UK Parliament, Government and Devolution Study Guide

Section 5.6

The government

Parliament and government

The UK Parliament consists of the House of Commons, the House of Lords and the monarch. The Commons is elected. The Lords is mainly appointed and revises legislation, conducts inquiries and scrutinises government.

The government is formed by the person able to command confidence in the House of Commons, normally the leader of the party with a Commons majority. The Prime Minister appoints ministers, and the Cabinet coordinates major policy decisions.

Devolution and local government

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have devolved legislatures and executives with powers in specified areas. The exact settlement differs in each nation. Local councils provide services such as planning, waste collection and social care within their legal responsibilities.

Following the May 2026 election, the Senedd has 96 Members. Membership numbers and electoral systems can change, so check a dated primary source when revising current arrangements.

Targeted practice

Questions about The government

These questions prioritise terms covered on this page. Open an answer to review the explanation before moving to the full Chapter 5 practice set.

1. Sample question 1

   What does the term ‘coalition’ refer to?

   • If no political party wins a majority, a new election is held to vote for one of the top two parties only
   • The candidate who gets the most votes is elected
   • If no political party wins a majority, two parties may join and govern together
   • If an MP dies or resigns, there will be a fresh election
   Show answer and explanation

   Answer: If no political party wins a majority, two parties may join and govern together

   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.

   Review The government

2. Sample question 2

   What is the official home of the Prime Minister?

   • Buckingham Palace
   • Windsor Castle
   • 10 Downing Street
   • 21 Oxford Street
   Show answer and explanation

   Answer: 10 Downing Street

   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.

   Review The government

3. Sample question 3

   What is the relationship between the monarch and the government?

   • Approve the government’s decisions on government policies
   • Advise, warn and encourage the government’s decisions
   • Advise, encourage and approve the government’s decisions
   • Advise and approve the government’s decisions
   Show answer and explanation

   Answer: Advise, warn and encourage the government’s decisions

   The monarch has regular meetings with the Prime Minister and can advise, warn and encourage, but the decisions on government policies are made by the Prime Minister and cabinet.

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4. Sample question 4

   Who is the ceremonial head of the Commonwealth?

   • The British King
   • The Pope
   • The President of the United States
   • The Prime Minister of the UK
   Show answer and explanation

   Answer: The British King

   The King is the ceremonial head of the Commonwealth.

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5. Sample question 5

   Does Britain have a written constitution?

   • Yes
   • No
   Show answer and explanation

   Answer: No

   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.

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More Chapter 5 questions