Active learning ideas
The final comparative unit focuses on the protection of civil rights and the role of the judiciary. Students compare the UK Supreme Court, established in 2009, with the long-standing US Supreme Court. They evaluate the impact of the US Bill of Rights versus the UK's Human Rights Act, and how cultural differences, such as the American emphasis on individual liberty versus the British emphasis on collective security, shape rights protection.
Activity 01
Give groups a rights issue (e.g., freedom of speech or privacy). They must find one UK court ruling and one US court ruling on the topic and explain how the different constitutional frameworks led to different (or similar) outcomes.
How does the protection of civil rights differ between the UK and the US?
Activity 02
Post descriptions of 'Judicial Review' (US) and 'Declaration of Incompatibility' (UK). Students move around the room to find examples of each in action and evaluate which tool is more effective at protecting citizens from the state.
Which Supreme Court has a greater impact on public policy?
Activity 03
Students discuss why the US has a 'right to bear arms' while the UK does not. They must use 'Cultural Theory' to explain how history and national identity influence which rights are prioritised in each country.
How do cultural theories explain differing attitudes towards rights in both nations?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
The UK Supreme Court can strike down Acts of Parliament.
Due to parliamentary sovereignty, the UK Court can only declare a law 'incompatible' with human rights; it cannot strike it down. A 'mock ruling' activity helps students see that the final word in the UK always stays with Parliament, unlike in the US.
Civil rights in the UK are only protected by the Human Rights Act.
Rights are also protected by common law, Magna Carta, and specific statutes like the Equality Act. Using a 'sources of rights' mind map helps students see the multi-layered nature of rights protection in the UK compared to the single 'Bill of Rights' in the US.
Methods used in this brief
Comparing Constitutions and Institutions
A comparative study of the constitutional frameworks of the UK and the US. Students will apply comparative theories to analyse differences and similarities.
8 methodologies
Comparing Executives and Legislatures
An evaluation of the executive and legislative branches in the UK and the US. Students will compare the roles of the Prime Minister and the President, as well as Parliament and Congress.
8 methodologies