The UK government, the law and your role

1. Which TWO are safe places to go and stay in for anyone facing domestic violence?

• Refuge
• Shelter
• Carehome
• Community Centre

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. In some areas there are safe places to go and stay in, called refuges or shelters.

2. The UN was set up straight after the First World War. It now has over 190 countries as members

• True
• False

The UK is part of the United Nations (UN), an international organisation with more than 190 countries as members. The UN was set up after the Second World War and aims to prevent war and promote international peace and security. There are 15 members on the UN Security Council, which recommends action when there are international crises and threats to peace. The UK is one of five permanent members of the Security Council.

3. What are TWO of the roles of the House of Lords?

• Suggest amendments or propose new laws, which are then discussed by the MPs
• Represent everyone in their constituency
• Scrutinise and comment on what the government is doing
• Check laws that have been passed to ensure that they are fit for purpose

The House of Lords can suggest amendments or propose new laws, which are then discussed by MPs. It checks laws that have been passed by the House of Commons to ensure they are fit for purpose. It also holds the government to account to make sure that it is working in the best interests of the people.

4. Who is able to change the Prime Minister during his/her term?

• The Governing Party
• Fellow MPs
• The Monarch
• The Speaker

The Prime Minister can be changed if the MPs in the governing party decide to do so, or if he or she wishes to resign. The Prime Minister usually resigns if his or her party loses a General Election.

5. Who makes a speech which summarises the government's policies for the year ahead?

• The Prime Minister
• The Monarch
• The Cabinet
• Local Authorities

The Monarch (King Charles III at the time of writing) has important ceremonial roles, such as the opening of the new parliamentary session each year. On this occasion the Monarch makes a speech which summarises the government's policies for the year ahead. All Acts of Parliament are made in his name.

6. Civil servants cannot stand for Office

• True
• False

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.

7. It is a criminal offence to owe money to someone and you might be taken to court

• True
• False

Owing money is a civil offence

8. How can you contact your MP?

• By writing a letter
• By sending an Email
• By sending a text message
• By using social networks

You can contact MPs by letter or telephone at their constituency Office, or at their Office in the House of Commons

9. How is the Speaker elected?

• The Archbishop of Canterbury chooses the Speaker
• The PM chooses the Speaker
• The Monarch appoints the Speaker
• Fellow MPs choose the Speaker

Debates in the House of Commons are chaired by the Speaker. This person is the chief Officer of the House of Commons. The Speaker is neutral and does not represent a political party, even though he or she is an MP, represents a constituency and deals with constituents' problems like any other MP. The Speaker is chosen by other MPs in a secret ballot.

10. The jury decides on the penalty if the defendant is found guilty

• True
• False

The jury has to listen to the evidence presented at the trial and then decide a verdict of 'guilty' or 'not guilty' based on what they have heard. In Scotland, a third verdict of 'not proven' is also possible. If the jury finds a defendant guilty, the judge decides on the penalty.

11. The Speaker also represents Parliament on ceremonial occasions

• True
• False

The Speaker keeps order during political debates to make sure the rules are followed. This includes making sure the opposition (see The government) has a guaranteed amount of time to debate issues which it chooses. The Speaker also represents Parliament on ceremonial occasions.

12. What is the name given to the PM's country house?

• Country Retreat
• Quaker
• Windsor Palace
• Chequers

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.

13. Which of the devolved administrations has been suspended a few times?

• Northern Ireland Assembly
• Scottish Parliament
• Welsh Assembly
• Westminster

There has been a Welsh Assembly and a Scottish Parliament since 1999. There is a Northern Ireland Assembly, although this has been suspended on a few occasions.

14. It is an offence not to have an MOT certificate if your vehicle is more than _____ years old

• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5

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.

15. The Opposition is the second largest party in the House of Commons

• 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. The Monarch is responsible for the opening of the new parliamentary session each year

• True
• False

The Monarch has important ceremonial roles, such as the opening of the new parliamentary session each year. On this occasion the Monarch makes a speech which summarises the government’s policies for the year ahead. All Acts of Parliament are made in her/his name.

17. Who chairs the debates in the House of Commons?

• The Speaker
• The Prime Minister
• The Shadow Minister
• The Judge

Debates in the House of Commons are chaired by the Speaker. This person is the chief Officer of the House of Commons. The Speaker is neutral and does not represent a political party, even though he or she is an MP, represents a constituency and deals with constituents' problems like any other MP. The Speaker is chosen by other MPs in a secret ballot.

18. What are TWO of the activities that you might be involved in when canvassing?

• Handing out leaflets in the street
• Knocking on people's doors and asking for their support
• Getting paid for each vote obtained in commission
• Getting paid for the time spent advertising

Political parties are particularly busy at election times. Members work hard to persuade people to vote for their candidates - for instance, by handing out leaflets in the street or by knocking on people's doors and asking for their support. This is called 'canvassing'.

19. Where are the most serious civil cases heard in England and Wales?

• High Court
• The Court of Session
• Crown Court
• Sheriff Court

More serious civil cases - for example, when a large amount of compensation is being claimed - are dealt with in the High Court in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

20. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland each have devolved administrations which give them full control over all policies and laws

• True
• False

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.

21. What happens if an MP dies or resigns?

• A by-election is held
• Someone takes over
• The closest MP will have to cover
• A new General Election is held

If an MP dies or resigns, there will be a fresh election, called a by-election, in his or her constituency.

22. The Monarch appoints the members of the Cabinet

• True
• False

The Prime Minister (PM) is the leader of the political party in power. He or she appoints the members of the Cabinet and has control over many important public appointments.

23. What is the National Anthem of the UK?

• God Save the King/Queen
• God Save the UK
• King reign over the UK
• United we stand

The National Anthem of the UK is 'God Save the King/Queen'. It is played at important national occasions and at events attended by the King/Queen or the Royal Family. The first verse is: 'God save our gracious King! Long live our noble King! God save the King! Send him victorious, Happy and glorious, Long to reign over us, God save the King!'.

24. Peers nominated by the Prime Minister can only serve for their lifetime

• True
• False

Since 1958, the Prime Minister has had the power to nominate peers just for their own lifetime. These are called life peers. They have usually had an important career in politics, business, law or another profession. Life peers are appointed by the monarch on the advice of the Prime Minister.

25. The Prime Minister cannot be changed until the next General election

• True
• False

The Prime Minister can be changed if the MPs in the governing party decide to do so, or if he or she wishes to resign.

26. The members of the Armed Forces can stand for Public Office

• True
• False

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.

27. When was the Scottish Parliament formed?

• 1978
• 1989
• 1991
• 1999

Since 1997, some powers have been devolved from the central government to give people in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland more control over matters that directly affect them. There has been a Welsh Assembly and a Scottish Parliament since 1999.

28. What is the monarch's ceremonial role?

• Opening a parliamentary session
• Travelling abroad for banquets and to negotiate with foreign dignitaries
• Travelling in the UK
• Making parliamentary policies

The Monarch has important ceremonial roles, such as the opening of the new parliamentary session each year.

29. Which of these TWO countries are Commonwealth Members?

• Cameroon
• USA
• Namibia
• Germany

Cameroon and Namibia are members of the Commonwealth

30. Who can nominate life peers? (Select TWO)

• The Prime Minister
• Leaders of other main political parties
• The Speaker
• The Monarchy

Since 1958, the Prime Minister has had the power to nominate peers just for their own lifetime. These are called life peers. Life peers are appointed by the monarch on the advice of the Prime Minister. They also include people nominated by the leaders of the other main political parties or by an independent Appointments Commission for non-party peers.

31. Where are the youth cases heard in Scotland?

• There is a Children's Hearings System
• Youth Court
• Crown Court
• Sheriff Court

In Scotland a system called the Children's Hearings System is used to deal with children and young people who have committed an offence.

32. Where does the Prime Minister reside?

• 10 Downing Street
• The Buckingham palace
• 1 Devonshire Terrace
• 76 Charlotte Street

The official home of the Prime Minister is 10 Downing Street, in central London, near the Houses of Parliament.

33. How often do the PM's questions take place?

• Every week
• Every day
• Every month
• Every year

The leader of the opposition leads his or her party in pointing out what they see as the government's failures and weaknesses. One important opportunity to do this is at Prime Minister's Questions, which takes place every week while Parliament is sitting

34. Which of these statements is correct?

• Life peers are appointed by the Prime Minister on the advice of the monarchy
• Life peers are appointed by the monarchy on the advice of the Prime Minister

Since 1958, the Prime Minister has had the power to nominate peers just for their own lifetime. These are called life peers. They have usually had an important career in politics, business, law or another profession. Life peers are appointed by the monarch on the advice of the Prime Minister.

35. Where are the minor criminal cases dealt with in England, Wales and N. Ireland?

• Magistrates' Court
• Justice of the Peace Court
• Crown Court
• High Court

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.

36. When did the UK leave the EU following the Brexit Vote?

• 2020
• 1957
• 1973
• 1987

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 in 2020, there are now 27 EU member states.

37. How long can you use an EU driving licence for?

• As long as it's valid
• 12 months
• 5 years
• 2 years

If your driving licence is from a country in the European Union (EU), Iceland, Liechtenstein or Norway, you can drive in the UK for as long as your licence is valid, subject to UK licence renewal requirements (at the age of 70, or three years after the driver becomes resident). If you have a licence from any other country, you may use it in the UK for up to 12 months.

38. In Scotland, judges developed 'common law' by following previous decisions. It was referred to as 'unwritten'

• True
• False

In England, judges developed 'common law' by a process of precedence (that is, following previous decisions) and tradition. In Scotland, the legal system developed slightly differently and laws were 'codified' (that is, written down).

39. Who appoints the government, which most people have chosen in a democratic election?

• The House of Commons
• The Monarch
• The Prime Minister
• The House of Lords

The monarch does not rule the country but appoints the government, which the people have chosen in a democratic election. The monarch invites the leader of the party with the largest number of MPs, or the leader of a coalition between more than one party, to become the Prime Minister.

40. Which one is not a valid UK coin?

• 2p
• 25p
• 50p
• 5p

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.

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

• True
• False

To be able to vote in a parliamentary, local or European election, you must have your name on the electoral register. If you are eligible to vote, you can register by contacting your local council electoral registration Office.

42. The jury decides whether a person is 'guilty' or 'not guilty' based on what they have heard

• True
• False

The jury has to listen to the evidence presented at the trial and then decide a verdict of 'guilty' or 'not guilty' based on what they have heard. In Scotland, a third verdict of 'not proven' is also possible. If the jury finds a defendant guilty, the judge decides on the penalty. The judge is only responsible for interpreting the law.

43. It is a civil offence to carry a weapon

• True
• False

It is a criminal offence to carry a weapon.

44. Pressure groups and lobby groups are organisations which try to influence government policy

• True
• False

Pressure and lobby groups are organisations which try to influence government policy. They play an important role in politics.

45. Which TWO roles are school governors and school boards responsible for?

• Setting the strategic direction of the school
• Doing outdoor activities
• Raising money
• Monitoring and evaluating school performance

Governors and school boards have an important part to play in raising school standards. They have three key roles: setting the strategic direction of the school, ensuring accountability, monitoring and evaluating school performance.

46. Members of the European Union can vote in all public UK elections

• False
• True

Prior to Brexit, adult citizens of other EU states who are resident in the UK could vote in all elections except General Elections. As of 2020, EU citizens' local voting rights have also changed and are now set on individual, per-country basis.

47. Members in the Welsh Assembly can speak English and Welsh, and all publications of the Assembly are in both languages

• True
• False

The statement is true

48. Every MP in the UK has his/her own constituency

• True
• False

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.

49. Which TWO are part of the Government?

• The parliament
• The civil service
• Local people
• Local business

In the UK, there are several different parts of government. The main ones are: the monarchy, Parliament (the House of Commons and the House of Lords), the Prime Minister, the cabinet, the judiciary (courts) ,the police, the civil service, local government.

50. Arranged marriages are allowed in the UK

• True
• False

A marriage should be entered into with the full and free consent of both people involved. Arranged marriages, where both parties agree to the marriage, are acceptable in the UK.

51. When did hereditary peers lose the automatic right to attend the House of Lords?

• 1969
• 1979
• 1989
• 1999

Since 1999, hereditary peers have lost the automatic right to attend the House of Lords. They now elect a few of their number to represent them in the House of Lords.

52. How often do you have to take the MOT test for an old vehicle?

• Every year
• Every 2 years
• Every 3 years
• Every 5 years

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.

53. You can find copies of Hansard report in large libraries and on the Internet

• True
• False

Proceedings in Parliament are broadcast on television and published in official reports called Hansard. Written reports can be found in large libraries and online.

54. Which TWO are some of the key roles of Governors and school boards?

• Evaluating school performance
• Setting the strategic direction
• Looking after school's finances
• Monitoring expenses

Governors and school boards have an important part to play in raising school standards. They have three key roles: setting the strategic direction of the school; ensuring accountability; monitoring and evaluating school performance.

55. When walking your dog in a public place, what must you ensure?

• That your dog wears a collar showing the name and address of the owner
• That your dog does not come into contact with other dogs
• That your dog never strays more than 3 metres away from you
• That your dog wears a special dog coat

A lot of people in the UK have pets such as cats or dogs. They might have them for company or because they enjoy looking after them. It is against the law to treat a pet cruelly or to neglect it. All dogs in public places must wear a collar showing the name and address of the owner. The owner is responsible for keeping the dog under control and for cleaning up after the animal in a public place.

56. Who is responsible for crime and immigration?

• Home Secretary
• Chancellor of the Exchequer
• Foreign Secretary
• Secretary of State

Home Secretary is responsible for crime, policing and immigration.

57. What does the abbreviation PTA stand for?

• Personal Trainer Awards
• Parent Teacher Association
• Premier Tennis Association
• Primary Teaching Agency

Sometimes school events are organised by parent-teacher associations (PTAs)

58. On election day, you will get your ballot paper, which you take to a polling booth to fill in front of the polling officer

• True
• False

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. You will then get your ballot paper, which you take to a polling booth to fill in privately

59. It is illegal for shops and businesses to not accept the banknotes of Northern Ireland and Scotland

• True
• False

Northern Ireland and Scotland have their own banknotes, which are valid everywhere in the UK. However, shops and businesses do not have to accept them.

60. In Northern Ireland, what letter does a newly qualified driver has to display for one year after passing the test?

• L
• T
• R
• D

In Northern Ireland, a newly qualified driver must display an 'R' place (for restricted driver) for one year after passing the test.

61. It is illegal for shops and businesses to not accept the banknotes of Northern Ireland and Scotland

• True
• False

Northern Ireland and Scotland have their own banknotes, which are valid everywhere in the UK. However, shops and businesses do not have to accept them.

62. The Speaker is an MP, he/she represents a constituency and deals with constituents' problems like any other MP

• True
• False

The Speaker is neutral and does not represent a political party, even though he or she is an MP, represents a constituency and deals with constituents' problems like any other MP.

63. You can contact MPs only at their office in the House of Commons

• True
• False

You can contact MPs by letter or telephone at their constituency Office, or at their Office in the House of Commons.

64. Which TWO countries took part in the development of Concorde?

• UK
• USA
• Russia
• France

The 1960s was also a time of technological progress. Britain and France developed the world's only supersonic commercial airliner, Concorde. New styles of architecture, including high-rise buildings and the use of concrete and steel, became common.

65. Who is considered ineligible to do jury service?

• Anyone with a criminal conviction
• Judges
• Police
• Members of Parliament

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.

66. If you think someone is trying to persuade you to join an extremist or terrorist cause, who should you notify?

• MP
• Church
• Council office
• Police force

If you think someone is trying to persuade you to join an extremist or terrorist cause, you should notify your local police force.

67. On which TWO occasions will there be a fresh election, called a by-election, in MP's constituency?

• Gets ill
• Dies
• Goes abroad
• Resigns

MPs are elected at a General Election, which is held at least every five years. If an MP dies or resigns, there will be a fresh election, called a by-election, in his or her constituency. MPs are elected through a system called 'first past the post'.

68. What should you do to make a complaint about the Police?

• Write to the Chief Constable of the Police force
• Write to your MP
• Write a complaint letter to the House of Commons
• Complain to the Police force directly

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. Complaints can also be made to an independent body: the Independent Police Complaints Commission in England and Wales, the Police Complaints Commissioner for Scotland or the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland.

69. Who is the heir to the throne?

• Prince George
• Prince Philip
• Prince Harry
• Prince William

The King's eldest son, Prince William (the Prince of Wales), is the heir to the throne.

70. What is MP's responsibility?

• To represent everyone in their constituency
• To represent everyone in the UK
• To point out failures
• To get as many votes as possible

MPs have a number of different responsibilities. They: represent everyone in their constituency, help to create new laws, scrutinise and comment on what the government is doing, debate important national issues.

71. Blood and organ donations are compulsory in the UK

• True
• False

it's a donation, thus its not compulsory. 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.

72. The UK has a constitutional monarchy

• True
• False

The UK has a constitutional monarchy. This means that the king or queen does not rule the country but appoints the government, which the people have chosen in a democratic election.