The UK government, the law and your role (Part 2)

1. Magistrates and Justices of the Peace (JPs) are members of what?

• Law Society
• Local Community
• Ruling Party
• Police Force

Magistrates and Justices of the Peace (JPs) are members of the local community. In England, Wales and Scotland they usually work unpaid and do not need legal qualifications. They receive training to do the job and are supported by a legal adviser.

2. The Reform Act of 1832 took away the automatic right of hereditary peers to attend the House of Lords

• True
• False

Since 1999, hereditary peers have lost the automatic right to attend the House of Lords. The Reform Act of 1832 had greatly increased the number of people with the right to vote. The Act also abolished the old pocket and rotten boroughs and more parliamentary seats were given to the towns and cities.

3. How many member states does the Commonwealth have?

• 56
• 77
• 28
• 48

The Queen/King is the ceremonial head of the Commonwealth, which currently has 56 member states. Membership is voluntary.

4. Where are the more serious civil cases dealt with in Scotland?

• Sheriff Court
• Court of Session in Edinburgh
• High Court
• Peace Courts

More serious civil cases - for example, when a large amount of compensation is being claimed - are dealt with in the High Court in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In Scotland, they are dealt with in the Court of Session in Edinburgh.

5. Discrimination in the workplace is a criminal offence

• True
• False

An example of civil laws are disputes over wages and cases of unfair dismissal or discrimination in the workplace.

6. The Council of Europe has no power to make laws

• True
• False

The Council of Europe is separate from the EU. It has 47 member countries, including the UK, and is responsible for the protection and promotion of human rights in those countries. It has no power to make laws but draws up conventions and charters, the most well-known of which is the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, usually called the European Convention on Human Rights.

7. How long does it take to give blood?

• 1 hour
• 10 minutes
• 20 minutes
• 2 hours

Donated blood is used by hospitals to help people with a wide range of injuries and illnesses, it takes about an hour to do so.

8. How many members does a jury have in Scotland?

• 12
• 15
• 18
• 21

A jury is made up of members of the public chosen at random from the local electoral register (see The Electoral Register). In England, Wales and Northern Ireland a jury has 12 members, and in Scotland a jury has 15 members.

9. Pakistan is part of the Commonwealth

• True
• False

Pakistan is currently part of the Commonwealth

10. For which TWO subjects are the Secretaries of State responsible?

• Education
• Defence
• Economy
• Policing

Secretaries of State are responsible for subjects such as education, health and defence.

11. Where are all minor criminal cases heard in England, Wales and Northern Ireland?

• County court
• Magistrates' court
• Sheriff court
• High court

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, most minor criminal cases are dealt with in a Magistrates' Court. In Scotland, minor criminal offences go to a Justice of the Peace Court.

12. How often are the European Parliament elections held?

• 1
• 3
• 4
• 5

Elections for the European Parliament are also held every five years. Elected members are called members of the European Parliament (MEPs). Elections to the European Parliament use a system of proportional representation, where seats are allocated to each party in proportion to the total number of votes it has won.

13. Everything found in Hansard is available online

• True
• False

Proceedings in Parliament are broadcast on television and published in official reports called Hansard. Written reports can be found in large libraries and online.

14. NATO aims to maintain peace between all of its members

• True
• False

NATO is a group of European and North American countries that have agreed to help each other if they come under attack. It also aims to maintain peace between all of its members.

15. Which court deals with the most serious cases in Scotland?

• High Court
• Crown Court
• Sheriff Court
• Justice of the Peace Court

The most serious cases in Scotland, such as murder, are heard at a High Court with a judge and jury.

16. Where are minor criminal cases in England, Wales and Northern Ireland heard?

• Magistrates Court
• County Court
• Justice of the Peace Court
• Appellate Court

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, most minor criminal cases are dealt with in a Magistrates' Court. In Scotland, minor criminal offences go to a Justice of the Peace Court.

17. What are TWO responsibilities of members of Parliament (MPs)?

• Represent only those who voted for them
• They represent everyone in their constituency
• Appoint the Prime Minister (PM)
• Scrutinise and comment on what the government is doing

MPs have a number of different responsibilities. They:; represent everyone in their constituency; ; help to create new laws; ; scrutinise and comment on what the government is doing; ; debate important national issues;

18. NSPCC is a charity for which of the following?

• Old people
• Children
• Animals
• Environment

Children - the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC); The homeless - Crisis and Shelter; Medical research charities - Cancer Research UK; Environmental charities- the National Trust and Friends of the Earth; Animals - People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA).

19. What are elected members of the National Assembly of Wales known as?

• MPs
• MEPs
• AMs
• MLAs

In Wales the elected members, known as AMs, meet in the Welsh Assembly in the Senedd in Cardiff Bay

20. What is an example of a Criminal Offence?

• Selling Tobacco to under 18's
• Discrimination in the workplace
• Owing Money
• Housing disputes

Examples of criminal laws are: Carrying a weapon, selling or buying drugs, racial crime, selling tobacco to under 18s, smoking/drinking in public in inappropriate places, buying alcohol for under 18s.

21. There are some MPs (Members of Parliament) who do not represent any of the main political parties

• True
• False

There are a few MPs who do not represent any of the main political parties. They are called 'independents' and usually represent an issue important to their constituency.

22. Nowadays, the House of Commons has more power than the House of Lords

• True
• False

The House of Commons has powers to overrule the House of Lords, but these are not used often.

23. Which TWO of these countries are currently in the EU?

• Poland
• Russia
• France
• UK

Following a referendum held in the UK on 23 June 2016, the UK left the EU on 31 January 2020. France are Poland are still part of the EU.

24. Adult citizens of the UK, and citizens of the Commonwealth and the Irish Republic who are resident in the UK, can vote in all public elections

• True
• False

Adult citizens of the UK, and citizens of the Commonwealth and the Irish Republic who are resident in the UK, can vote in all public elections.

25. Northern Ireland has its own banknotes which are valid everywhere in the UK

• True
• False

Northern Ireland and Scotland have their own banknotes, which are valid everywhere in the UK. However, shops and businesses do not have to accept them.

26. Which TWO of the following are examples of criminal law?

• Racial crime
• Selling tobacco to anyone under the age of 18
• Discrimination in the workplace
• Disputes about faulty goods

Examples of criminal laws are: Carrying a weapon; Selling or buying illegal drugs; Racial crime; Selling tobacco; Smoking in public places; Buying alcohol; Drinking in public.

27. What's the Monarch's yearly parliamentary speech for?

• Set out the government's legislative plans for the next year
• Summarise all of the last year's policies
• Give advice to the general public on upcoming legislations
• Credit distinguished politicians and policy-makers

The King has important ceremonial roles, such as the opening of the new parliamentary session each year. On this occasion the Monarch makes a speech which summarises the government's policies for the year ahead. All Acts of Parliament are made in his name.

28. In Youth Courts, the name or photographs of the accused young person can be published in newspapers or used by the media

• True
• False

Members of the public are not allowed in Youth Courts, and the name or photographs of the accused young person cannot be published in newspapers or used by the media.

29. What should you do when you move into a new house or apartment?

• Tell the people who live near you not to make noise
• Introduce yourself to the people who live near you so they can help you
• Warn the people who live near you not to talk to you
• Do nothing

When you move into a new house or apartment, introduce yourself to the people who live near you. Getting to know your neighbours can help you to become part of the community and make friends.

30. How many member states does the UN have?

• 190
• 15
• 5
• 27

The UK is part of the United Nations (UN), an international organisation with more than 190 countries as members.

31. Can the devolved administrations control sectors such as immigration, foreign affairs and taxation?

• Yes
• No
• Only in Scotland
• Only if the local people support them

Since 1997, some powers have been devolved from the central government to give people in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland more control over matters that directly affect them. Policy and laws governing defence, foreign affairs, immigration, taxation and social security all remain under central UK government control. However, many other public services, such as education, are controlled by the devolved administrations.

32. How many senior MPs get appointed by the Prime Minister to become ministers in charge of departments?

• 5
• 20
• 40
• 50

The Prime Minister appoints about 20 senior MPs to become ministers in charge of departments. These include: Chancellor of the Exchequer: responsible for the economy; Home Secretary:responsible for crime, policing and immigration; Foreign Secretary: responsible for managing relationships with foreign countries; other ministers (called 'Secretaries of State') are responsible for subjects such as education, health and defence.

33. The Commonwealth can suspend any of its members

• True
• False

Membership is voluntary. The Commonwealth has no power over its members, although it can suspend membership.

34. What is the system that automatically deducts tax called?

• PAYE
• PAYG
• HMRC
• Self-Assessment

This system that deducts tax automatically is called 'Pay As You Earn', also known as PAYE.

35. What do you have to pay tax on in the UK?

• Pensions
• The Personal Allowance
• Buying goods from supermarkets
• All kind of benefits

People in the UK have to pay tax on their income, which includes: wages from paid employment; profits from self-employment, taxable benefits; pensions; income from property, savings and dividends.

36. Who appoints 'Life peers'?

• The Monarch
• The Prime Minister
• The Shadow Cabinet
• The Speaker

Life peers are appointed by the monarch on the advice of the Prime Minister.

37. What is the minimum age for going into betting shops or gambling clubs?

• 18
• 21
• 17
• 16

You have to be 18 to go into betting shops or gambling clubs.

38. EEC was set up in 1957 by six countries

• True
• False

The European Union (EU), originally called the European Economic Community (EEC), was set up by six western European countries (Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands) who signed the Treaty of Rome on 25 March 1957. The UK originally decided not to join this group but it became a member in 1973. After the Brexit vote to leave in 2020, there are now 27 EU member states

39. How often is the electoral register updated?

• Yearly
• Monthly
• Weekly
• Daily

The electoral register is updated every year in September or October. An electoral registration form is sent to every household and this has to be completed and returned with the names of everyone who is resident in the household and eligible to vote.

40. How can you visit the Welsh Assembly?

• Through visitors services
• By contacting the education service
• Using the booking service
• By queuing at the public entrance all day

The Senedd is an open building. You can book guided tours or seats in the public galleries for the Welsh Assembly. To make a booking, contact the Assembly Booking Service

41. How often do the ministers meet to discuss important issues?

• Weekly
• Daily
• Yearly
• Monthly

Ministers form the cabinet, a committee which usually meets weekly and makes important decisions about government policy. Many of these decisions have to be debated or approved by Parliament.

42. You need to buy a TV Licence if there are no TVs in your house but you watch TV programs on your mobile phone

• True
• False

You must pay for a licence to watch TV through any medium.

43. When did Queen Elizabeth II celebrate her Diamond Jubilee?

• 2012
• 2011
• 2010
• 2013

Big Ben tower is named 'Elizabeth Tower' in honour of Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee in 2012.

44. When were women given the right to vote at the age of 18?

• 1969
• 1918
• 1928
• 1959

By 1918, the voting franchise was extended to women over 30, and then in 1928 to men and women over 21. In 1969, the voting age was reduced to 18 for men and women.

45. Which of these is correct?

• Any man who forces a woman to have sex, including her husband, can be charged with rape
• Any man who forces a woman to have sex, excluding her husband, can be charged with rape

Rape in a romantic relationship and marriage is considered Marital Rape. This includes forced sex and sexual assault between spouses. It is an offense.

46. What is the minimum age for serving on a jury?

• 18
• 21
• 16
• 17

As well as getting the right to vote, people on the electoral register are randomly selected to serve on a jury. Anyone who is on the electoral register and is aged 18 to 70 can be asked to do this.

47. The Prime Minister is the head of the Commonwealth

• True
• False

The Monarch (King Charles III at the time of writing) is the ceremonial head of the Commonwealth, which currently has 56 member states.

48. In which TWO countries were PCCs elected in?

• England
• Scotland
• Wales
• Northern Ireland

In November 2012, the public elected Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) in England and Wales. These are directly elected individuals who are responsible for the delivery of an efficient and effective police force that reflects the needs of their local communities. PCCs set local police priorities and the local policing budget. They also appoint the Chief Constable.

49. The UK government has used the power to suspend the Northern Ireland Assembly

• True
• False

Since 1997, some powers have been devolved from the central government to give people in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland more control over matters that directly affect them. There has been a Welsh Assembly and a Scottish Parliament since 1999. There is also a Northern Ireland Assembly, although this has been suspended on a few occasions.

50. What is the name of the building where the Northern Irish Assembly meets?

• Stormont
• Senedd
• Holyrood
• Westminster

In Northern Ireland elected members, known as MLAs, meet in the Northern Ireland Assembly at Stormont, in Belfast.

51. What is the money limit for the small claims procedure in England and Wales?

• £10,000
• £5,000
• £6,000
• £4,000

The small claims procedure is used for claims of less than £10,000 in England and Wales.

52. The Scottish Parliament has 33 members

• True
• False

There are 129 members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs), elected by a form of proportional representation. The Scottish Parliament can pass laws for Scotland on all matters which are not specifically reserved to the UK Parliament.

53. Who appoints the members of the Cabinet?

• The Prime Minister
• The Monarch
• The Speaker
• The people of the UK

The Prime Minister appoints about 20 senior MPs to become ministers in charge of departments which together form the cabinet.

54. In which year did the UK join the European Union (EU)?

• 1973
• 1957
• 1953
• 1949

The European Union (EU), originally called the European Economic Community (EEC), was set up by six western European countries (Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands) who signed the Treaty of Rome on 25 March 1957. The UK originally decided not to join this group but it became a member in 1973. After UK's Brexit vote, there are now 27 EU member states.

55. Many people volunteer simply because they want to help other people

• True
• False

Volunteering and helping your community are an important part of being a good citizen. They enable you to integrate and get to know other people. It helps to make your community a better place if residents support each other.

56. Where can you get details about the small claims procedure?

• Your local County Court
• Any council office
• Your local polling station
• High Court

You can get details about the small claims procedure from your local County Court or Sheriff Court.

57. How many member states does the Commonwealth have?

• 56
• 27
• 5
• 190

The Monarch (King Charles III) is the ceremonial head of the Commonwealth, which currently has 56 (can change) member states.

58. It is illegal to sell tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, roll-up tobacco to anyone under what age?

• 16
• 17
• 18
• 21

It is illegal to sell tobacco products (for example, cigarettes, cigars, roll-up tobacco) to anyone under the age of 18.

59. One TV licence covers all of the equipment at one address, but people who rent different rooms in a shared house must buy a separate TV licence

• True
• False

One TV licence covers all of the equipment at one address, but people who rent different rooms in a shared house must buy a separate TV licence

60. People who are self-employed need to pay National Insurance Contributions themselves

• True
• False

Almost everybody in the UK who is in paid work, including self-employed people, must pay National Insurance Contributions.

61. How often are the General Elections held?

• Every 5 years
• Every 7 years
• Every 3 years
• Every year

MPs are elected at a General Election, which is held at least every five years.

62. Forced Marriage Protection Orders were introduced in 2008 for England, Wales and Northern Ireland

• True
• False

Forced Marriage Protection Orders were introduced in 2008 for England, Wales and Northern Ireland under the Forced Marriage (Civil Protection) Act 2007.

63. The UK government hasn't used the power to suspend the Northern Ireland Assembly

• False
• True

Since 1997, some powers have been devolved from the central government to give people in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland more control over matters that directly affect them. There has been a Welsh Assembly and a Scottish Parliament since 1999. There is also a Northern Ireland Assembly, although this has been suspended on a few occasions.

64. Forced marriages are an offence in the UK

• True
• False

Forced marriage is where one or both parties do not or cannot give their consent to enter into the partnership. Forcing another person to marry is a criminal offence.

65. Who is the heir to the throne?

• King Charles III
• Queen Elizabeth II's husband
• Prince Harry
• Prince William

Queen Elizabeth II reigned since her father's death in 1952, (she celebrated her Diamond Jubilee i.e. 60 years as queen) until she passed away in 2022. She was married to Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh. Her eldest son, King Charles III (previously known as the Prince of Wales) became the sovereign monarch in 2022. His eldest son, heir to the throne, Prince William is the new Prince of Wales.

66. How can you help looking after the environment?

• Going shopping carefully
• Not smoking in public
• Studying your area
• Recycling your waste

It is important to recycle as much of your waste as you can. Using recycled materials to make new products uses less energy and means that we do not need to extract more raw materials from the earth. It also means that less rubbish is created, so the amount being put into landfill is reduced.

67. What is the money limit for the small claims procedure in England and Wales?

• £10,000
• £3,000
• £2,000
• £4,000

The small claims procedure is an informal way of helping people to settle minor disputes without spending a lot of time and money using a lawyer. This procedure is used for claims of less than £10,000 in England and Wales; £5,000 in Scotland and £5,000 in Northern Ireland (Changed from £3000).

68. What's the objective of the Commonwealth?

• Achieve goals in democracy and development
• Promote free trade
• Allow visa free migration across the member states
• Promote peace across the world

The Commonwealth is an association of countries that support each other and work together towards shared goals in democracy and development. Most member states were once part of the British Empire, although a few countries which were not have also joined.

69. By law, radio and television coverage of the political parties must be _____ , so equal time has to be given to rival viewpoints

• Loyal
• Balanced
• Ethical
• Classified

By law, radio and television coverage of the political parties must be balanced, so equal time has to be given to rival viewpoints.

70. Which two things should you do if you wish to be a permanent resident or citizen of the UK?

• Look after the area in which you live and the environment
• Look after yourself and your family
• Look after the roads
• Look after your stairs

If you wish to be a permanent resident or citizen of the UK, you should: respect and obey the law; respect the rights of others, including their right to their own opinions; treat others with fairness; look after yourself and your family; look after the area in which you live and the environment.

71. The devolved administrations each have their own civil service

• True
• False

The devolved administrations each have their own civil service.

72. What is the country house owned by the Prime Minister called?

• Chequers
• Chalet
• Cottage
• Dormitory

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.