The UK government, the law and your role. Practice questions
20 questions, no clock, with the answer explained as you go. Use the timed exams when you want to know if you are ready.
Free to read, always
All 20 questions and answers
Every question here was checked by hand against Life in the UK: A Guide for New Residents (3rd edition). How we check
1.In 1918, which women were given the vote?
- AWomen over 30
- BWomen over 18
- CWomen over 21
- DAll adult women
In 1918 the voting franchise was extended to women over 30. (The development of British democracy)
2.In which year was the voting age reduced to 18?
- A1928
- B1918
- C1969
- D1979
Men and women alike could vote from 18 once the age was lowered in 1969. (The development of British democracy)
3.Which system of registration operates in Northern Ireland?
- AIndividual registration
- BAutomatic registration
- CHousehold registration
- DPostal registration
In Northern Ireland a system called individual registration operates, and all those entitled to vote must complete their own registration form. (Voting, standing for office and visiting Parliament)
4.Why is the British constitution described as unwritten?
- AIt was destroyed in the Great Fire of London
- BIt exists only as spoken convention
- CIt has never been recorded in law
- DIt is not written down in any single document
The British constitution is not written down in any single document and is therefore described as unwritten. (The British constitution)
5.What is the House of Lords’ role in relation to laws?
- AIt has no role in making laws
- BIt sets the legislative timetable
- CIt must approve every law before the Commons votes
- DIt can suggest amendments and checks laws passed by the Commons
The House of Lords can suggest amendments or propose new laws and checks laws passed by the House of Commons. (The House of Commons and the House of Lords)
6.What must a newly qualified driver display in Northern Ireland?
- AAn ‘R’ plate
- BA green plate
- CA ‘P’ plate
- DAn ‘L’ plate
Northern Ireland requires an R plate from a newly qualified driver for the first year after passing. (Taxation, driving and your role in the community)
7.What can happen to someone who breaches a Forced Marriage Protection Order?
- AThey can be jailed for up to two years for contempt of court
- BThey receive a fine, but no other penalty
- CThey can be jailed for up to five years
- DThey are given a formal warning by the court
Breaching such an order can mean up to two years in jail for contempt of court. (Fundamental principles and equal opportunities)
8.How is the Speaker chosen?
- ABy the Prime Minister
- BBy the House of Lords
- CBy the monarch
- DBy other MPs in a secret ballot
The Speaker is chosen by other MPs in a secret ballot. (The Speaker and elections)
9.Which of these is a major political party in the UK?
- AThe CBI
- BGreenpeace
- CThe Liberal Democrats
- DLiberty
The major political parties are the Conservative Party, the Labour Party, the Liberal Democrats, and parties representing Scottish, Welsh or Northern Irish interests. (Parties, pressure groups, the civil service and local government)
10.Which TWO are roles of the shadow cabinet?
Choose two
- AAppointing life peers
- BPutting forward alternative policies
- CChallenging the government
- DApproving the budget
The role of the shadow cabinet is to challenge the government and put forward alternative policies. (The Prime Minister, the cabinet and the opposition)
11.Which TWO are principles in the European Convention on Human Rights?
Choose two
- AThe right to a free education
- BThe right to a fair trial
- CFreedom of thought, conscience and religion
- DThe right to vote at 18
The European Convention on Human Rights includes the right to a fair trial and freedom of thought, conscience and religion. (Fundamental principles and equal opportunities)
12.How many members does a jury have in England, Wales and Northern Ireland?
- A8
- B10
- C12
- D15
Judge and jury in a Crown Court try serious offences in Northern Ireland, England and Wales. (The courts)
13.How much does it cost to listen to debates from the public galleries at Westminster?
- AYou must buy a ticket in advance
- BNothing — entrance is free
- CIt is free only for UK citizens
- DA small charge per person
Galleries in both Houses at the Palace of Westminster are open to the public free of charge. (Voting, standing for office and visiting Parliament)
14.When are local elections for councillors usually held?
- AEvery four years in June
- BIn October every year
- CEvery five years
- DIn May every year
Councillor elections come round each May in most local authority areas. (Parties, pressure groups, the civil service and local government)
15.Which TWO do Police and Crime Commissioners do?
Choose two
- ADecide criminal verdicts
- BAppoint the local Chief Constable
- CSet local police priorities
- DInvestigate serious crimes
Police and Crime Commissioners set local police priorities and the local policing budget. (The police and their duties)
16.Who chairs debates in the House of Commons?
- AThe Speaker
- BThe Leader of the House
- CThe Prime Minister
- DThe Lord Chancellor
Debates in the House of Commons are chaired by the Speaker, who is the chief officer of the House of Commons. (The Speaker and elections)
17.Is female genital mutilation legal in the UK?
- AOnly where it is carried out abroad rather than here
- BOnly where it is carried out with the consent of both parents
- CNo, and taking a girl or woman abroad for it is also a criminal offence
- DYes, where it is performed with medical consent
Practising female genital mutilation or taking a girl or woman abroad for it is a criminal offence. (Fundamental principles and equal opportunities)
18.Who makes decisions on government policies?
- AThe monarch, advised by the Privy Council
- BThe civil service, headed by its ministers
- CThe House of Lords, checking the Commons
- DThe Prime Minister and cabinet
Decisions on government policies are made by the Prime Minister and cabinet. (The monarchy)
19.What are safe places for people facing domestic violence called?
- ASafe houses
- BHavens
- CSanctuaries
- DRefuges or shelters
Safe places for people facing domestic violence are called refuges or shelters. (Fundamental principles and equal opportunities)
20.Where are serious offences tried in England, Wales and Northern Ireland?
- AThe High Court, before a judge and jury
- BA County Court, before a judge sitting alone
- CA Magistrates’ Court, before three magistrates
- DA Crown Court, before a judge and jury
Judge and jury in a Crown Court try serious offences in Northern Ireland, England and Wales. (The courts)