UK Elections and Voting Practice Questions

Questions with explanations

10 Elections and voting questions

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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.

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2. Sample question 2

   From 2026, how often are scheduled Senedd elections held?

   • Every four years
   • Every three years
   • Every five years
   • Every six years
   Show answer and explanation

   Answer: Every four years

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

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3. Sample question 3

   What is the meaning of the term ‘first past the post’?

   • In each constituency, 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
   • The Speaker will be chosen by other MPs in a secret ballot
   Show answer and explanation

   Answer: In each constituency, the candidate who gets the most votes is elected

   MPs are elected through a system called ‘first past the post’. In each constituency, the candidate who gets the most votes is elected.

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4. Sample question 4

   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)
   Show answer and explanation

   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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5. Sample question 5

   How can MPs be contacted (choose two options)?

   • By letter
   • By going to your local council and asking for an appointment
   • By phoning their constituency office
   • Through facebook
   Show answer and explanation

   Answer: By letter and By phoning their constituency office

   You can contact MPs by letter or telephone at their constituency office or at the House of Commons, Westminster, London SW1A 0AA, telephone 020 7219 3000.

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6. Sample question 6

   When was the voting age reduced to 18 for men and women?

   • 1965
   • 1969
   • 1919
   • 1929
   Show answer and explanation

   Answer: 1969

   In 1969, the voting age was reduced to 18 for men and women.

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7. Sample question 7

   If an MP dies or resigns, there will be a fresh election, which is known as:

   • Hansard
   • First past the post
   • By-election
   • Coalition
   Show answer and explanation

   Answer: By-election

   If an MP dies or resigns, there will be a fresh election, called a by-election, in his or her constituency.

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8. Sample question 8

   Members of the House of Lords may stand for election to the House of Commons and are eligible for all public offices:

   • TRUE
   • FALSE
   Show answer and explanation

   Answer: FALSE

   Members of the House of Lords may not stand for election to the House of Commons but are eligible for all other public offices.

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9. Sample question 9

   Which political party does the Speaker represent?

   • The Liberal Democrats
   • The Conservative party
   • The Labour Party
   • They do not represent any political party
   Show answer and explanation

   Answer: They do not represent any political party

   The Speaker is neutral and does not represent a political party, even though he or she is an MP, represents a constituency and deals with the constituents’ problems like any other MP.

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10. Sample question 10

    The Senedd has 129 Senedd members.

    • TRUE
    • FALSE
    Show answer and explanation

    Answer: FALSE

    False. From the May 2026 election, the Senedd has 96 Members. The Scottish Parliament has 129 Members.

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