Government and Law

258 practice questions on Government and Law, one of the five chapters of the official handbook, each with the correct answer.

At the turn of the 19th century, which group of people had the right to vote in Britain?Only men who were over 21 and owned a certain amount of property
Which political group campaigned for reform in the 1830s and 1840s, demanding changes such as secret ballots and paid MPs?The Chartists
In what year was the voting age in the UK reduced to 18 for both men and women?1969
Which of the following best describes the British constitution?It is described as 'unwritten' and is contained in various laws and conventions
How are members of the House of Commons chosen?They are elected by voters in a General Election
Until 1958, which of the following groups were members of the House of Lords?Hereditary peers, senior judges, and bishops of the Church of England
What are 'life peers' in the House of Lords?Peers appointed by the monarch on advice of the Prime Minister for their lifetime only
Who is the chief officer of the House of Commons, responsible for keeping order during debates?The Speaker
What is the name of the system used for electing MPs in a General Election?First past the post
What is the official home of the Prime Minister?10 Downing Street
Which Cabinet minister is responsible for the UK's economy?The Chancellor of the Exchequer
Why does the main opposition party form a shadow cabinet?To challenge the government and put forward alternative policies
Which of these is a core value of the UK Civil Service?Impartiality
Which city is the base for the Welsh government and the National Assembly for Wales?Cardiff
Where does the Scottish Parliament meet?Holyrood
What was the name of the agreement that led to the establishment of the Northern Ireland Assembly in 1998?The Good Friday Agreement
What are the official reports of everything said in Parliament called?Hansard
Who can vote in UK General Elections if they are resident in the UK?Adult citizens of the UK, the Commonwealth, and the Irish Republic
Which of these groups is NOT allowed to stand for public office as an MP?Members of the armed forces
Which international organization was set up by the Treaty of Rome in 1957?The European Union (originally EEC)
The UK is one of five permanent members of which international body?The UN Security Council
In the UK, what is the minimum age for buying tobacco products?18
Which of the following is an example of a civil law dispute?A dispute between a landlord and tenant over repairs
What was the purpose of the Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) elected in 2012?To deliver an efficient police force that reflects local needs
In Scotland, serious criminal cases such as murder are heard in which court?The High Court
A jury in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is made up of how many people?12
Which verdict is uniquely possible in the Scottish legal system, in addition to 'guilty' and 'not guilty'?Not Proven
The Human Rights Act 1998 incorporated which international document into UK law?The European Convention on Human Rights
In the UK, what is the legal status of female genital mutilation (FGM)?It is illegal and a criminal offence
Which government department is responsible for collecting taxes in the UK?HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC)
When are young people in the UK usually sent their National Insurance number?Just before their 16th birthday
What is the minimum age to drive a car or motorcycle in the UK?17
How long is a driving licence valid for once a driver reaches the age of 70?Three years
What is the purpose of the 'MOT' test for vehicles?To ensure the vehicle is safe and meets environmental standards
Which of the following is a key role of a school governor?Setting the strategic direction of the school
What is the age group for the National Citizen Service programme?16 and 17 years old
Who formally appoints the Prime Minister?The monarch
What is the monarch's position in the Commonwealth?Head of the Commonwealth
What is a constituency?An area represented by one MP
What is a by-election?An election held in one constituency when an MP leaves
What is the maximum time between general elections?Five years
Which two parties formed a coalition government in 2010?Conservative and Liberal Democrat
What is the role of the Speaker of the House of Commons?To chair debates impartially
What can the House of Lords do with a bill passed by the Commons?Suggest changes and delay it, but not stop it permanently
Which Cabinet minister is responsible for policing and immigration?The Home Secretary
Which Cabinet minister is responsible for the UK's relations with other countries?The Foreign Secretary
What is the Leader of the Opposition's role?To lead the largest party not in government and challenge it
What is the electoral register?A list of people entitled to vote
How does a person vote in a UK general election?By secret ballot
Which political parties have formed most governments since 1945?Conservative and Labour
Who elects local councillors?People living in the area
What are members of the Scottish Parliament called?MSPs
What are members of the Northern Ireland Assembly called?MLAs
What is the leader of the Scottish Government called?The First Minister
Which of these matters is reserved to the UK Parliament at Westminster?Defence
Which court in England and Wales hears the most serious criminal cases?The Crown Court
Which courts deal with most minor criminal cases in England and Wales?Magistrates' courts
Who sits in a youth court?Specially trained magistrates dealing with 10 to 17 year olds
What is a solicitor?A lawyer who advises clients and prepares their cases
What is a barrister?A lawyer who represents clients in higher courts
Which organisation gives free, independent advice on legal and money problems?Citizens Advice
Which organisation is the UK's main public service broadcaster?The BBC
Which military alliance was formed in 1949 between North America and Europe?NATO
Where is the head office of the United Nations?New York
Which court in Strasbourg hears cases about the European Convention on Human Rights?The European Court of Human Rights
Which of these is a way to have your say on a national issue?Write to your MP
What is a special constable?A volunteer police officer
What does a school governor do?Helps run the school on a voluntary basis
What does the UK Parliament do?Makes laws and questions the government
Which building houses the Houses of Parliament?The Palace of Westminster
In which street is the Prime Minister's office and residence in London?Downing Street
What is the main job of the police in the UK?To keep the peace and prevent and detect crime
Which of these is a duty of the Prime Minister?Leading the government
What is the job of the Chancellor of the Exchequer?Managing the UK's finances
What is the minimum age for standing as a candidate in a UK general election?18
What is Hansard?The official record of debates in Parliament
Which of these must a person do after moving home to keep voting rights?Update their details on the electoral register
What kind of state is the UK described as being?A parliamentary democracy with a monarch as head of state
How does the handbook describe democracy?A system where all adults have a say
What did the Chartists campaign for in the 1830s and 1840s?Six changes, including votes for every man
Which of these was one of the Chartists' demands?For MPs to be paid
In which year was the voting franchise extended to men and women over 21?1928
In the handbook, what is a constitution?A set of principles for governing a country
Why is the British constitution described as 'unwritten'?It is not written down in a single document
Why has the UK never had a single written constitution, according to the handbook?It has never had a revolution creating a wholly new system
Which of these is one of the main parts of government in the UK?The civil service
What does 'constitutional monarchy' mean?The monarch appoints the government the people chose
Whom does the monarch invite to become Prime Minister?The leader of the largest party or a coalition
What can the monarch do in regular meetings with the Prime Minister?Advise, warn and encourage
What does the monarch do when a new parliamentary session opens?Makes a speech about the government's plans
In whose name are all Acts of Parliament made?The monarch's
Which of these does the monarch do to represent the UK to the rest of the world?Receives foreign ambassadors and visiting heads of state
What important role does the monarch provide?Stability and continuity
On which occasions is the National Anthem played?At important national occasions and royal events
What are the two options at a citizenship ceremony for pledging allegiance?An oath or an affirmation
How does a UK general election choose the government?Voters elect MPs, and the majority party forms the government
Which is regarded as the more important chamber in Parliament?The House of Commons
Where do the Prime Minister and almost all the cabinet sit?In the House of Commons
Which of these is a responsibility of MPs?Representing everyone in their constituency
How do members of the House of Lords get their seats?They are not elected; most are appointed
Until 1958, which of these were peers?Hereditary peers, senior judges and bishops
What is a 'life peer'?A peer appointed for his or her lifetime
What has happened to hereditary peers since 1999?They lost the automatic right to sit in the Lords
What can the House of Lords do with laws passed by the Commons?Check them and suggest amendments
How is the Speaker of the House of Commons chosen?By other MPs in a secret ballot
What does the Speaker guarantee the opposition?Time to debate issues it chooses
How often must a General Election be held?At least every five years
What happens if an MP dies or resigns?A by-election in that constituency
How are MPs elected in the UK?First past the post, where the most votes wins
Where can you find contact details for your representatives, according to the handbook?Your local library and the parliament.uk website
What is a 'surgery' held by an MP?A local meeting where constituents raise concerns
Who is the Prime Minister?The leader of the party in power
What is the name of the Prime Minister's country house outside London?Chequers
What usually happens if the Prime Minister's party loses a General Election?The Prime Minister usually resigns
About how many senior MPs does the Prime Minister appoint as ministers in charge of departments?About 20
Which cabinet minister is responsible for crime, policing and immigration?The Home Secretary
What are Secretaries of State responsible for?Subjects such as education and health
How often does the cabinet usually meet?Weekly
What is the 'opposition' in the House of Commons?The second-largest party
How often does Prime Minister's Questions take place?Every week while Parliament sits
Who are 'shadow ministers'?Senior MPs in the opposition
Which of these is one of the major political parties named in the handbook?The Liberal Democrats
What are MPs called who do not represent any of the main political parties?Independents
What do pressure and lobby groups try to do?Influence government policy
Which pressure group represents the views of British business?The CBI
To whom are civil servants accountable?Ministers
How are civil servants chosen?On merit, and they are politically neutral
What are the core values of the civil service?Integrity, honesty, objectivity and impartiality
How are local authorities funded?By central government and local taxes
What is the role of many local mayors?As the ceremonial leader of the council
How many local authorities does London have?33
When are local elections for councillors usually held?In May every year
Since what year has power been devolved to Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland?Since 1997
Which of these matters remains under central UK government control?Defence, foreign affairs and immigration
Where are the Welsh government and Welsh Assembly based?Cardiff
How many Assembly members did the National Assembly for Wales have?60
In which languages can members of the Welsh Assembly speak?Welsh or English
In how many areas can the National Assembly for Wales make laws?20 areas
Which of these is an area where the Welsh Assembly can make laws?Housing and health
Where does the Scottish Parliament sit?Edinburgh
How many members does the Scottish Parliament have?129
Which of these can the Scottish Parliament make laws about?Civil and criminal law, health and education
When did a Northern Ireland Parliament first meet before the modern Assembly?1922, when Ireland was divided
What is a power-sharing agreement in the Northern Ireland Assembly?Ministerial offices are shared among the main parties
How many elected members were there in the Northern Ireland Assembly, according to the handbook?108
Which issues can the Northern Ireland Assembly make decisions on?Education, agriculture, health and the environment
What can the UK government do if local political leaders find it hard to work together in Northern Ireland?Suspend the Assembly
What is a 'free press' in the UK?Newspapers are free from government control
What does the law require about broadcast coverage of political parties?It must be balanced, giving equal time to rival viewpoints
Since which year has the UK had a fully democratic voting system?1928
How often is the electoral register updated?Every year, in September or October
What is different about registering to vote in Northern Ireland?Individual registration, in which each voter completes their own form
Who can look at the electoral register?Anyone, under supervision at the local registration office
What is a 'poll card'?A card telling you where and when to vote
What are the opening hours of polling stations on election day?7.00 am to 10.00 pm
What is the purpose of the polling booth?To fill in your ballot paper privately
Who can register for a postal ballot?Anyone for whom it is difficult to get to a polling station
Who is among those who cannot stand for election as an MP?Civil servants
Which members of the Lords are barred from standing for the Commons?All members of the House of Lords
How can the public listen to debates in the Palace of Westminster?From the public galleries in the Commons and Lords
Where does the Northern Ireland Assembly meet?Stormont, in Belfast
Where does the Welsh Assembly meet?In the Senedd in Cardiff Bay
What is the Commonwealth?An association of countries that support each other and work towards shared goals
Is membership of the Commonwealth compulsory?No, it is voluntary
On which core values is the Commonwealth based?Democracy, good government and the rule of law
Which countries first signed the Treaty of Rome in 1957?Six western European countries, including France and Germany
What is legally binding in the UK and all EU member states?EU law
What is the Council of Europe responsible for?The protection and promotion of human rights
Which is the best-known convention drawn up by the Council of Europe?The European Convention on Human Rights
How many members are there on the UN Security Council?15
When was the United Nations set up?After the Second World War
What have NATO members agreed to do?Help each other if they come under attack
What happens to people who do not respect the law?They should not expect to be allowed to become permanent residents
What does 'equal treatment under the law' mean?The law applies in the same way to everyone
What is criminal law about?Crimes, which are usually investigated by the police and punished by the courts
What does civil law deal with?Disputes between individuals or groups
Is it a criminal offence to carry a weapon for self-defence?Yes, even for self-defence
Which of these drugs is illegal to buy or sell in the UK?Heroin
Which action is a criminal offence in the UK?Harassing someone because of their religion or ethnic origin
Where is it against the law to smoke?In nearly every enclosed public place
What exception is there to the law forbidding buying alcohol for people under 18?People aged 16 or over can drink with a meal in a hotel or restaurant
What are alcohol-free zones?Places where you cannot drink in public
Which of these is an example of a civil law dispute?A dispute between a landlord and tenant about repairs
What are the three main jobs of the police?Protect life and property, keep the peace, and prevent and detect crime
By whom are police forces headed?Chief Constables
What do Police and Crime Commissioners set?Local police priorities and the local policing budget
In which month were Police and Crime Commissioners first elected?November 2012
What are PCSOs?Police community support officers who patrol streets and support officers
What must the police tell you if you are arrested?The reason for your arrest
Where can you complain about the police in England and Wales?To the Chief Constable, or to the Independent Police Complaints Commission
What is 'extremism'?Vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values
What should you do if someone tries to persuade you to join an extremist or terrorist cause?Notify your local police force
What is the role of the judiciary?Interpreting the law and making sure trials are fair
What can judges do if the government's actions are found to be illegal?The government must change policy or ask Parliament to change the law
Who usually works as a magistrate in England, Wales and Scotland?Unpaid members of the local community with no legal qualifications
Who hears minor criminal cases in Northern Ireland?A legally qualified, paid District Judge
How is a jury chosen?At random from the local electoral register
How many members does a jury have in Scotland?15
What can excuse someone from jury service?A good reason, such as ill health
What does the jury decide?Whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty
Who normally hears cases involving accused people aged 10 to 17 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland?A Youth Court
Who is not allowed into Youth Courts?Members of the public
What system deals with young offenders in Scotland?The Children's Hearings System
Which is probably the most famous criminal court in the world?The Old Bailey
Which court deals with serious civil cases in Scotland?The Court of Session in Edinburgh
What is the small claims procedure?An informal way of settling minor disputes without much time and money
What do solicitors do?Give legal advice, take action for clients and represent them in court
Which organisation can give you names of local solicitors and their specialities?The Citizens Advice Bureau
In what documents do individual rights in Britain have their roots?Magna Carta, the Habeas Corpus Act and the Bill of Rights 1689
In which year did the UK sign the European Convention on Human Rights, being among the first countries to do so?1950
Which of these is a principle in the European Convention on Human Rights?The prohibition of torture
Who must follow the principles of the European Convention on Human Rights under the Human Rights Act 1998?The government, public bodies and the courts
Which of these is a reason a person may not be treated unfairly under UK law?Age, disability, sex, race, religion or belief
What is domestic violence in the UK?A serious crime that can be prosecuted
What can a husband be charged with if he forces his wife to have sex?Rape
What are 'refuges' or 'shelters'?Safe places to stay for people facing domestic violence
Are arranged marriages acceptable in the UK?Yes, where both parties agree
What was introduced in 2008 to protect people from forced marriage?Forced Marriage Protection Orders
How long can someone who breaches a Forced Marriage Protection Order be jailed for?Up to two years
What is the money raised from income tax used to pay for?Public services such as roads, schools, the police and the army
What does 'Pay As You Earn' (PAYE) mean?Income tax is taken automatically from your pay by your employer
How do self-employed people pay their income tax?Through 'self-assessment' by completing a tax return
What is National Insurance used to pay for?State benefits and services such as the state pension and the NHS
What might happen if you do not pay enough National Insurance Contributions?You may not receive certain contributory benefits or a full state pension
What is a National Insurance number?A unique personal account number for your contributions and tax
Can a non-UK national start work in the UK before receiving a National Insurance number?Yes, they can start work without one
At what age can you ride a moped in the UK?16
After what age is a UK driving licence valid for three years at a time?70
What must a newly qualified driver in Northern Ireland display for one year?An 'R' plate for restricted driver
How long may you use a licence from a country outside the EU in the UK?Up to 12 months
Where must a car be registered?At the DVLA
How often must vehicles over three years old go to the MOT test?Every year
Which of these is a shared value and responsibility listed in the handbook?To help and protect your family
What does the handbook suggest when you move into a new house?Introduce yourself to the people who live near you
How can you help avoid conflicts with your neighbours?Respect their privacy and limit how much noise you make
Who may be asked to do jury service?Anyone on the electoral register aged 18 to 70
What are the parent-teacher associations (PTAs) often organising?Events to raise money for extra school equipment
What is the minimum age to become a school governor?18
What are the three key roles of school governors?Setting strategic direction, ensuring accountability, monitoring performance
What is 'canvassing' at election time?Persuading people to vote by leafleting or knocking on doors
Do you have to tell a canvasser how you intend to vote?No, you do not have to tell them
Which of these can British citizens stand for?Local councillor or Member of Parliament
Which kind of citizens may also stand for office, besides British citizens?Irish and eligible Commonwealth citizens
What can you volunteer to become with the police?A special constable or a lay representative
How long does it take approximately to give blood?About an hour
What can registering to be an organ donor make easier?It makes it easier for your family to decide whether to donate your organs
What is volunteering?Working for good causes without payment
Which is a benefit of volunteering mentioned in the handbook?It can help you develop work skills and improve your CV
Which of these is an example of a volunteer activity?Working at a local animal rescue shelter
Which of these is an example of a youth work volunteering activity?Volunteering at a youth group
Which charity works with older people?Age UK
Which charity works to prevent cruelty to children?The NSPCC
Which charities work with the homeless?Crisis and Shelter
What does the PDSA do?Works with animals, helping to treat sick pets
Which programme gives 16- and 17-year-olds outdoor activities and a community project?The National Citizen Service
Why is recycling important, according to the handbook?It uses less energy and reduces the amount of rubbish in landfill
How does shopping locally help the environment?It reduces your carbon footprint because products travel less far
Which is a good way to protect the environment when getting around?Walking or using public transport