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2 Dec 2025
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Complete List of N5 Modern Studies Knowledge Questions
S
Sarah Khan
@userohllx_dtah
1 / 7
Democracy in Scotland: Power and Decision Making
Your exam will test your understanding of how democracy works in Scotland and who holds the power. You'll need to know the difference between what the Scottish Parliament can control (devolved powers like education and health) and what stays with Westminster (reserved powers like defence and foreign policy).
The First Minister sits at the heart of Scottish politics, leading the government and representing Scotland. Make sure you can explain why this role is so powerful - they control policy direction, represent Scotland internationally, and lead the largest party in parliament.
💡 Top Tip: Practice explaining both sides of the independence debate. Examiners love questions about why some people want more powers for Scotland whilst others prefer the current system.
Participation and Criminal Justice
Political participation goes way beyond just voting. Citizens have rights (like free speech and standing for election) and responsibilities (like staying informed and respecting the law). You should understand how people can get involved through protests, petitions, or helping with election campaigns.
The criminal justice system in Scotland has two main tracks. Adults go through traditional courts (Sheriff Courts and High Court), whilst young people under 16 usually go to the Children's Hearing System. This system focuses on helping rather than punishing young offenders.
Crime doesn't just affect victims - it impacts entire families and communities. Some groups face higher crime rates due to factors like poverty, location, or lifestyle choices.
💡 Key Point: Remember that the Children's Hearing System is unique to Scotland and emphasises welfare over punishment.
Responses to Crime: Courts and Effectiveness
Scottish courts have serious power - they can hand out everything from fines to life sentences. The Sheriff Court deals with most cases, whilst the High Court handles the most serious crimes like murder. Both aim to punish offenders, deter future crime, and protect the public.
The adult court system gets mixed reviews. Supporters argue it provides justice and removes dangerous criminals from society. Critics point out that reoffending rates remain high and prisons are overcrowded.
Meanwhile, the Children's Hearing System takes a completely different approach. It brings together panel members, social workers, and families to create support plans rather than impose punishments.
💡 Exam Strategy: Always give balanced arguments. If a question asks about effectiveness, discuss both successes and failures with specific examples.
Government and Police Responses to Crime
The government tackles crime through various strategies - from increasing police numbers to introducing new laws and funding crime prevention programmes. Police Scotland was created in 2013, merging eight regional forces into one national service.
Prison sentences remain controversial. Supporters believe they protect society and deter crime, whilst critics argue they're expensive and don't reduce reoffending. Non-custodial alternatives like community service or electronic tagging are increasingly popular as they're cheaper and often more effective.
The police use both traditional methods (patrols and investigations) and modern technology (CCTV and forensics) to fight crime. However, they face challenges including budget cuts, rising cybercrime, and maintaining public trust.
💡 Remember: You can use the same court information for different questions - just make sure you're answering what's actually being asked.
World Powers: Political Systems
When studying world powers, you must choose one country and stick with it throughout your exam answers. China, the USA, and Russia are popular choices. Always state your chosen country clearly at the start of each answer.
Different countries have vastly different political systems. Some are democracies where citizens vote for representatives, whilst others are more authoritarian with limited public participation. The level of citizen participation varies enormously between countries.
Political representation works differently across the globe. Some countries have multiple political parties competing for power, whilst others are dominated by a single party. Citizens might participate through voting, protests, or joining political organisations - depending on what their system allows.
💡 Study Tip: Pick one world power and learn it really well rather than trying to remember facts about several different countries.
Social and Economic Issues
Every country faces social and economic challenges that affect different groups unequally. These might include poverty, unemployment, inequality, or discrimination. Understanding the root causes helps explain why some citizens struggle more than others.
Governments respond with various policies and programmes designed to tackle these issues. Success rates vary dramatically depending on factors like available resources, political priorities, and the complexity of the problems themselves.
💡 Final Reminder: Use this checklist to track your revision progress. Focus extra time on topics where you haven't ticked all the boxes yet.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Most popular content: Political Philosophy
Most popular content in Modern Studies
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Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Complete List of N5 Modern Studies Knowledge Questions
S
Sarah Khan
@userohllx_dtah
This study guide covers the essential topics you'll need to master for your Modern Studies exam, focusing on Scottish democracy and world powers. It's structured as a revision checklist to help you track your progress and identify areas that need... Show more
Democracy in Scotland: Power and Decision Making
Your exam will test your understanding of how democracy works in Scotland and who holds the power. You'll need to know the difference between what the Scottish Parliament can control (devolved powers like education and health) and what stays with Westminster (reserved powers like defence and foreign policy).
The First Minister sits at the heart of Scottish politics, leading the government and representing Scotland. Make sure you can explain why this role is so powerful - they control policy direction, represent Scotland internationally, and lead the largest party in parliament.
💡 Top Tip: Practice explaining both sides of the independence debate. Examiners love questions about why some people want more powers for Scotland whilst others prefer the current system.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Participation and Criminal Justice
Political participation goes way beyond just voting. Citizens have rights (like free speech and standing for election) and responsibilities (like staying informed and respecting the law). You should understand how people can get involved through protests, petitions, or helping with election campaigns.
The criminal justice system in Scotland has two main tracks. Adults go through traditional courts (Sheriff Courts and High Court), whilst young people under 16 usually go to the Children's Hearing System. This system focuses on helping rather than punishing young offenders.
Crime doesn't just affect victims - it impacts entire families and communities. Some groups face higher crime rates due to factors like poverty, location, or lifestyle choices.
💡 Key Point: Remember that the Children's Hearing System is unique to Scotland and emphasises welfare over punishment.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Responses to Crime: Courts and Effectiveness
Scottish courts have serious power - they can hand out everything from fines to life sentences. The Sheriff Court deals with most cases, whilst the High Court handles the most serious crimes like murder. Both aim to punish offenders, deter future crime, and protect the public.
The adult court system gets mixed reviews. Supporters argue it provides justice and removes dangerous criminals from society. Critics point out that reoffending rates remain high and prisons are overcrowded.
Meanwhile, the Children's Hearing System takes a completely different approach. It brings together panel members, social workers, and families to create support plans rather than impose punishments.
💡 Exam Strategy: Always give balanced arguments. If a question asks about effectiveness, discuss both successes and failures with specific examples.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Government and Police Responses to Crime
The government tackles crime through various strategies - from increasing police numbers to introducing new laws and funding crime prevention programmes. Police Scotland was created in 2013, merging eight regional forces into one national service.
Prison sentences remain controversial. Supporters believe they protect society and deter crime, whilst critics argue they're expensive and don't reduce reoffending. Non-custodial alternatives like community service or electronic tagging are increasingly popular as they're cheaper and often more effective.
The police use both traditional methods (patrols and investigations) and modern technology (CCTV and forensics) to fight crime. However, they face challenges including budget cuts, rising cybercrime, and maintaining public trust.
💡 Remember: You can use the same court information for different questions - just make sure you're answering what's actually being asked.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
World Powers: Political Systems
When studying world powers, you must choose one country and stick with it throughout your exam answers. China, the USA, and Russia are popular choices. Always state your chosen country clearly at the start of each answer.
Different countries have vastly different political systems. Some are democracies where citizens vote for representatives, whilst others are more authoritarian with limited public participation. The level of citizen participation varies enormously between countries.
Political representation works differently across the globe. Some countries have multiple political parties competing for power, whilst others are dominated by a single party. Citizens might participate through voting, protests, or joining political organisations - depending on what their system allows.
💡 Study Tip: Pick one world power and learn it really well rather than trying to remember facts about several different countries.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Social and Economic Issues
Every country faces social and economic challenges that affect different groups unequally. These might include poverty, unemployment, inequality, or discrimination. Understanding the root causes helps explain why some citizens struggle more than others.
Governments respond with various policies and programmes designed to tackle these issues. Success rates vary dramatically depending on factors like available resources, political priorities, and the complexity of the problems themselves.
💡 Final Reminder: Use this checklist to track your revision progress. Focus extra time on topics where you haven't ticked all the boxes yet.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Most popular content: Political Philosophy
Most popular content in Modern Studies
Most popular content
English - inspector calls quotes and analysis
Quotes from every main character
English Literature10
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user