock G7 Summit meeting.   During the first lesson pupils explore the history and function…

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Youth Justice (SmartLaw Subscription)

During this lesson, students will explore the process a young person goes through when they commit, or are suspected of committing a crime. They will also examine different types of…

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Sentencing Myths (SmartLaw Subscription)

This short activity challenges young people’s perceptions of current sentencing guidelines. It can be run as a standalone activity or as an extension activity as part of a mock trial…

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Lessons, Economics, Money and Managing Resources, KS4 (ages 14-16)

You Decide! (KS4)

This resource will allow students to critically consider what reasons and ways the government can take to support different...

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Economic Cycles

This free classroom resource explores what economic cycles are and how they impact our lives. Aimed at KS4 and...

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Who’s Really Paying for COVID?

Young people are, and will continue to be, some of the most impacted by COVID. However their voices have...

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An Introduction to Human Rights

In this lesson students will explore our rights and responsibilities and how they are protected in law. They are...

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Be Your Own Councillor

Students examine ways in which a fictional town council could spend its budget. They consider the concerns of different...

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Where do you stand?

Over a series of short sessions, pupils will have the opportunity to consider topical issues related to their school life. Pupils will consider the strength of arguments for and against…

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The Big Legal Lesson 2026 (ages 11-18+)

Join the UK's biggest legal education campaign during February 2025.

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Democracy Ambassadors

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Voting and the General Election

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Local and Central Government

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What is Democracy?

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KS3 (ages 11-14)

Bar Mock Trial Competition – Support Videos

Preparing for the Bar Mock Trial Competition? Watch these video explainers, demonstrations and expert tips on key aspects of criminal trials. To access this content, register for our Bar Mock…