UK Parliament and Government Practice Questions

Questions with explanations

10 Parliament and 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

   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.

   • TRUE
   • FALSE
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   Answer: TRUE

   This statement is true.

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3. Sample question 3

   What is the official home of the Prime Minister?

   • Buckingham Palace
   • Windsor Castle
   • 10 Downing Street
   • 21 Oxford Street
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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.

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4. Sample question 4

   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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5. Sample question 5

   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
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   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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6. Sample question 6

   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
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   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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7. Sample question 7

   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
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   Answer: The British King

   The King is the ceremonial head of the Commonwealth.

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8. Sample question 8

   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
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   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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9. Sample question 9

   What is the role of the Speaker?

   • To keep order during political debates to make sure the rules are followed
   • To point out what they see as the government’s failures and weaknesses
   • To control important public appointments
   • To challenge the government and put forward alternative policies
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   Answer: To keep order during political debates to make sure the rules are followed

   The Speaker keeps order during political debates to make sure the rules are followed.

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10. Sample question 10

    When was the Northern Ireland Parliament established for the first time?

    • In 1922
    • In 1972
    • In 1998
    • In 1969
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    Answer: In 1922

    The Northern Ireland Parliament was first established in 1922.

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