Chapter 5 topic practice
UK Government, Law and Citizenship Practice Questions
Start by separating institutions and their jobs: Parliament makes and scrutinises law, government develops and delivers policy, and courts apply the law independently. Then connect elections, taxes and civic responsibilities to that structure.
Questions with explanations
10 Government, law and citizenship questions
Choose an answer before opening the explanation. These study questions are presented in static HTML so they can be read without starting a timer or enabling JavaScript.
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Sample question 1
The Commonwealth has no power over its members and it cannot suspend their membership:
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Answer: FALSE
The Commonwealth has no power over its members, although it can suspend membership.
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Sample question 2
Which two of the following are environmental charities?
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Answer: The National Trust and Friends of the Earth
The National Trust and Friends of the Earth are environmental charities.
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Sample question 3
How many members does the Scottish Parliament have?
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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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Sample question 4
What does the term ‘coalition’ refer to?
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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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Sample question 5
The public can listen to debates in the Palace of Westminster from public galleries in both the House of Commons and the House of Lords.
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Sample question 6
When did the UK formally leave the European Union?
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Answer: 31 January 2020
The UK formally left the European Union on 31 January 2020.
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Sample question 7
Civil servants cannot stand for public office:
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Answer: TRUE
Most citizens of the UK, Ireland or the Commonwealth aged 18 or over can stand for public office. There are some exceptions, including members of the armed forces, civil servants and people found guilty of certain criminal offences.
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Sample question 8
Which court deals with the most serious cases of children aged 10 to 17 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland?
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Answer: The Crown Court
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, if an accused person is aged 10 to 17, the case is normally heard in a Youth Court in front of up to three specially trained magistrates or a District Judge. The most serious cases will go the Crown Court.
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Sample question 9
Who is married to the King of the United Kingdom?
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Sample question 10
What is the official home of the Prime Minister?
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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.