GCE O/L Civic Education key terms

The legal status of belonging to a state, which gives a person rights such as voting and protection, and duties such as obeying the law and paying taxes.

The voluntary actions a person takes for the good of the community, such as voting, helping neighbours, protecting public property, and serving on community committees.

Basic freedoms and protections guaranteed to every person by a country's constitution, such as freedom of speech, religion, and equality before the law.

The principle that everyone, including the government and its officials, must obey the law, and that laws apply equally to all without favouritism.

The supreme set of rules that establishes a country's government, defines its powers, and protects the rights of its people. All other laws must follow it.

The division of government authority into three branches: legislature that makes laws, executive that implements them, and judiciary that interprets them, to prevent abuse of power.

The branch of government, usually called parliament, that debates and passes laws, approves the national budget, and represents the interests of the people.

The branch of government headed by the president or prime minister and cabinet that carries out laws, manages public services, and directs national policy.

The branch of government made up of courts and judges that settles disputes, interprets the constitution, and ensures that laws are applied fairly.

A system of government in which power comes from the people, who choose their leaders through free and fair elections and enjoy freedoms of speech and association.

The right of all adult citizens to vote in elections, regardless of sex, wealth, ethnicity, or religion, usually granted from a fixed minimum age.

A formal process in which citizens vote to choose their representatives or leaders, conducted according to laws that ensure fairness and secrecy of the ballot.

A voting method in which a person's vote is cast privately so that no one can see or force their choice, protecting voters from pressure and bribery.

The existence of several political parties and groups with different views, allowing voters real choices and enabling peaceful transfer of power.

The involvement of ordinary people in decisions that affect them, through voting, public meetings, petitions, community organisations, and consultation processes.

Official emblems that represent a country's identity, such as the national flag, anthem, and emblem, which citizens are expected to treat with respect.

The shared sense of belonging to a nation, built from common history, language, symbols, and values that unite people of different backgrounds.

The traditions, languages, arts, monuments, and customs inherited from earlier generations, which a society preserves and passes on to the future.

The basic social unit of parents and children, or relatives living together, that provides care, upbringing, and emotional support to its members.

An established pattern of relationships and rules that meets a basic human need, such as the family, school, religion, or government.

A group of people living in the same area or sharing common interests, who cooperate on shared needs and support one another.

The right of every person to believe, practise, change, or leave a religion of their choice, and to worship alone or with others without interference.

The branch of law that defines offences against society, such as theft or assault, and sets punishments for people found guilty of committing them.

The branch of law that settles disputes between private individuals or organisations, such as disagreements over contracts, property, or family matters.

The rule that a person accused of a crime is treated as innocent until proven guilty by a court after a fair trial.

A hearing conducted by an independent and impartial court, in public, where the accused knows the charges, can present evidence, and has legal representation.

The work of government ministries, departments, and officials in carrying out laws and delivering public services to citizens.

Services provided by the state for the benefit of everyone, such as education, health care, water supply, roads, and waste collection.

Development that meets present needs without damaging the environment or using up resources so much that future generations cannot meet their own needs.

Actions taken by government, organisations, and individuals to prevent pollution, conserve natural resources, and protect plants, animals, and habitats.

The idea that a person belongs to the wider world community and has responsibilities towards people and the environment beyond their own country.

The ways countries interact with one another through diplomacy, trade, treaties, and membership of organisations such as the United Nations.

A formal written agreement between two or more countries that creates binding obligations under international law, such as trade or human rights agreements.

The basic entitlements that belong to every person simply because they are human, including life, liberty, dignity, and freedom from torture and discrimination.

Unfair treatment of a person or group based on characteristics such as race, sex, religion, disability, or age, rather than on individual merit.

An independent official who investigates complaints from citizens about unfair or poor treatment by government departments and public officials.

The level of government closest to citizens, such as a municipal or village council, responsible for local services and community decisions.