Active learning ideas
This unit compares the 'power centres' of the UK and US: the executive (Prime Minister vs President) and the legislature (Parliament vs Congress). Students evaluate the degree of executive dominance in both systems, comparing the UK's 'elective dictatorship' with the US's system of 'separated institutions sharing powers.' They also analyse how effectively each legislature holds the executive to account through oversight, budgets, and votes of no confidence.
Activity 01
Divide the class into two teams. One argues that the UK Prime Minister is more powerful due to their control over the legislature, while the other argues the US President is more powerful as a global figurehead and Commander-in-Chief.
Who has more domestic power: the UK Prime Minister or the US President?
Activity 02
In small groups, students compare a transcript of Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs) with a video of a US Congressional Committee hearing. They must evaluate which method is more effective at uncovering the truth and holding leaders accountable.
How do the legislative processes in Parliament and Congress compare?
Activity 03
Students research how the UK budget is passed versus the US budget. They discuss with a partner why 'government shutdowns' happen in the US but not in the UK, focusing on the role of the legislature in each system.
Which legislature is more effective at holding the executive to account?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
The US President is just like a UK Prime Minister but with a different title.
The PM is part of the legislature (fusion of powers), while the President is strictly separate. A 'Venn diagram' of powers helps students see that the PM's power comes from their party majority, whereas the President must constantly negotiate with a separate branch.
The House of Lords and the US Senate are basically the same thing.
The Senate is an elected, highly powerful body that can block any law, while the Lords is unelected and can only delay legislation. Using a 'power ranking' activity helps students understand the massive difference in democratic legitimacy and legislative 'teeth' between the two chambers.
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 Civil Rights and Judiciaries
A comparison of how civil rights are protected and the role of the judiciary in the UK and the US. Students will assess the power of the respective Supreme Courts.
8 methodologies