Chapter 5 – Test 1

You have 45 minutes to answer 24 multiple choice Life in the UK Test questions. You need to answer at least 18 out of 24 questions correctly to pass. Answers may be reviewed after each question or at the end of the test. Good luck!

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List of questions in above test (quick view). Click question box to reveal correct answer.
1. Which of these statements is correct?
A In 1998 the Good Friday Agreement devolved powers to Wales
B In 1998 the Good Friday Agreement let to the establishment of the Northern Ireland Assembly
Correct Answer: In 1998 the Good Friday Agreement let to the establishment of the Northern Ireland Assembly
Explanation: The Northern Ireland Assembly was established soon after the Belfast Agreement (or Good Friday Agreement) in 1998.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The government - Visiting Parliament and the devolved administrations - The Northern Ireland Assembly
2. Which of these statements is correct?
A The House of Commons may never overrule the House of Lords
B The House of Commons may overrule the Houser of Lords
Correct Answer: The House of Commons may overrule the Houser of Lords
Explanation: The House of Commons has powers to overrule the House of Lords, but these are not used often.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - British constitution - System of government - The House of Lords
3. At the beginning of the 19th century, which one of the following groups could vote?
A All adults over the age of 18
B All women who owned property
C Property-owning men over the age of 18
D Property-owning men over the age of 21
Correct Answer: Property-owning men over the age of 21
Explanation: They were men who were over 21 years of age and who owned a certain amount of property.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The development of British democracy
4. The National Assembly makes laws for Wales in 20 areas. It does not make laws in which of the following areas?
A Economic policy
B Education and training
C Health and social services
D Housing
Correct Answer: Economic policy
Explanation: The Assembly has the power to make laws for Wales in 20 areas, including:
-education and training ;
-health and social services ;
-economic development ;
-housing
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The government - Devolved administrations - The Welsh government
5. Queen Elizabeth II is the head of state for which TWO of the following?
A Iceland
B Many Commonwealth countries
C The European Union
D The United Kingdom
Correct Answer: The United Kingdom, Many Commonwealth countries
Explanation: Queen Elizabeth II is the head of state of the UK. She is also the monarch or head of state for many countries in the Commonwealth.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The British constitution - The monarchy
6. Which of these statements is correct?
A Murder, assault and theft are crimes.
B Murder, assault and theft are examples of civil disputes.
Correct Answer: Murder, assault and theft are crimes.
Explanation: There are many that apply in most countries, such as murder, theft and assault. You can find out more about types of crime in the UK at www.gov.uk
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - Respecting the law - The law in the UK
7. Is the statement below TRUE or FALSE?
The Council of Europe has the power to make laws, which are binding in member states.
A FALSE
B TRUE
Correct Answer: FALSE
Explanation: 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.
Reference: The UK government, the law and your role - The UK and international institutions - The Council of Europe
8. Is the statement below TRUE or FALSE?
The police do not need to protect and help people who are not UK citizens.
A FALSE
B TRUE
Correct Answer: FALSE
Explanation: The police force is a public service that helps and protects everyone, no matter what their background or where they live.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - Respecting the law - The police and their duties
9. Which of the following countries did not help set up the EEC?
A Belgium
B Germany
C Ireland
D Luxembourg
Correct Answer: Ireland
Explanation: 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. There are now 27 EU member states (see table below). Croatia will also become a member state in 2013.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The UK and international institutions - The European Union
10. West Germany, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Italy formed the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1957 along with which other country?
A Albania
B Belgium
C Ireland
D Sweden
Correct Answer: Belgium
Explanation: 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.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The UK and international institutions - The European Union
11. Which of these statements is correct?
A The United Nations was set up after the Second World War.
B The United Nations was set up between the First and Second World Wars.
Correct Answer: The United Nations was set up after the Second World War.
Explanation: The UN was set up after the Second World War and aims to prevent war and promote international peace and security.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The UK and international Institutions - The United Nations
12. Is it possible for parents or other community groups to open a free school?
A Yes, but only in England
B Yes, in any part of the UK
Correct Answer: Yes, but only in England
Explanation: In England, parents and other community groups can apply to open a free school in their local area. More information about this can be found on the Department for Education website at www.dfe.gov.uk
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - How you can support your community - Helping in schools - School governors and school boards
13. Where would the Children's Hearings System deal with cases of children or young people accused of an offence?
A England
B Northern Ireland
C Scotland
D Wales
Correct Answer: Scotland
Explanation: In Scotland a system called the Children's Hearings System is used to deal with children and young people who have committed an offence. 
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The role of courts - Crown Courts and Sheriff Courts - Youth Courts
14. Is the statement below TRUE or FALSE?
Adult citizens of other EU states may vote in General Elections.
A FALSE
B TRUE
Correct Answer: FALSE
Explanation: 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. Adult citizens of other EU states who are resident in the UK can vote in all elections except General Elections
Reference: The UK government, the law and your role - The government - Who can vote?
15. Is the statement below TRUE or FALSE?
The small claims procedure is an informal way for people to settle minor disputes.
A FALSE
B TRUE
Correct Answer: TRUE
Explanation: 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.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The role of courts - Civil courts - The small claims procedure
16. The Northern Ireland Assembly makes decisions in which TWO of the following areas?
A Agriculture
B Foreign policy
C Nuclear energy
D The environment
Correct Answer: The environment, Agriculture
Explanation: The Northern Ireland Assembly can make decisions on issues such as:
-education ;
-agriculture ;
-the environment ;
-health ;
-social services.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The government - Devolved administrations - The Northern Ireland Assembly
17. Which of these statements is correct?
A Chequers is the Prime Minister's country house.
B Chequers is the Prime Minister's house in London.
Correct Answer: Chequers is the Prime Minister's country house.
Explanation: The Prime Minister (PM) is the leader of the political party in power. He or she appoints the members of the cabinet (see below) and has control over many important public appointments. 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.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The government - The Prime Minister
18. NATO is a group of North American and European countries that have agreed to do which TWO of the following?
A Allow the free movement of people across borders
B Promote peace between member countries
C Promote traditional culture
D Protect each other when under attack
Correct Answer: Protect each other when under attack, Promote peace between member countries
Explanation: The UK is also a member of NATO. 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.
Reference: The UK government, the law and your role - The UK and international institutions - The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
19. Is it acceptable in the UK to treat people worse because of their sexual orientation?
A No, it is never acceptable to treat people worse for their sexual orientation
B Yes, if their sexual orientation is forbidden by religion
Correct Answer: No, it is never acceptable to treat people worse for their sexual orientation
Explanation: Although Britain is one of the world's most diverse societies, there is a set of shared values and responsibilities that everyone can agree with. These values and responsibilities include:
- to treat everyone equally, regardless of sex, race, religion, age, disability, class or sexual orientation
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - Your role in the community - Values and responsibilities
20. Is the statement below TRUE or FALSE?
In 1830s and 1840s a group called the Chartists campaigned for reform to the voting system.
A FALSE
B TRUE
Correct Answer: TRUE
Explanation: In the 1830s and 1840s, a group called the Chartists campaigned for reform.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The development of British democracy
21. Which of these statements is correct?
A The UK's constitution is a single document that includes laws and conventions
B The UK's constitution is unwritten but includes laws and conventions
Correct Answer: The UK's constitution is unwritten but includes laws and conventions
Explanation: A constitution is a set of principles by which a country is governed. It includes all of the institutions that are responsible for running the country and how their power is kept in check. The constitution also includes laws and conventions.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The British constitution
22. Someone wishing to stand as a candidate for election as an MP would need to be how old?
A 16
B 18
C 21
D There is no minimum age limit
Correct Answer: 18
Explanation: Anyone aged 18 or over can stand for election as an MP but they are unlikely to win unless they have been nominated to represent one of the major political parties.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The government - The party system
23. Which TWO of the following have the right to vote?
A Adults who are naturalised citizens of the UK
B Adults who have been given a visa to study in the UK
C Adults who have been granted an indefinite right to remain in the UK.
D UK-born adults citizens
Correct Answer: Adults who are naturalised citizens of the UK, UK-born adults citizens
Explanation: The UK has had a fully democratic voting system since 1928 (see pages 119-20). The present voting age of 18 was set in 1969 and (with a few exceptions) all UK-born and naturalised adult citizens have the right to vote.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The government - Who can vote?
24. Is the statement below TRUE or FALSE?
It is legal to carry a weapon if it is for self defence.
A FALSE
B TRUE
Correct Answer: FALSE
Explanation: Examples of criminal laws are:
- Carrying a weapon: it is a criminal offence to carry a weapon of any kind, even if it is for self-defence. This includes a gun, a knife or anything that is made or adapted to cause injury.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - Respecting the law - The law in the UK