
Overview
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.’
- 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.
Acknowledgements:

More Lessons resources
Why do we Pay Taxes? Part 2
During this lesson pupils will learn that councils are responsible for local spending decisions and can raise additional funds for public services through council taxes. Pupils will survey residents in…
The Internet: a Power for Good
In this lesson pupils consider how the internet can be a power for good and support active citizenship. Pupils explore a range of case studies before being challenged to identify…
Strong Societies
In this lesson pupils will consider the benefits of living in a society rather than isolation. They will identify roles that are essential to a strong society and reflect on…
More Economics, Money and Managing Resources resources
The Golden Statue
In this lesson pupils will read an adapted version of a Buddhist legend that encourages them to reflect on how the generosity with which a gift is given is more…
Economic Cycles
This free classroom resource explores what economic cycles are and how they impact our lives. Aimed at KS4 and...
What is Philanthropy?
In this lesson pupils will learn about the meaning of the word philanthropy through looking at real life examples. They will consider why philanthropy is important and what motivates philanthropists.…
More Politics and Democracy resources
Citizenship: a privilege or a right?
Students research what the law says about the rights of individuals to become UK citizens and critically examine whether...
Being An Online Citizen
During this lesson pupils consider their rights and responsibilities as digital citizens, focusing on how the online world can be used as a force for good. Pupils consider what skills,…
Where Do You Stand?
In this lesson pupils will learn to express whether they agree or disagree with an idea. Pupils will then be introduced to the concept of weighing up arguments by considering…
More KS4 (ages 14-16) resources
Mock Trials Classroom Pack
Running a Mock Trial – Classroom Pack The Mock Trial Competitions are our longest-running active citizenship experiences. Since 1991,...
Fake News: The Evolution of Media
In this lesson, students explore how media has changed since the 1900s and the impact this has had on...
Economic Cycles
This free classroom resource explores what economic cycles are and how they impact our lives. Aimed at KS4 and...
More KS5 (ages 16-18) resources
Climate Action – Using the Law to Drive Change
In 2021, COP26 was hosted in Glasgow. It was seen as a pivotal moment in tackling the global climate...
Ethics, Innovation and the Law
Aimed at KS4 and Post-16, your students will: Explore the way technology is developing and the impacts this has on them and society Learn about the laws that regulate the…
Mock Trials Classroom Pack
Running a Mock Trial – Classroom Pack The Mock Trial Competitions are our longest-running active citizenship experiences. Since 1991,...
More resource packs
Related content
Mock Trials
📢 Applications now open for the Bar Mock Trial Competition 23/24 📢 The Mock Trial Competitions are our longest-running...