Life in the UK Test chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role

The constitution and the monarchy

The UK is a constitutional monarchy. The King or Queen is head of state, but the government makes the decisions. The UK constitution is not written down in a single document.

Parliament

• The House of Commons is the elected house. It has 650 members, called MPs, each representing a constituency.
• The House of Lords is the second house. Its members are not elected in general elections. It checks and suggests changes to new laws.
• A general election must be held at least every five years.
• The leader of the party with the most MPs, or who can command a majority in the Commons, usually becomes Prime Minister, and chooses the Cabinet.
• You must be 18 to vote.

Devolved governments and local government

The Scottish Parliament, the Senedd (Wales) and the Northern Ireland Assembly make decisions on devolved matters. Local councils, led by elected councillors, provide services such as rubbish collection, planning and libraries.

The courts and the law

• Serious crimes are tried in front of a judge and a jury of 12 people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Scotland also uses juries, and its juries have 15 members.
• You can be called for jury service if you are on the electoral register and aged between 18 and 75.
• The UK has a modern, independent police service. The police must treat everyone fairly.
• Discrimination on grounds such as race, sex, religion, age or disability is against the law.

Rights and responsibilities

As a resident you are expected to obey the law, pay your taxes, look after your family, respect the rights of others and help the police prevent crime. Taking part in community life, for example through volunteering, is encouraged.

How to study it

Learn the numbers (650 MPs, 5 years, 18 to vote, 12 jurors) first, then the roles of each institution. Practise the questions that ask you to choose two correct answers.

Practice questions from this chapter

1. What is the minimum age to vote in a UK general election?

   • 18
   • 16
   • 21
   • 25
   Show answer

   18

   You must be 18 or over to vote in elections to the UK Parliament. In some elections in Scotland and Wales, people can vote at 16.

2. What is the Prime Minister's official home in London?

   • 10 Downing Street
   • 11 Downing Street
   • Buckingham Palace
   • Lambeth Palace
   Show answer

   10 Downing Street

   The Prime Minister lives and works at 10 Downing Street. The Prime Minister also has a country house called Chequers.

3. What is the Commonwealth?

   • An association of countries, most once part of the British Empire
   • A group of European countries that trade freely
   • A military alliance of North Atlantic countries
   • The parliament of the four UK countries
   Show answer

   An association of countries, most once part of the British Empire

   The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of countries. Most were once part of the British Empire, and the monarch is its head.

4. How many people sit on a jury in England, Wales and Northern Ireland?

   • 12
   • 15
   • 10
   • 8
   Show answer

   12

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

5. What is the electoral register?

   • The official list of people who can vote
   • A list of everyone who pays tax
   • A record of all MPs
   • A list of council employees
   Show answer

   The official list of people who can vote

   To vote, your name must be on the electoral register. You can register online or through your local council.

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