Devolved Government in the UK Practice Questions

Questions with explanations

10 Devolved government questions

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1. Sample question 1

   How many members does the Scottish Parliament have?

   • 60
   • 90
   • 120
   • 129
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   Answer: 129

   There are 129 members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs), elected by a form of proportional representation.

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2. Sample question 2

   What is the name of the building where the Scottish Parliament meet?

   • Holyrood
   • Senedd
   • Westminster
   • Stormont
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   Answer: Holyrood

   In Scotland the elected members, called MSPs, meet in the Scottish Parliament building at Holyrood in Edinburgh.

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3. Sample question 3

   From 2026, how often are scheduled Senedd elections held?

   • Every four years
   • Every three years
   • Every five years
   • Every six years
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   Answer: Every four years

   From the 2026 election, scheduled Senedd elections take place every four years.

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4. Sample question 4

   The Northern Ireland Assembly cannot make decisions on:

   • Education
   • Defence
   • Agriculture
   • Health
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   Answer: Defence

   The Northern Ireland Assembly can make decisions on issues such as education, agriculture, the environment, health and social services. It cannot make decisions on defence.

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5. Sample question 5

   From 2026, which broad voting system is used to elect Members of the Senedd?

   • Proportional representation
   • Personal achievements
   • Instant run-off
   • First past the post system (the candidate who gets the most votes)
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   Answer: Proportional representation

   Senedd Members are elected through a proportional system. Voters choose a party or independent candidate, and seats are allocated using the D’Hondt formula.

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6. Sample question 6

   In Northern Ireland, members of the Legislative Assembly are elected on the basis of:

   • Proportional representation
   • Personal achievements
   • First past the post system
   • Instant run-off
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   Answer: Proportional representation

   The Northern Ireland Assembly has 90 elected members, known as MLAs (members of the Legislative Assembly). They are elected with a form of proportional representation.

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7. Sample question 7

   What is the name of the building where Members of the Senedd meet?

   • Westminster
   • Stormont
   • Holyrood
   • Senedd
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   Answer: Senedd

   Members of the Senedd meet in the Senedd building in Cardiff Bay.

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8. Sample question 8

   In which four of these areas can the Senedd make laws?

   • Education and training
   • Military defence
   • Economic development
   • Housing
   • Immigration
   • Health and social services
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   Answer: Education and training; Economic development; Housing; Health and social services

   Education and training, health and social services, economic development and housing are devolved areas in Wales. Defence and immigration are reserved to the UK Parliament.

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9. Sample question 9

   Members of the Senedd may speak in English or Welsh, but all Senedd publications must be in English only.

   • TRUE
   • FALSE
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   Answer: FALSE

   False. Members may speak in English or Welsh, and Senedd publications are produced in both languages.

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10. Sample question 10

    What abbreviation is used for elected Members of the Senedd?

    • MSPs
    • MSs
    • MLAs
    • MPs
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    Answer: MSs

    An elected Member of the Senedd is an MS; the plural abbreviation is MSs.

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