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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1. Which of these statements is correct?
AB
Correct Answer: In a Crown Court case the judge decides the sentence when someone is found guilty.
Explanation: If the jury finds a defendant guilty, the judge decides on the penalty.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The role of the courts - Crown Courts and Sheriff Courts
Explanation: If the jury finds a defendant guilty, the judge decides on the penalty.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The role of the courts - Crown Courts and Sheriff Courts
2. MP's have a duty to serve and represent which of the following groups?
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: Everyone in their constituency
Explanation: Each MP represents a parliamentary constituency, which is a small area of the country. 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.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The British constitution - System of government - The House of Commons
Explanation: Each MP represents a parliamentary constituency, which is a small area of the country. 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.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The British constitution - System of government - The House of Commons
3. Is the statement below TRUE or FALSE?
Members of the House of Lords are elected by a constituency.
AMembers of the House of Lords are elected by a constituency.
B
Correct Answer: FALSE
Explanation: Members of the House of Lords, known as peers, are not elected by the people and do not represent a constituency. The role and membership of the House of Lords has changed over the last 50 years.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The British constitution - System of government - The House of Lords
Explanation: Members of the House of Lords, known as peers, are not elected by the people and do not represent a constituency. The role and membership of the House of Lords has changed over the last 50 years.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The British constitution - System of government - The House of Lords
4. Who chairs debates in the House of Commons?
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: The Speaker
Explanation: Debates in the House of Commons are chaired by the Speaker. This person is the chief officer of the House of Commons.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The British constitution - System of government - The speaker
Explanation: Debates in the House of Commons are chaired by the Speaker. This person is the chief officer of the House of Commons.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The British constitution - System of government - The speaker
5. How often is a General Election held?
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: At least every five years
Explanation: MPs are elected at a General Election, which is held at least every five years.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The British constitution - System of government - The speaker
Explanation: MPs are elected at a General Election, which is held at least every five years.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The British constitution - System of government - The speaker
6. Which of these statements is correct?
AB
Correct Answer: Most working people pay National Insurance Contributions.
Explanation: Almost everybody in the UK who is in paid work, including self-employed people, must pay National Insurance Contributions. The money raised from National Insurance Contributions is used to pay for state benefits and services such as the state retirement pension and the National Health Service (NHS).
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - Taxation - National Insurance
Explanation: Almost everybody in the UK who is in paid work, including self-employed people, must pay National Insurance Contributions. The money raised from National Insurance Contributions is used to pay for state benefits and services such as the state retirement pension and the National Health Service (NHS).
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - Taxation - National Insurance
7. In a Crown Court, who decides what penalty will be, in the case of a 'guilty' verdict?
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: The judge
Explanation: If the jury finds a defendant guilty, the judge decides on the penalty.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The role of the courts - Crown Courts and Sheriff Courts
Explanation: If the jury finds a defendant guilty, the judge decides on the penalty.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The role of the courts - Crown Courts and Sheriff Courts
8. Is the statement below TRUE or FALSE?
The devolved Scottish government rules Scotland from Edinburgh.
AThe devolved Scottish government rules Scotland from Edinburgh.
B
Correct Answer: TRUE
Explanation: The Scottish Parliament was formed in 1999. It sits in Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The government - Devolved administrations - The Scottish Parliament
Explanation: The Scottish Parliament was formed in 1999. It sits in Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The government - Devolved administrations - The Scottish Parliament
9. How are local authorities funded?
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: By central government funding and by taxation
Explanation: Towns, cities and rural areas in the UK are governed by democratically elected councils, often called 'local authorities'. Some areas have both district and county councils, which have different functions. Most large towns and cities have a single local authority. Local authorities provide a range of services in their areas. They are funded by money from central government and by local taxes.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The government - Local government
Explanation: Towns, cities and rural areas in the UK are governed by democratically elected councils, often called 'local authorities'. Some areas have both district and county councils, which have different functions. Most large towns and cities have a single local authority. Local authorities provide a range of services in their areas. They are funded by money from central government and by local taxes.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The government - Local government
10. Which TWO of the following are amongst the shared goals of the Commonwealth?
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: Development, Democracy
Explanation: The Commonwealth is an association of countries that support each other and work together towards shared goals in democracy and development.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The UK and international institutions - The Commonwealth
Explanation: The Commonwealth is an association of countries that support each other and work together towards shared goals in democracy and development.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The UK and international institutions - The Commonwealth
11. Which of the following is one of the Queen's important ceremonial roles?
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: To receive foreign ambassadors and high commissioners
Explanation: The Queen represents the UK to the rest of the world. She receives foreign ambassadors and high commissioners, entertains visiting heads of state, and makes state visits overseas in support of diplomatic and economic relationships with other countries.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The British constitution - The monarchy
Explanation: The Queen represents the UK to the rest of the world. She receives foreign ambassadors and high commissioners, entertains visiting heads of state, and makes state visits overseas in support of diplomatic and economic relationships with other countries.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The British constitution - The monarchy
12. Which of these statements is correct?
AB
Correct Answer: Local elections are normally held in May
Explanation: For most local authorities, local elections for councillors are held in May every year.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The government - Local government
Explanation: For most local authorities, local elections for councillors are held in May every year.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The government - Local government
13. Are police obliged to obey the law?
AB
Correct Answer: Yes, always
Explanation: The police force is a public service that helps and protects everyone, no matter what their background or where they live. Police officers must themselves obey the law. They must not misuse their authority, make a FALSE? statement, be rude or abusive, or commit racial discrimination. If police officers are corrupt or misuse their authority they are severely punished.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - Respecting the law - The police and their duties
Explanation: The police force is a public service that helps and protects everyone, no matter what their background or where they live. Police officers must themselves obey the law. They must not misuse their authority, make a FALSE? statement, be rude or abusive, or commit racial discrimination. If police officers are corrupt or misuse their authority they are severely punished.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - Respecting the law - The police and their duties
14. Which of the following is a good way of helping your community?
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: Volunteering
Explanation: Volunteering is working for good causes without payment. There are many benefits to volunteering, such as meeting new people and helping make your community a better place. Some volunteer activities will give you a chance to practice your English or develop work skills that will help you find a job or improve your curriculum vitae (CV). Many people volunteer simply because they want to help other people.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - How you can support your community - Other ways to volunteer
Explanation: Volunteering is working for good causes without payment. There are many benefits to volunteering, such as meeting new people and helping make your community a better place. Some volunteer activities will give you a chance to practice your English or develop work skills that will help you find a job or improve your curriculum vitae (CV). Many people volunteer simply because they want to help other people.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - How you can support your community - Other ways to volunteer
15. Is it possible for the leader of the opposition to become Prime Minister?
AB
Correct Answer: Yes, if his or her party wins a General Election
Explanation: The second-largest party in the House of Commons is called the opposition. The leader of the opposition usually becomes Prime Minister if his or her party wins the next General Election.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The government - The opposition
Explanation: The second-largest party in the House of Commons is called the opposition. The leader of the opposition usually becomes Prime Minister if his or her party wins the next General Election.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The government - The opposition
16. Which of the following provide legal advice, normally for a fee?
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: Solicitors
Explanation: Solicitors are trained lawyers who give advice on legal matters, take action for their clients and represent their clients in court. Solicitors' charges are usually based on how much time they spend on a case. It is very important to find out at the start how much a case is likely to cost.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The role of the courts - Legal advice - Solicitors
Explanation: Solicitors are trained lawyers who give advice on legal matters, take action for their clients and represent their clients in court. Solicitors' charges are usually based on how much time they spend on a case. It is very important to find out at the start how much a case is likely to cost.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The role of the courts - Legal advice - Solicitors
17. Is the statement below TRUE or FALSE?
Discrimination in the workplace is an example of criminal law.
ADiscrimination in the workplace is an example of criminal law.
B
Correct Answer: FALSE
Explanation: Examples of civil laws are:
-Employment law: these cases include disputes over wages and cases of unfair dismissal or discrimination in the workplace.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - Respecting the law - The law in the UK
Explanation: Examples of civil laws are:
-Employment law: these cases include disputes over wages and cases of unfair dismissal or discrimination in the workplace.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - Respecting the law - The law in the UK
18. Is a verdict of 'not proven' possible?
AB
Correct Answer: Yes, but only in Scotland
Explanation: In Scotland, a third verdict of 'not proven' is also possible.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The role of the courts - Crown Courts and Sheriff Courts
Explanation: In Scotland, a third verdict of 'not proven' is also possible.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The role of the courts - Crown Courts and Sheriff Courts
19. Which of these statements is correct?
AB
Correct Answer: Refuges and shelters offer a place to stay for victims of domestic violence.
Explanation: It is important for anyone facing domestic violence to get help as soon as possible. A solicitor or the Citizens Advice Bureau can explain the available options. In some areas there are safe places to go and stay in, called refuges or shelters. There are emergency telephone numbers in the helpline section at the front of Yellow Pages, including, for women, the number of the nearest women's centre. You can also phone the 24-hour National Domestic Violence Freephone Helpline on 0808 2000 247 at any time, or the police can help you find a safe place to stay.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - Fundamental principles - Domestic violence
Explanation: It is important for anyone facing domestic violence to get help as soon as possible. A solicitor or the Citizens Advice Bureau can explain the available options. In some areas there are safe places to go and stay in, called refuges or shelters. There are emergency telephone numbers in the helpline section at the front of Yellow Pages, including, for women, the number of the nearest women's centre. You can also phone the 24-hour National Domestic Violence Freephone Helpline on 0808 2000 247 at any time, or the police can help you find a safe place to stay.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - Fundamental principles - Domestic violence
20. The judiciary is responsible for which TWO of the following?
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: Making sure that trials are fair, Interpreting the law
Explanation: Judges (who are together called 'the judiciary') are responsible for interpreting the law and ensuring that trials are conducted fairly. The government cannot interfere with this.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The role of the courts - The Judiciary
Explanation: Judges (who are together called 'the judiciary') are responsible for interpreting the law and ensuring that trials are conducted fairly. The government cannot interfere with this.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The role of the courts - The Judiciary
21. Is the statement below TRUE or FALSE?
Military training for young people is provided by National Citizen Service.
AMilitary training for young people is provided by National Citizen Service.
B
Correct Answer: FALSE
Explanation: There are many opportunities for younger people to volunteer and receive accreditation which will help them to develop their skills. These include the National Citizen Service programme, which gives 16- and 17-year-olds the opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities, develop their skills and take part in a community project.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - How you can support your community - Other ways to volunteer
Explanation: There are many opportunities for younger people to volunteer and receive accreditation which will help them to develop their skills. These include the National Citizen Service programme, which gives 16- and 17-year-olds the opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities, develop their skills and take part in a community project.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - How you can support your community - Other ways to volunteer
22. Is the statement below TRUE or FALSE?
Life peers in the House of Lords can pass on their title to their first-born child
ALife peers in the House of Lords can pass on their title to their first-born child
B
Correct Answer: FALSE
Explanation: They have usually had an important career in politics, business, law or another profession. Life peers are appointed by the monarch on the advice of the Prime Minister. They also include people nominated by the leaders of the other main political parties or by an independent Appointments Commission for non-party peers.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The British constitution - System of government - The House of Lords
Explanation: They have usually had an important career in politics, business, law or another profession. Life peers are appointed by the monarch on the advice of the Prime Minister. They also include people nominated by the leaders of the other main political parties or by an independent Appointments Commission for non-party peers.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The British constitution - System of government - The House of Lords
23. Is the statement below TRUE or FALSE?
It is possible to find information about visiting Parliament on the UK Parliament website.
AIt is possible to find information about visiting Parliament on the UK Parliament website.
B
Correct Answer: TRUE
Explanation: You can find further information on the UK Parliament website at www.parliament.uk
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - Visiting Parliament and the devolved administrations - The UK Parliament
Explanation: You can find further information on the UK Parliament website at www.parliament.uk
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - Visiting Parliament and the devolved administrations - The UK Parliament
24. Which of the following is not an aim of the United Nations?
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: To promote free trade
Explanation: The UN was set up after the Second World War and aims to prevent war and promote international peace and security. There are 15 members on the UN Security Council, which recommends action when there are international crises and threats to peace. The UK is one of five permanent members of the Security Council.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The UK and international institutions - The United Nations
Explanation: The UN was set up after the Second World War and aims to prevent war and promote international peace and security. There are 15 members on the UN Security Council, which recommends action when there are international crises and threats to peace. The UK is one of five permanent members of the Security Council.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The UK and international institutions - The United Nations