Resource

The Government and the Economy

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.’

Aimed at KS4 or Post-16 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.

Acknowledgements:

This classroom resource was developed in partnership with global business advisory firm FTI Consulting. Their support enabled this specialist resource to be distributed to schools for free.

More Lessons resources

Lessons, Economics, Money and Managing Resources, Politics and Democracy, KS2 (ages 7-11)

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…

Lessons, Digital Citizenship, KS2 (ages 7-11)

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…

Lessons, Community, KS2 (ages 7-11)

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

Lessons, Economics, Money and Managing Resources, KS1 (ages 5-7)

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…

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

Economic Cycles

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

Lessons, Economics, Money and Managing Resources, Social action/Active Citizenship, KS2 (ages 7-11)

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

Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS4 (ages 14-16)

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...

Digital Citizenship, KS2 (ages 7-11)

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,…

Lessons, Politics and Democracy, KS1 (ages 5-7)

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

Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS4 (ages 14-16)

Mock Trials Classroom Pack

Running a Mock Trial – Classroom Pack The Mock Trial Competitions are our longest-running active citizenship experiences. Since 1991,...

Lessons, Politics and Democracy, KS3 (ages 11-14)

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...

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

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

Lessons, Sustainability and the Environment, KS4 (ages 14-16)

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...

Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS4 (ages 14-16)

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…

Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS4 (ages 14-16)

Mock Trials Classroom Pack

Running a Mock Trial – Classroom Pack The Mock Trial Competitions are our longest-running active citizenship experiences. Since 1991,...

Related content

Mock Trials

📢 Applications now open for the Bar Mock Trial Competition 23/24 📢 The Mock Trial Competitions are our longest-running...