Life in the UK Test: The UK government, the law and your role

1. aA peer
2. bA local MP✓
3. cA mayor
4. dA judge

In a general election, people vote for a candidate to represent their constituency in the House of Commons. The winner becomes that area's MP.

1. aFirst past the post✓
2. bSingle transferable vote
3. cProportional representation
4. dAlternative vote

For Commons elections, the candidate with the most votes in a constituency wins the seat. That system is called first past the post.

1. aApprove judges
2. bCall elections
3. cChair debates✓
4. dRun councils

The Speaker presides over Commons business and keeps order during debates. The role is to apply the rules fairly, not to back one side.

1. aElection for the Lords
2. bVote on a new law
3. cLocal referendum
4. dVote to fill a vacant MP seat✓

A by-election is held when a seat in the House of Commons becomes empty between general elections. Voters in that constituency then choose a new MP.

1. aHouse of Commons
2. bCabinet
3. cHouse of Lords✓
4. dPrivy Council

The House of Lords often examines proposed laws in detail and recommends changes. It acts as a revising chamber, while the Commons is the elected chamber.

1. aConstituency✓
2. bBorough council
3. cParish
4. dCounty court

The UK is divided into constituencies for parliamentary elections. Each constituency elects one MP to the House of Commons.

1. aTrue✓
2. bFalse

A secret ballot means your choice is private unless you decide to share it. This helps protect voters from pressure or intimidation.

1. aTrue✓
2. bFalse

The Speaker is expected to be neutral when managing Commons business. That helps debates run fairly for all parties and MPs.

1. aPolice chiefs
2. bCouncil leaders
3. cSenior judges
4. dSenior ministers✓

The Cabinet is the group of the government's most senior ministers. It is the main team involved in big national decisions.

1. aThe head of the civil service
2. bThe Speaker
3. cThe oldest MP
4. dThe leader able to command Commons support✓

The monarch appoints the person who can command support in the House of Commons. In most cases, that is the leader of the party with the most MPs.

1. aMonarch
2. bSpeaker
3. cChief Whip
4. dPrime Minister✓

The Prime Minister decides who to recommend for the top ministerial jobs. Those senior ministers make up the Cabinet.

1. aTrue✓
2. bFalse

That is what the term means in UK politics. The Opposition's role is to challenge the government and offer an alternative.

1. aChoose judges
2. bScrutinise a minister✓
3. cRun a court
4. dApprove treaties

A shadow minister follows the work of a government minister in the same policy area. They question decisions and put forward their party's alternative plans.

1. aA select committee
2. bA coalition✓
3. cA referendum
4. dA by-election

When no single party has enough MPs to govern alone, parties may agree to share power. That arrangement is called a coalition.

1. aWin support and govern✓
2. bCommand the police
3. cCollect taxes
4. dInterpret the law

Political parties seek votes so they can win seats and take office. Their goal is to shape government, not simply argue for one issue.

1. aCabinet Office
2. bHome Office
3. cPrivy Council
4. dElectoral Commission✓

The Electoral Commission is the independent body that oversees party registration and election rules. It is separate from the government.

1. aTrue✓
2. bFalse

Pressure groups focus on particular causes or interests and try to influence those in power. They may campaign, lobby or organise petitions.

1. aSenedd Cymru✓
2. bWhitehall
3. cStormont
4. dHolyrood

The Welsh Parliament uses both English and Welsh. 'Senedd Cymru' is the Welsh title used in law and public life.

1. aBelfast
2. bCardiff
3. cEdinburgh✓
4. dManchester

The Scottish Parliament sits at Holyrood in Edinburgh. Westminster in London is the UK Parliament, not the Scottish one.

1. aWhitehall
2. bStormont✓
3. cHolyrood
4. dWestminster

The Assembly meets at Parliament Buildings in Belfast, usually called Stormont. People often use 'Stormont' as shorthand for the Assembly.

1. aHealth
2. bHousing
3. cDefence✓
4. dEducation

Defence remains a UK-wide responsibility. Devolved legislatures mainly deal with domestic fields such as health and education.

1. aTrue✓
2. bFalse

Scots law is a separate legal system. That is one reason some court and justice matters work differently in Scotland.

1. aParliament of Cardiff
2. bWelsh Assembly Government
3. cNational Assembly for Wales✓
4. dCouncil of Wales

The legislature in Wales was known as the National Assembly for Wales until 2020. It was later renamed the Welsh Parliament, or Senedd.

1. aSunningdale Agreement
2. bAnglo-Irish Agreement
3. cBelfast Agreement✓
4. dSt Andrews Agreement

The Belfast Agreement of 1998, also called the Good Friday Agreement, set up the framework for the Assembly. It is central to Northern Ireland's peace process.

1. aTrue
2. bFalse✓

Immigration is largely controlled at UK level. It is not one of the main areas usually handled by the devolved legislatures.

1. aJudges choose ministers
2. bThe end of Parliament
3. cSome powers moved to national bodies✓
4. dCouncils control the army

Devolution means Westminster has handed certain responsibilities to bodies in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. It does not end the role of the UK Parliament.

1. a17
2. b16
3. c18✓
4. d21

For elections to the UK Parliament, you must be 18 or over on polling day. Younger teenagers cannot vote in that election.

1. aArmy unit
2. bType of court
3. cArea that elects one MP✓
4. dRoom in Parliament

The UK is split into constituencies for Westminster elections. Each constituency chooses one Member of Parliament.

1. aCabinet
2. bHouse of Lords
3. cSupreme Court
4. dHouse of Commons✓

People vote for MPs, and MPs sit in the House of Commons. The House of Lords is not elected by a public vote.

1. aThe previous MP automatically
2. bThe candidate with most votes✓
3. cThe oldest candidate
4. dThe candidate with exactly 50%

A Westminster seat goes to the person who finishes ahead of the others in that constituency. They do not need exactly half of all votes cast.

1. aA 16-year-old Irish citizen
2. bA 19-year-old British citizen✓
3. cA 30-year-old tourist
4. dA 17-year-old British citizen

For a UK general election, a British citizen who is 18 or over can vote if properly registered. The other options fail the age or eligibility rules.

1. aEveryone with a visa
2. bTourists and business visitors
3. cIrish and qualifying Commonwealth citizens✓
4. dOnly EU citizens

Voting rights for Westminster elections also include Irish citizens and certain Commonwealth citizens who meet the legal conditions. Simply visiting or holding a visa is not enough.

1. aTrue✓
2. bFalse

Registration is the formal step that puts you on the official list of voters. If your name is not on that list, you cannot cast a vote.

1. aTrue✓
2. bFalse

UK elections use a secret ballot. This protects voters from pressure by keeping their choice private.

1. aA tax form
2. bA party meeting
3. cA public vote on an issue✓
4. dA court appeal

A referendum asks voters to decide a particular question directly. It is different from choosing an MP or councillor.

1. aParis
2. bGeneva
3. cNew York✓
4. dVienna

The UN's principal headquarters is in New York City. Other UN offices exist elsewhere, but New York is the main base.

1. aNational Alliance Treaty Organisation
2. bNorth Atlantic Treaty Organisation✓
3. cNorthern Atlantic Treaty Office
4. dNorth Atlantic Trade Organisation

NATO is short for North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. It is a defence alliance created after the Second World War.

1. aTrue✓
2. bFalse

This is true. The Security Council has five permanent members, and the United Kingdom is one of them.

1. aCouncil of Europe
2. bCommonwealth Secretariat✓
3. cUnited Nations
4. dNATO

Marlborough House in London is the headquarters of the Commonwealth Secretariat. It supports co-operation between Commonwealth member states.

1. aStrasbourg✓
2. bGeneva
3. cThe Hague
4. dBrussels

The Council of Europe is based in Strasbourg, France. It is separate from the European Union.

1. aTrue
2. bFalse✓

This is false. They are different bodies with different roles, even though both work with European countries.

1. aUnited Nations
2. bNATO
3. cCouncil of Europe✓
4. dCommonwealth

The Convention sits within the Council of Europe system. It is not a treaty of the EU, NATO or the Commonwealth.

1. aCouncil of Europe
2. bUnited Nations
3. cNATO✓
4. dCommonwealth

NATO is a defence alliance whose members agree to help protect one another. The other organisations have different purposes.

1. aA voluntary association of states✓
2. bA European human rights court
3. cA military defence alliance
4. dA UN law-making body

The Commonwealth is a group of countries that choose to work together. It is not a military pact, a court or part of the UN.

1. aFamily law
2. bPlanning law
3. cCivil law
4. dCriminal law✓

Burglary is a criminal offence, so it falls under criminal law. Civil law is mainly for disputes between people or organisations.

1. aA burglary
2. bDrink-driving
3. cAn assault
4. dA contract dispute✓

A contract disagreement is usually a private dispute about rights or money, which is civil law. The other options are criminal offences.

1. aMagistrates' court✓
2. bSupreme Court
3. cCrown Court
4. dCounty Court

Many minor criminal cases start and finish in the magistrates' court. More serious matters can be sent to the Crown Court.

1. aCourt of Protection
2. bCounty Court
3. cCrown Court✓
4. dMagistrates' court

The Crown Court deals with serious criminal trials. Magistrates' courts handle many less serious offences.

1. aJury✓
2. bMagistrate
3. cPolice officer
4. dPrime Minister

In the Crown Court, the jury gives the verdict after hearing the evidence. The judge explains the law and passes sentence if needed.

1. aTrue✓
2. bFalse

Police investigate crime and can arrest suspects. Whether a person is guilty is decided by a court, not by the police.

1. aAn MP
2. bA juror
3. cA solicitor✓
4. dA landlord

Someone who is arrested can ask for legal advice from a solicitor. This helps them understand their rights and the process.

1. aTrue
2. bFalse✓

Robbery and assault are criminal matters. Civil law is mainly for disputes such as contracts, property or compensation claims.

1. aDriving lessons
2. bLegal costs✓
3. cRent payments
4. dCouncil tax

Legal aid is public funding that may help with legal advice or representation in some cases. It is not a general payment for everyday bills.

1. aTheir families approve
2. bBoth people agree freely✓
3. cThey own a home
4. dThey share a religion

A lawful marriage depends on free consent. If pressure or threats are used, it may be a forced marriage, which is illegal.

1. aTrue✓
2. bFalse

FGM is banned by law in the UK. Tradition, custom or family wishes do not make it lawful.

1. aEquality Act 2010✓
2. bHuman Rights Act 1998
3. cMagna Carta
4. dBill of Rights 1689

The Equality Act 2010 combined a number of earlier equality laws. It is a key law on discrimination in Great Britain.

1. aHair colour
2. bAge✓
3. cBlood group
4. dFavourite food

Age is one of the characteristics protected by equality law. The law also covers areas such as race, sex, disability, religion and sexual orientation.

1. aAs a religious rule
2. bAs a tax issue
3. cAs a private matter
4. dAs a crime✓

Abuse within a family or relationship can be dealt with by the police and courts. It is not excused because it happens in the home.

1. aTrue
2. bFalse✓

Race discrimination is unlawful in employment. Hiring decisions should be based on lawful job-related reasons, not race.

1. aTo follow any religion or none✓
2. bTo ignore court orders
3. cTo vote at 14
4. dTo drive without a test

People in the UK may have a religion, change it or have no religion. The other options are limited or banned by law.

1. aOne person is threatened into marrying✓
2. bBoth agree after a family introduction
3. cPartners choose a religious ceremony
4. dA couple marry in a register office

An arranged marriage can be legal if both people choose it freely. It becomes forced marriage when threats or pressure remove real consent.

1. aExtra pay only for full-time workers
2. bThe same wage in every job
3. cHigher pay for older staff
4. dEqual pay for equal work✓

Equal pay law is meant to stop unfair differences in pay between men and women doing the same or equivalent work. It does not mean all jobs must pay the same amount.

1. aVAT
2. bNational Insurance✓
3. cCouncil Tax
4. dStamp Duty

National Insurance contributions help qualify people for the State Pension and certain benefits. They are different from taxes on spending or property.

1. aIncome Tax✓
2. bVAT
3. cInheritance Tax
4. dCapital Gains Tax

Employees usually have Income Tax taken from pay through the PAYE system. VAT is charged on many purchases instead, not taken from wages.

1. aCouncil Tax✓
2. bIncome Tax
3. cTV licence
4. dWater rates

Council Tax is paid to the local council and helps pay for local services. It is separate from national taxes deducted from earnings.

1. aTrue✓
2. bFalse

Self-employed people often report their income directly to HMRC. Self Assessment is the usual way to declare tax due when PAYE does not cover it.

1. aEither side
2. bCentre
3. cRight
4. dLeft✓

In the UK, traffic keeps to the left. This affects junctions, roundabouts and overtaking.

1. aBirth certificate
2. bDriving licence✓
3. cNI card
4. dPassport

A driving licence shows what categories of vehicle you are allowed to drive. The vehicle you use must match the entitlement on your licence.

1. aTrue
2. bFalse✓

The ban on hand-held phone use still applies when you are stopped in traffic, including at red lights. Waiting does not make it legal.

1. aAt 10 or 140 cm
2. bAt 14 or 150 cm
3. cAt 12 or 135 cm✓
4. dAt 16 or 160 cm

The normal rule is a suitable child seat until a child reaches 12 years old or 135 cm in height, whichever comes first. After that, an adult seat belt is generally used.

1. aDriver only
2. bFront seats only
3. cDriver and passengers✓
4. dUnder-18s only

Seat belts are for everyone where one is provided, not just the driver. Wearing one reduces the chance of serious injury in a crash.

1. aTax owed
2. bThe sentence
3. cNew laws
4. dGuilt or innocence✓

Jurors hear the evidence and give a verdict on the charge. If there is a conviction, sentencing is normally for the judge.

1. aTrue✓
2. bFalse

Jury service is drawn from the public rather than hand-picked by the court. Being on the electoral register is therefore important.

1. aMilitary service
2. bTax collection
3. cUnpaid help✓
4. dPaid overtime

Volunteering is giving your time to support others or a cause without wages. It is one way people contribute to local life.

1. aRenewing a passport
2. bHelping at a food bank✓
3. cPaying a parking fine
4. dAttending jury service

Food banks often rely on people who freely give time to sort, pack or distribute supplies. The other options are duties or personal tasks, not volunteering.

1. aLeaving lights on
2. bDropping litter
3. cPouring oil down drains
4. dRecycling paper and glass✓

Recycling keeps useful materials in use and reduces what has to be thrown away. The other actions waste resources or harm the environment.

1. aTrue
2. bFalse✓

Litter spoils public spaces and can damage wildlife and local areas. Looking after the environment includes disposing of rubbish properly.

1. aPolice officer
2. bWitness
3. cJury
4. dJudge✓

The jury's task is to reach a verdict based on the evidence. The judge applies the law and decides the sentence if the defendant is found guilty.

1. aCourt
2. bBank
3. cSupermarket
4. dCharity✓

Charities commonly use volunteers to run services, events and fundraising. Banks, courts and supermarkets mainly operate through paid staff.

1. aBurning rubbish
2. bBus or train✓
3. cEngine idling
4. dDriving alone

Shared or public transport can lower emissions per person compared with many separate car journeys. Cutting unnecessary pollution is part of caring for the environment.