Government and the law
What type of government does the UK have?
- A one-party state
- A parliamentary democracy with a constitutional monarchy
- A presidential republic
- An absolute monarchy
Answer: A parliamentary democracy with a constitutional monarchy. The UK is a parliamentary democracy with the monarch as head of state.
Government and the law
Which Cabinet minister manages the UK’s relationship with foreign countries?
- The Chancellor of the Exchequer
- The Foreign Secretary
- The Home Secretary
- The Prime Minister’s spokesperson
Answer: The Foreign Secretary. The Foreign Secretary manages relationships with foreign countries.
Government and the law
How often must a general election be held in the UK?
- At least every five years
- Every ten years
- Every three years
- Every year
Answer: At least every five years. General elections are held at least every five years.
Government and the law
Where does the Welsh Parliament (Senedd) sit?
- Cardiff Bay
- Holyrood
- Stormont
- Westminster
Answer: Cardiff Bay. The Senedd (formerly the National Assembly for Wales) sits in Cardiff Bay.
Government and the law
How many people sit on a jury in England and Wales?
Answer: 12. A jury in England, Wales and Northern Ireland has 12 members. In Scotland it has 15.
Government and the law
What are the police responsible for?
- Collecting taxes
- Deciding prison sentences
- Making laws
- Protecting life and property, keeping the peace and preventing and detecting crime
Answer: Protecting life and property, keeping the peace and preventing and detecting crime. The police protect life and property, prevent disturbances, and prevent and detect crime.
Government and the law
What must you have to drive a car on UK roads, in addition to a licence?
- A National Insurance number
- A TV licence
- A passport
- Insurance
Answer: Insurance. It is a criminal offence to drive without insurance. Older cars also need an MOT certificate every year.
Government and the law
At what age can children leave education or training in England?
- 14
- 16, with no further training
- 18 (they must stay in education or training until then)
- 21
Answer: 18 (they must stay in education or training until then). In England, young people must stay in education or training until 18. The school leaving age is different in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Government and the law
What is a coalition government?
- A government formed by two or more parties working together
- A government led by the monarch
- A government of civil servants only
- A local government
Answer: A government formed by two or more parties working together. A coalition government is formed when no single party has an overall majority.
Government and the law
Which of these is part of the legislative process in the UK?
- The Cabinet choosing judges
- The House of Lords examining Bills
- The Speaker writing laws alone
- The police voting on laws
Answer: The House of Lords examining Bills. The House of Lords scrutinises and can suggest amendments to Bills.
Government and the law
What is a barrister?
- A court officer
- A lawyer who represents people in the higher courts
- A local councillor
- A police inspector
Answer: A lawyer who represents people in the higher courts. Barristers are lawyers who speak for clients in higher courts.
Government and the law
Which of these is a crime in the UK?
- Applying for a passport
- Attending a protest that is peaceful and legal
- Driving without insurance
- Taking a day off sick
Answer: Driving without insurance. Driving without valid insurance is a criminal offence.