The UK government, the law and your role (Part 3)

1. All Acts of Parliament are made in who's name?

• The King's
• The Prince's
• The Parliament's
• The Prime Minister's

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

2. How many members does the UN Security Council have?

• 15
• 5
• 54
• 150

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. Which one of these countries in the UK requires you to complete your own registration form to get entitled to vote?

• Northern Ireland
• Scotland
• England
• Wales

In Northern Ireland a different system operates. This is called 'individual registration' and all those entitled to vote must complete their own registration form. Once registered, people stay on the register provided their personal details do not change.

4. Which TWO of these roles, in the UK, are unpaid?

• Special Constable
• District Judge
• Magistrate
• Chief of Police

You can volunteer with the police, and become a special constable or a lay (non-police) representative. You can also apply to become a Magistrate.

5. Who invented the Jet Engine?

• John MacLeod
• Sir Frank Whittle
• Sir Tim Berners-Lee
• John Logie Baird

The Jet Engine was developed in Britain in the 1930s by Sir Frank Whittle (1907-96), a British Royal Air Force engineer Officer.

6. What did the Beveridge Report of 1942, by William Beveridge, provide the basis for?

• The Modern Welfare State
• Education for All
• Equal Rights for Women
• NHS

William Beveridge (later Lord Beveridge) was a British economist and social reformer. He served briefly as a Liberal MP and was subsequently the leader of the Liberals in the House of Lords but is best known for the 1942 report Social Insurance and Allied Services (known as the Beveridge Report). The report was commissioned by the wartime government in 1941. It recommended that the government should find ways of fighting the five 'Giant Evils' of Want, Disease, Ignorance, Squalor and Idleness and provided the basis of the modern welfare state.

7. How many volunteers is The National Trust run by?

• 3
• 4
• 4500
• 61000

The National Trust was set up by just 3 volunteers. Now over 61,000 people help to run it.

8. The EU was set up by 6 western countries who signed the Treaty of Rome on which date?

• 01-Mar-77
• 30-May-47
• 17-May-67
• 25-Mar-57

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.

9. When did newspapers begin to operate without a government licence?

• 1681
• 1695
• 1708
• 1712

This was also an important time for the development of a free press (newspapers and other publications which are not controlled by the government). From 1695, newspapers were allowed to operate without a government licence. Increasing numbers of newspapers began to be published.

10. When was the Parliament of Northern Ireland first established?

• 1922
• 1937
• 1986
• 1999

A Northern Ireland Parliament was established in 1922, when Ireland was divided, but it was abolished in 1972, shortly after the Troubles broke out in 1969. The Northern Ireland Assembly was established soon after the Belfast Agreement (or Good Friday Agreement) in 1998.

11. Children's Hearings system is used in which country?

• Scotland
• Wales
• England
• Northern Ireland

In Scotland a system called the Children's Hearings System is used to deal with children and young people who have committed an offence. Northern Ireland has a system of youth conferencing to consider how a child should be dealt with when they have committed an offence.

12. What is the National Citizen Service?

• It provides free, confidential and impartial advice on consumer issues
• It helps you build your skills for work and life
• It provides free, independent, impartial advice on your rights and responsibilities
• It is a volunteering programme for young people who want to do voluntary development work abroad

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.

13. Who gets appointed by local authorities to be the ceremonial leader of the council?

• Council leader
• Mayor
• MP
• Teamleader

Many local authorities appoint a mayor, who is the ceremonial leader of the council. In some towns, a mayor is elected to be the effective leader of the administration.

14. What area is the Home Secretary responsible for?

• Police
• Education
• Defence
• Health

The Prime Minister appoints about 20 senior MPs to become ministers in charge of departments. These include: Chancellor of the Exchequer: responsible for the economy; Home Secretary:responsible for crime, policing and immigration; Foreign Secretary: responsible for managing relationships with foreign countries; other ministers (called 'Secretaries of State') are responsible for subjects such as education, health and defence.

15. Which TWO changes did the Chartists campaign for?

• For every woman to have the vote
• Elections every year
• Secret ballots
• Elections every 3 years

In the 1830s and 1840s, a group called the Chartists campaigned for reform. They wanted six changes: for every man to have the vote; elections every year; for all regions to be equal in the electoral system; secret ballots; for any man to be able to stand as an MP; for MPs to be paid.

16. Who is responsible for the economy?

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

The Prime Minister appoints about 20 senior MPs to become ministers in charge of departments. These include: Chancellor of the Exchequer: responsible for the economy; Home Secretary:responsible for crime, policing and immigration; Foreign Secretary: responsible for managing relationships with foreign countries; other ministers (called 'Secretaries of State') are responsible for subjects such as education, health and defence.

17. Women over 21 were allowed to vote for the first time in 1969

• True
• False

The voting franchise was also extended to women over 30, and then in 1928 to men and women over 21. In 1969, the voting age was reduced to 18 for men and women.

18. The Scottish Parliament was formed in 1998 and sits in Edinburgh

• True
• False

The Scottish Parliament was formed in 1999.

19. How many 'local authorities' does the city of London have?

• 33
• 21
• 15
• 5

London has 33 local authorities, with the Greater London Authority and the Mayor of London coordinating policies across the capital.

20. What can be done to protect a person from being forced into a marriage, or to protect a person in a forced marriage?

• Check the age of both people to make sure they are over 18
• Ask the priest to verify the identities
• Court orders can be obtained by a potential victim or someone acting for them
• Check the age of both people to make sure they are over 25

Forced Marriage Protection Orders were introduced in 2008 for England, Wales and Northern Ireland under the Forced Marriage (Civil Protection) Act 2007. Court orders can be obtained to protect a person from being forced into a marriage, or to protect a person in a forced marriage. Similar Protection Orders were introduced in Scotland in November 2011.

21. Who appoints life peers to the House of Lords?

• The monarch
• The prime minister
• The cabinet
• Their parents/guardians

Life peers are appointed by the monarch on the advice of the Prime Minister.

22. Which political party is still known as the Tories?

• Conservative
• Labour
• Liberal Democrats
• British National Party

The modern Conservative Party is still sometimes referred to as the Tories

23. What can schools do to raise money?

• Organise events
• Ask parents for money
• Ask the local council for extra funding
• Reduce teachers' wages

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.

24. The Speaker is elected by fellow MPs using the open ballot system

• True
• False

The Speaker is chosen by other MPs in a secret ballot.

25. Where are the most serious criminal cases in Scotland heard at?

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

The most serious cases in Scotland, such as murder, are heard at a High Court with a judge and jury.

26. What organisations try to influence government policy?

• Pressure and lobby groups
• Chartists
• Quakers
• The Cabinet

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

27. National Insurance is needed if you wish to work in the UK

• True
• False

Almost everybody in the UK who is in paid work, including self-employed people, must pay National Insurance Contributions. 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).

28. What is the name of the charity that works to preserve important buildings, coastline and countryside in the UK?

• NSPCC
• Eden Project
• National Trust
• Red Cross

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.

29. You need to be a member of a political party to be able to stand for election as an MP

• False
• True

Anyone aged 18 or over can stand for election as an MP but they are unlikely to win unless they have been nominated to represent one of the major political parties.

30. What is the official report that contains everything said in Parliament called?

• Hansard
• The Domesday Book
• The Government report
• The Government press

Proceedings in Parliament are broadcast on television and published in official reports called Hansard.

31. Which TWO words appear in the first two lines of the national anthem 'God save the Queen/King'?

• Gracious
• Noble
• Royal
• Majesty

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!'.

32. Who is responsible for subjects such as education, health and defence?

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

Secretaries of State are responsible for subjects such as education, health and defence.

33. What is the main purpose of the Opposition?

• To challenge the government
• To change laws
• To represent the people of the UK
• To participate in public debates

The opposition form the shadow cabinet and their role is to challenge the government and put forward alternative policies.

34. What do the National Insurance Contributions fund?

• The NHS and state pension
• Schools and Education
• The NHS and Police
• The Police, NHS and Education

Almost everybody in the UK who is in paid work, including self-employed people, must pay National Insurance Contributions. 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).

35. It is a legal requirement that men and women should not be discriminated against due to their gender or marital status

• True
• False

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.

36. Complaints against the Police can only be made by writing to the Police Complaints Commissioner

• False
• True

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.

37. The National Citizen Service provides military training to young people

• True
• False

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.

38. When was the Scottish Parliament established?

• 1999
• 1998
• 2000
• 1997

There has been a Welsh Assembly and a Scottish Parliament since 1999.

39. What country did Hitler invade in 1939?

• Poland
• Italy
• USSR
• The USA

The British government tried to avoid another war. However, when Hitler invaded Poland in 1939, Britain and France declared war in order to stop his aggression.

40. How old do you have to be to stand for election as an MP?

• 16
• 18
• 21
• 25

Anyone aged 18 or over can stand for election as an MP but they are unlikely to win unless they have been nominated to represent one of the major political parties

41. What is the official report that contains everything said in Parliament called?

• Hansard
• The Domesday Book
• The Government report
• The Government press

Proceedings in Parliament are broadcast on television and published in official reports called Hansard.

42. What is a good way to support your local community?

• Shop for products locally where you can
• Driving everywhere
• Buying good from large supermarkets
• Donating to boost the economy

A good way to support your local community is to shop for products locally where you can. This will help businesses and farmers in your area and in Britain. It will also reduce your carbon footprint, because the products you buy will not have had to travel as far.

43. Members of the public are allowed to attend Youth Courts hearings

• 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.

44. Which of these is NOT part of the Commonwealth?

• USA
• Canada
• Barbados
• UK

The US is not part of the Commonwealth.

45. It is compulsory to join National Citizen Service programme for 16 and 17 year olds

• False
• True

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.

46. What is an example of a Criminal Offence?

• Selling Tobacco to under 18's
• Discrimination in the workplace
• Housing disputes
• Owing Money

Examples of criminal laws are - Carrying a weapon: it is a criminal offence to carry a weapon of any kind, even if it is for self-defence. This includes a gun, a knife or anything that is made or adapted to cause injury; Drugs: selling or buying drugs such as heroin, cocaine, ecstasy and cannabis is illegal in the UK; Racial crime: it is a criminal offence to cause harassment, alarm or distress to someone because of their religion or ethnic origin; Selling tobacco: it is illegal to sell tobacco products (for example, cigarettes, cigars, roll-up tobacco) to anyone under the age of 18; Smoking in public places: it is against the law to smoke tobacco products in nearly every enclosed public place in the UK. There are signs displayed to tell you where you cannot smoke; Buying alcohol: it is a criminal offence to sell alcohol to anyone who is under 18 or to buy alcohol for people who are under the age of 18; Drinking in public: some places have alcohol-free zones where you cannot drink in public. The police can also confiscate alcohol or move young people on from public places. You can be fined or arrested.

47. Choose TWO examples of a civil law offence

• Unfair dismissal or discrimination in the workplace
• Murder, racial crime
• Theft and assault
• Disputes between landlords and tenants

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.

48. In Northern Ireland, minor cases are heard by a District Judge or Deputy District Judge, who is legally qualified and paid

• 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.

49. Big Ben was named 'Elizabeth Tower' in honour of Queen Elizabeth I

• True
• False

Big Ben is the nickname for the great bell of the clock at the Houses of Parliament in London. Many people call the clock Big Ben as well. The clock is over 150 years old and is a popular tourist attraction. The clock tower is named 'Elizabeth Tower' in honour of Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee in 2012.

50. 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.

51. The House of Lords is more independent of the government than the House of Commons

• True
• False

The House of Lords is normally more independent of the government than the House of Commons. It can suggest amendments or propose new laws, which are then discussed by MPs. The House of Lords checks laws that have been passed by the House of Commons to ensure they are fit for purpose.

52. The devolved administrations each have their own civil service.

• False
• True

The devolved administrations each have their own civil service.

53. Who is currently the Head of State of the UK?

• King Charles III
• Prince Philip
• The Prime Minister
• Prince Charles

King Charles III is the head of state of the UK. He is also the monarch or head of state for many countries in the Commonwealth.

54. What party won the General Election in 2010?

• Tories
• Labour Party
• Liberal democrats
• None, Liberal Democrats and Conservative party formed a Coalition

In May 2010, and for the first time in the UK since February 1974, no political party won an overall majority in the General Election. The Conservative and Liberal Democrat parties formed a coalition and the leader of the Conservative Party, David Cameron, became Prime Minister.

55. How many members does a jury in England, Wales and Northern Ireland have?

• 12
• 13
• 14
• 15

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

56. Which of the following statements does NOT apply to the United Nations?

• The UK is one of five permanent members of the UN Security Council
• It aims to prevent war
• It was set up after the Second World War
• The UN has five members in total

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.

57. Many of the painters working in Britain in the 16th and 17th centuries were from abroad

• True
• False

Many of the painters working in Britain in the 16th and 17th centuries were from abroad - for example, Hans Holbein and Sir Anthony Van Dyck.

58. How can you make a complaint about the Police? (Choose TWO)

• Visiting the local polling places
• Going to a police station
• Visiting a council office
• Writing to the Chief Constable of the police force involved

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.

59. Wales and Scotland use a system called 'individual registration'.All those entitled to vote must complete their own registration forms

• Trues
• False

In Northern Ireland a system called 'individual registration' operates and all those entitled to vote must complete their own registration form. Once registered, people stay on the register provided their personal details do not change.

60. How often do PM's Questions take place in the parliament?

• Every Week
• Every Two Weeks
• Every Working Day
• Every Month

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.

61. What does the UN aim to do?

• Prevent War
• Prevent High Inflation
• Prevent Starvation
• Prevent Diseases

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.

62. In England & Wales, the small claims procedure is an informal way of helping people to settle minor disputes claims of less than?

• £10,000
• £4,000
• £3,000
• £2,000

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).

63. How can you look after the environment? (Choose TWO)

• Always use your own car
• Recycle as much as you can
• Shop for products locally as this reduces your carbon footprint
• Shop for fresh products only

It is important to recycle as much of your waste as you can. A good way to support your local community is to shop for products locally where you can. This will help businesses and farmers in your area and in Britain. It will also reduce your carbon footprint, because the products you buy will not have had to travel as far.

64. Which of these is a charity working with animals?

• NSPCC
• Crisis and Shelter
• PDSA
• Age UK

People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA)is the charity that works with animals

65. You have to be 21 years old to stand as an MP

• False
• True

Anyone aged 18 or over can stand for election as an MP but they are unlikely to win unless they have been nominated to represent one of the major political parties. These are the Conservative Party, the Labour Party, the Liberal Democrats, or one of the parties representing Scottish, Welsh or Northern Irish interests.

66. What should all new citizens do as part of the citizenship ceremony?

• Swear or affirm loyalty to the King (or Queen)
• Sign passports and official citizenship certificates
• Take ceremonial pictures
• Prepare and make an individual speech during the ceremony

New citizens swear or affirm loyalty to the Queen as part of the citizenship ceremony.

67. The Commonwealth is an association of countries that support each other and work together towards shared goals in democracy and development

• True
• False

The Commonwealth is an association of countries that support each other and work together towards shared goals in democracy and development. Most member states were once part of the British Empire, although a few countries which were not have also joined.

68. Volunteering is compulsory in the UK

• True
• False

Volunteering is working for good causes without payment. It is not compulsory.

69. 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!'.

70. Civil servants are expected to be politically neutral, what core values should they have?

• Impartiality
• Sense of humour
• Misleading
• Corruption

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 (including being politically neutral).

71. What must the police officer tell you if you get arrested?

• The reason for your arrest
• To follow his instructions
• To put your arms in the air
• Ask about your background

A Police officer will tell you the reason for your arrest and you will be able to seek legal advice.

72. Which of these charities works with children?

• NSPCC
• Crisis and Shelter
• PDSA
• The National Trust

The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) works with children.