The UK government, the law and your role (Part 4)

1. Which of these statements is incorrect?

• Selling or buying drugs such as heroin is illegal in the UK
• It's a criminal offence to offend one's religion or ethnic origin
• It's a criminal offence to carry a weapon of any kind
• It's a criminal offence to owe someone money

Owing money is a civil offence

2. The small claims procedure in Northern Ireland is used for claims of less than what amount?

• £10,000
• £20,000
• £1,000
• £5,000

The small claims procedure is an informal way of helping people to settle minor disputes without spending a lot of time and money using a lawyer. This procedure is used for claims of less than £10,000 in England and Wales; £5,000 in Scotland and £5,000 in Northern Ireland (Changed from £3000).

3. How many members does The Northern Ireland Assembly have?

• 90
• 110
• 119
• 129

The Northern Ireland Assembly was established soon after the Belfast Agreement (or Good Friday Agreement) in 1998. There is a power-sharing agreement which distributes ministerial Offices amongst the main parties. The Assembly has 90 elected members (reduced from 108 in 2016), known as MLAs (members of the Legislative Assembly). They are elected with a form of proportional representation. The Assembly is chaired by a Speaker and three deputy Speakers. At least 10 members (including the Speaker) must be present in order for a vote to be taken on any matter.

4. When did the UK join the EU?

• 1973
• 1957
• 1961
• 1967

The European Union (EU), originally called the European Economic Community (EEC), was set up by six western European countries (Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands) who signed the Treaty of Rome on 25 March 1957. The UK originally decided not to join this group but it became a member in 1973. After UK's Brexit vote, there are now 27 EU member states.

5. How many member states does the Commonwealth have?

• 56
• 27
• 5
• 190

The Monarch (King Charles III) is the ceremonial head of the Commonwealth, which currently has 56 (can change) member states.

6. What are the MPs who don't represent a political party called?

• Independents
• Sole MP
• Neutrals
• Civil MP

There are a few MPs who do not represent any of the main political parties. They are called 'independents' and usually represent an issue important to their constituency.

7. How many countries make up the EU?

• 15
• 27
• 54
• 190

The European Union (EU), originally called the European Economic Community (EEC), was set up by six western European countries (Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands) who signed the Treaty of Rome on 25 March 1957. The UK originally decided not to join this group but it became a member in 1973. After the Brexit vote to leave in 2020, there are now 27 EU member states

8. The European Union was originally called the EEC

• True
• False

The European Union (EU), originally called the European Economic Community (EEC), was set up by six western European countries (Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands) who signed the Treaty of Rome on 25 March 1957. The UK originally decided not to join this group but it became a member in 1973. After UK's Brexit vote, there are now 27 EU member states.

9. In the UK, under the Individual Electoral Registration (IER) system, every eligible person is individually responsible for their own registration.

• False
• True

The Individual Electoral Registration system replaced the old "head of household" method where one person could register everyone in the home. Now, each eligible person is legally responsible for their own registration.

10. The devolved governments do not have the power to legislate on any issues but can advise and encourage

• False
• True

Policy and laws governing defence, foreign affairs, immigration, taxation and social security all remain under central UK government control. However, many other public services, such as education, are controlled by the devolved administrations.

11. How are members of Parliament (MPs) elected?

• Proportional representation
• First past the post
• Online Voting
• Open Ballot

MPs are elected through a system called 'first past the post'. In each constituency, the candidate who gets the most votes is elected. The government is usually formed by the party that wins the majority of constituencies. If no party wins a majority, two parties may join together to form a coalition.

12. What method is used to elect UK MPs?

• Proportional Representation
• First past the post system
• Instant runoff
• Popularity

MPs are elected through a system called 'first past the post'. In each constituency, the candidate who gets the most votes is elected. The government is usually formed by the party that wins the majority of constituencies. If no party wins a majority, two parties may join together to form a coalition.

13. What are TWO core values of a civil servant?

• Impartiality
• Must belong to a political party
• Sense of humour
• Integrity

Civil servants are expected to carry out their role with dedication and a commitment to the civil service and its core values. These are: integrity, honesty, objectivity and impartiality

14. What information about you is asked at the polling station?

• Your name and address
• Your name and telephone number
• Your name, contact details and age
• Your name and age

When you arrive at the polling station, the staff will ask for your name and address. In Northern Ireland you will also have to show photographic identification.

15. The leader of the Opposition usually becomes Prime Minister if his or her party wins the next General Election

• True
• False

The second-largest party in the House of Commons is called the opposition. The leader of the opposition usually becomes Prime Minister if his or her party wins the next General Election.

16. What is the British Constitution often described as?

• Unwritten
• Written down
• Documented
• Preserved

The British constitution is not written down in any single document, and therefore it is described as 'unwritten'. This is mainly because the UK, unlike America or France, has never had a revolution which led permanently to a totally new system of government.

17. What can the Laws made by the EU also be called?

• Regulations
• Directives
• Framework Decisions
• All of these

EU law is legally binding in the UK and all the other EU member states. European laws are called directives, regulations or framework decisions.

18. Who should you write to if you wish to make a complaint about the Police?

• The Chief Constable
• Your local MP
• The House of Commons
• The House of Lords

Anyone can make a complaint about the police by going to a police station or writing to the Chief Constable of the police force involved.

19. What do you have to pay tax on in the UK?

• Pensions
• All ISAs and Savings Certificates
• Attendance Allowance
• Disability Living Allowance

People in the UK have to pay tax on their income, which includes: wages from paid employment; profits from self-employment, taxable benefits; pensions; income from property, savings and dividends.

20. How many members does the Scottish Parliament have?

• 129
• 108
• 76
• 94

There are 129 members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs), elected by a form of proportional representation. The Scottish Parliament can pass laws for Scotland on all matters which are not specifically reserved to the UK Parliament. The matters on which the Scottish Parliament can legislate include: civil and criminal law, health, education, planning, additional tax-raising powers.

21. Which of these statements is correct?

• People found guilty of certain criminal offences cannot stand for Public Office
• People found guilty of all criminal offences cannot stand for Public Office

Most citizens of the UK, the Irish Republic or the Commonwealth aged 18 or over can stand for Public Office. There are some exceptions, including: members of the armed forces; civil servants; people found guilty of certain criminal offences.

22. There are 9 National Parks in the UK

• True
• False

The UK has a large network of public footpaths in the countryside. There are also many opportunities for mountain biking, mountaineering and hill walking. There are 15 national parks in England, Wales and Scotland. They are areas of protected countryside that everyone can visit, and where people live, work and look after the landscape.

23. The system of government in the UK is a parliamentary democracy

• True
• False

The system of government in the UK is a parliamentary democracy. The UK is divided into parliamentary constituencies. Voters in each constituency elect their member of Parliament (MP) in a General Election. All of the elected MPs from the House of Commons. Most MPs belong to a political party, and the party with the majority of MPs forms the government. If one party does not get a majority, two parties can join together to form a coalition.

24. Who is considered ineligible to do jury service?

• Judges
• Anyone with a criminal conviction
• Police
• Non-Christians

Everyone who is summoned to do jury service must do it unless they are not eligible (for example, because they have a criminal conviction) or they provide a good reason to be excused, such as ill health.

25. What is the Shadow Cabinet?

• Senior members of the main opposition party who 'shadow' Government ministers in different departments
• The cabinet where the Prime Minister had to resign
• The cabinet that is in trouble
• The name of the office of the Leader of the Opposition in the Parliament

The leader of the opposition leads his or her party in pointing out what they see as the government's failures and weaknesses. The leader of the opposition also appoints senior opposition MPs to be 'shadow ministers'. They form the shadow cabinet and their role is to challenge the government and put forward alternative policies.

26. The leader of the Opposition appoints senior opposition MPs to be what?

• Shadow Ministers
• Home Secretary
• Chancellor of the Exchequer
• Local Mayors

The leader of the Opposition also appoints senior opposition MPs to be 'shadow ministers'. They form the shadow cabinet and their role is to challenge the government and put forward alternative policies.

27. Which of these statements is correct?

• During Queen Victoria's reign the British Empire became the largest empire the world has ever seen
• During Queen Elizabeth's reign the British Empire became the largest empire the world has ever seen

During the Victorian period, the British Empire grew to cover all of India, Australia and large parts of Africa. It became the largest empire the world has ever seen, with an estimated population of more than 400 million people.

28. The role and membership of the House of Lords has changed over the last 50 years

• True
• False

The role and membership of the House of Lords has changed over the last 50 years.

29. Where do you have to be registered to be able to vote?

• The electoral register
• The UK database
• The Home office
• The UK registry

To be able to vote in a parliamentary, local or European election, you must have your name on the electoral register.

30. Which is an example of a Civil Offence?

• Discrimination in the workplace
• Selling Tobacco to under 18's
• Smoking in public places
• Carrying a weapon

Examples of civil laws are - Housing law: this includes disputes between landlords and tenants over issues such as repairs and eviction; Consumer rights: an example of this is a dispute about faulty goods or services; Employment law: these cases include disputes over wages and cases of unfair dismissal or discrimination in the workplace; Debt: people might be taken to court if they owe money to someone.

31. £10 £20 £50 £100 are the only banknotes currently allowed in the UK

• True
• False

The currency in the UK is the pound sterling (symbol £). There are 100 pence in a pound. The denominations (values) of currency are - coins: 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1 and £2; notes: £5, £10, £20, £50.

32. Where can you get help from if you are facing domestic violence?

• Citizens advice Bureau
• High Court
• NSPCC
• Your Family

It is important for anyone facing domestic violence to get help as soon as possible. A solicitor or the Citizens Advice Bureau can explain the available options.

33. Who appoints the local Chief Constable?

• Police and Crime Commissioners
• The Prime Minister
• The Monarch
• The Speaker

PCCs (Police and Crime Commissioners) set local police priorities and the local policing budget. They also appoint the Chief Constable.

34. Which TWO of the following are protected by law from discrimination?

• Marital status
• Disability
• Eye colour
• Choice of car

UK laws ensure that people are not treated unfairly in any area of life or work because of their age, disability, sex, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sexuality or marital status.

35. Which of the options given below is not necessary for a new car?

• MOT test
• Seat belts
• Road tax
• Car insurance

If your vehicle is over three years old, you must take it for a Ministry of Transport (MOT) test every year. It is an offence not to have an MOT certificate if your vehicle is more than three years old.

36. What is the judiciary responsible for?

• Interpreting the law
• Deciding whether a person is guilty
• Putting people in prison
• Looking after a jury

Judges, who are together called 'the judiciary', are responsible for interpreting the law and ensuring that trials are conducted fairly.

37. Who receives ambassadors and high commissioners, entertains visiting heads of state and makes state visits overseas in support of diplomatic and economic relationships with other countries?

• The Foreign Secretary
• The Prime Minister
• The Speaker
• The Monarch

The Monarch (King Charles III) represents the UK to the rest of the world. He receives foreign ambassadors and high commissioners, entertains visiting heads of state, and makes state visits overseas in support of diplomatic and economic relationships with other countries.

38. What can the Scottish Parliament do?

• May pass laws on foreign and defence affairs
• May pass laws on general economic policy
• May pass laws on anything in Scotland
• May pass legislation on anything not specifically reserved to the UK Parliament

The Scottish Parliament can pass laws for Scotland on all matters which are not specifically reserved to the UK Parliament. The matters on which the Scottish Parliament can legislate include: civil and criminal law, health, education, planning and additional tax-raising powers.

39. Where can you find a solicitor in the UK?

• The Citizens Advice Bureau
• Paying expensive Law firms to find one
• Go to one of the Youth Courts
• By contacting the police

Solicitors are trained lawyers who give advice on legal matters. They take action for their clients and represent them in court. The Citizens Advice Bureau can give you names of local solicitors and which areas of law they specialise in. You can also get this information from the Law Society.

40. Which of the statements is true?

• Solicitors' charges are based on how much time they spend on a case
• Solicitors' charges are based on how serious the case is

Solicitors' charges are usually based on how much time they spend on a case. It is very important to find out at the start how much a case is likely to cost.

41. In Northern Ireland, Deputy District Judges hear minor criminal cases

• True
• False

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, most minor criminal cases are dealt with in a Magistrates' Court. In Scotland, minor criminal offences go to a Justice of the Peace Court. In Northern Ireland, cases are heard by a District Judge or Deputy District Judge, who is legally qualified and paid.

42. How often are Elections for the European parliament held?

• Every 3 years
• Every 4 years
• Every 5 years
• Every 6 years

Elections for the European Parliament are also held every five years. Elected members are called members of the European Parliament (MEPs).

43. Who is the next heir to the throne?

• Queen Elizabeth II's eldest son
• Queen Elizabeth II's husband
• Prince Harry
• Prince William

Queen Elizabeth II reigned since her father's death in 1952 (in 2012 she celebrated her Diamond Jubilee - 60 years as queen) until she passed away in 2022. Her eldest son, King Charles III (previously the Prince of Wales) became the new monarch. His elder son, William, Prince of Wales is next in line.

44. Many schools organise events to raise money for extra equipment or out-of-school activities

• True
• False

Many schools organise events to raise money for extra equipment or out-of-school activities. Activities might include book sales, toy sales or bringing food to sell.

45. Who can stand for office as a Local Councillor?

• All residents of the UK
• British citizens of the UK only
• British, Irish and Eligible Commonwealth citizens
• Foreign citizens only

British citizens can stand for Office as a local councillor, a member of Parliament (or the devolved equivalents). This is an opportunity to become even more involved in the political life of the UK. You may also be able to stand for Office if you are an Irish citizen, or an eligible Commonwealth citizen.

46. Which of the Houses is more important in today's Britain?

• The House of Commons
• The House of Lords
• The House of Lancaster
• The House of York

The House of Commons is regarded as the more important of the two chambers in Parliament because its members are democratically elected.

47. Only members of the public who have their name on the electoral register can listen to debates in the Palace of Westminster in the House of Lords

• True
• False

The public can listen to debates in the Palace of Westminster from public galleries in both the House of Commons and the House of Lords.

48. What does the money raised from National Insurance Contributions pay for? (Choose TWO)

• NHS
• The state retirement pension
• Child benefits
• Job allowances

The money raised from National Insurance Contributions is used to pay for state benefits and services such as the state retirement pension and the National Health Service (NHS).

49. Which party forms the government?

• The party with the majority of the members of Parliament (MPs)
• The party with the most votes
• The party appointed by the Monarch
• The party which is the most popular

Most MPs belong to a political party, and the party with the majority of MPs forms the government. If one party does not get a majority, two parties can join together to form a coalition.

50. What system can be used to complete a tax return if you are self-employed?

• Self-checkout
• Self-assessment
• PAYE (Pay as you earn)
• National Insurance contribution

For most people, the right amount of income tax is automatically taken from their income from employment by their employer and paid directly to HM Revenue Customs (HMRC), the government department that collects taxes. This system is called 'Pay As You Earn' (PAYE). If you are self-employed, you need to pay your own tax through a system called 'self-assessment', which includes completing a tax return.

51. Which TWO principles are included in the European Convention on Human Rights?

• Right to a fair trial
• Prohibition of life
• Freedom of forced labour
• Right to liberty and security

Some of the principles included in the European Convention on Human Rights are: right to life; prohibition of torture; prohibition of slavery and forced labour; right to liberty and security; right to a fair trial; freedom of thought, conscience and religion; freedom of expression (speech).

52. How many members does the Welsh Assembly have?

• 60
• 108
• 129
• 140

The Welsh Assembly has 60 members, with forty members chosen to represent individual Senedd constituencies, and twenty to represent the five electoral regions of the Senedd in Wales.

53. What service can you use to find a lawyer or a solicitor?

• The Citizens Advice Bureau
• The Police
• County Courts
• NSPCC

The Citizens Advice Bureau can give you names of local solicitors and which areas of law they specialise in. You can also get this information from the Law Society.

54. Towns, cities and rural areas in the UK are governed by civil servants who are appointed by the Government?

• False
• True

Towns, cities and rural areas in the UK are governed by democratically elected councils, often called 'local authorities'. Some areas have both district and county councils, which have different functions. Most large towns and cities have a single local authority.

55. How many AMs does the Welsh government have?

• 60
• 129
• 108
• 92

The Welsh government and National Assembly for Wales are based in Cardiff, the capital city of Wales. The National Assembly (Senedd) consists of 60 elected Assembly members (AMs) and elections are held every four years using a form of proportional representation. Members can speak in either Welsh or English and all of the Assembly’s publications are in both languages.

56. How can you arrange to get a National Insurance number?

• Contact the Department for Work and Pensions
• Write to your MP
• Contact your local council
• Contact your employer

If you have permission to work in the UK, you will need to telephone the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to arrange to get a National Insurance number.

57. Which TWO are Police duties?

• Protect life and property
• Detect and prevent crime
• Be corrupt
• Misuse their authority

The job of the police in the UK is to: protect life and property; prevent disturbances (also known as keeping the peace); prevent and detect crime.

58. What programme helps teenagers develop their skills?

• The National Citizen Service
• The Teenage Programme
• Youth Opportunities
• The Youth Development Service

There are many opportunities for young people to volunteer and receive accreditation which will help them to develop their skills. These include the National Citizen Service programme, which gives 16- and 17-year-olds the opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities, develop their skills and take part in a community project.

59. How many members does a jury have in Scotland?

• 15
• 12
• 13
• 14

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland a jury has 12 members, and in Scotland a jury has 15 members.

60. Conservative Party is a political party in the UK

• True
• False

The main political parties include: Conservative Party, the Labour Party, the Liberal Democrats, or one of the parties representing Scottish, Welsh or Northern Irish interests.

61. The name or photograph of cases heard in the Youth Court can be published in the newspapers once the young person has been found guilty

• True
• False

Members of the public are not allowed in Youth Courts, and the name or photographs of the accused young person cannot be published in newspapers or used by the media.

62. Local councils, in the UK, are often called local authorities

• True
• False

The statement is correct

63. The European Convention on Human Rights is incorporated into UK law

• True
• False

The Human Rights Act 1998 incorporated the European Convention on Human Rights into UK law. The government, public bodies and the courts must follow the principles of the Convention.

64. People living in the UK must pay tax on which of the following TWO?

• Wages from paid employment
• Student Loans
• Income from property, savings and dividends
• Payday Loans

People in the UK have to pay tax on their income, which includes: wages from paid employment; profits from self-employment, taxable benefits; pensions; income from property, savings and dividends.

65. The anthem 'God save the King/Queen' can only be played in presence of the Monarch

• True
• False

You can play the Anthem in anyone's presence

66. In England and Wales, the small claims procedure is used for claims of less than what amount?

• £3,000
• £10,000
• £7,000
• £11,000

The small claims procedure is an informal way of helping people to settle minor disputes without spending a lot of time and money using a lawyer. This procedure is used for claims of less than £10,000 in England and Wales; £5,000 in Scotland and £5,000 in Northern Ireland (Changed from £3000).

67. How long does it take to give blood?

• About 10 mins
• About 20 mins
• About 1 hour
• About 3 hours

Donated blood is used by hospitals to help people with a wide range of injuries and illnesses. Giving blood only takes about an hour to do.

68. National Trust is a charity that works to preserve important buildings, coastline and countryside

• True
• False

Many parts of the countryside and places of interest are kept open by the National Trust in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and the National Trust for Scotland. Both are charities that work to preserve important buildings, coastline and countryside in the UK. The National Trust was founded in 1895 by three volunteers. There are now more than 61,000 volunteers helping to keep the organisation running.

69. What will happen to any driver who has either taken more than the acceptable quantity of alcohol or refused to take the test?

• Arrested
• Taken to his home
• Given a warning
• Asked to provide medical certificate

If you are found driving while exceeding the alcohol limit you will be arrested.

70. Anyone who is on the electoral register and is aged 18-75 can be asked to serve on a jury

• True
• False

As well as getting the right to vote, people on the electoral register are randomly selected to serve on a jury. Anyone who is on the electoral register and is aged 18 to 75 can be asked to do this. The age limit has been raised from 70 to 75 in Wales and England in 2016.

71. Who resides in 10 Downing Street?

• The Prime Minister
• The Speaker
• The President
• King Charles III

The official home of the Prime Minister is 10 Downing Street, in central London, near the Houses of Parliament. He or she also has a country house outside London called Chequers.

72. Which TWO are major political parties in the UK?

• Conservative Party
• Democrats
• Labour Party
• Republicans

The Conservative Party, the Labour Party, the Liberal Democrats are big political parties