The last chapter explains how the country is run and how you take part. The UK is a constitutional monarchy and a parliamentary democracy: the monarch is Head of State but has no direct political power, and Parliament, which sits at Westminster, has two Houses, the Commons and the Lords. A general election is held at least every five years, and the Prime Minister is normally the leader of the party that can command a majority in the Commons. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have devolved parliaments or assemblies. The chapter also covers the courts, jury service, the police, the emergency number 999 and how to register to vote.
What you'll learn
- The monarch’s role and how Parliament and the Prime Minister work together
- The Commons, the Lords and how MPs are chosen
- What devolution means for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
- The courts, jury service, the police and how to register to vote
A sample question from the bank
Question: What are the two Houses of the UK Parliament? Answer: The House of Commons and the House of Lords.
Question: How often must a general election be held in the UK at most? Answer: Every five years.
Frequently asked questions
Who can vote in UK general elections?
Eligibility depends on citizenship and age, and you must be on the electoral register. Check GOV.UK for the rules that apply to you; the test asks for the general principle.
What is the Speaker of the House of Commons?
The person who keeps order in debates in the Commons.