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Life in the UK Test Questions — Chapter 5: The UK government, the law, and your role

101 free practice questions on the constitution, Parliament, elections, courts, and citizenship duties. Every question has the answer and a plain-English explanation — tap "Show answer" to reveal it.

Prefer to be tested? The interactive drill asks these same questions and prioritises the ones you miss, and the mock test mixes all chapters in the real exam format.

  1. 1. Why is the British constitution described as 'unwritten'?

    1. A Because it is illegal to publish it
    2. B Because there has been no revolution that produced a single new system of government
    3. C Because all British laws are oral tradition
    4. D Because Parliament refuses to write it down
    Show answer

    B. Because there has been no revolution that produced a single new system of government

    The UK has never had a revolution that led to a totally new system of government; institutions evolved over centuries, so the constitution is not contained in a single document.

  2. 2. Who is the head of the Church of England?

    1. A The Archbishop of Canterbury
    2. B The Prime Minister
    3. C The Monarch
    4. D The Pope
    Show answer

    C. The Monarch

    The monarch is head of the Church of England. The Archbishop of Canterbury is its spiritual leader.

  3. 3. Where is the Prime Minister's official London residence?

    1. A Buckingham Palace
    2. B 10 Downing Street
    3. C Chequers
    4. D The Palace of Westminster
    Show answer

    B. 10 Downing Street

    10 Downing Street is the PM's official London residence. Chequers is the country house outside London.

  4. 4. Approximately how many senior ministers does the Prime Minister appoint to the cabinet?

    1. A Five
    2. B Ten
    3. C Twenty
    4. D Fifty
    Show answer

    C. Twenty

    The PM appoints about 20 senior MPs as ministers in charge of departments: the cabinet.

  5. 5. Which government minister is responsible for the economy?

    1. A The Home Secretary
    2. B The Foreign Secretary
    3. C The Chancellor of the Exchequer
    4. D The Prime Minister directly
    Show answer

    C. The Chancellor of the Exchequer

    The Chancellor of the Exchequer is responsible for the economy. The Home Secretary handles crime, policing, and immigration; the Foreign Secretary manages relations with foreign countries.

  6. 6. Which is NOT one of the core values of the civil service?

    1. A Integrity
    2. B Honesty
    3. C Political loyalty
    4. D Impartiality
    Show answer

    C. Political loyalty

    The civil service values are integrity, honesty, objectivity, and impartiality (which includes being politically neutral). 'Political loyalty' is the opposite; civil servants serve the government of the day regardless of party.

  7. 7. How is the Speaker of the House of Commons chosen?

    1. A Appointed by the monarch
    2. B Appointed by the Prime Minister
    3. C Elected by other MPs in a secret ballot
    4. D Inherited as a hereditary post
    Show answer

    C. Elected by other MPs in a secret ballot

    The Speaker is chosen by other MPs in a secret ballot. The Speaker is politically neutral despite being an MP and representing a constituency.

  8. 8. Since what year has the Prime Minister had the power to nominate life peers?

    1. A 1832
    2. B 1958
    3. C 1999
    4. D 2010
    Show answer

    B. 1958

    The Life Peerages Act gave the PM that power in 1958. Since 1999, hereditary peers have lost their automatic right to attend.

  9. 9. Which voting system does the Westminster House of Commons use?

    1. A Proportional representation
    2. B First past the post
    3. C Single transferable vote
    4. D Alternative vote
    Show answer

    B. First past the post

    Westminster uses first past the post. The devolved bodies and (former) European elections use proportional representation.

  10. 10. An EU citizen (other than Irish) resident in the UK can vote in which elections?

    1. A All elections including General Elections
    2. B Only General Elections
    3. C All elections except General Elections
    4. D No elections
    Show answer

    C. All elections except General Elections

    EU citizens (non-Irish) resident in the UK can vote in all elections except General Elections.

  11. 11. What are the opening hours of polling stations on election day?

    1. A 6.00 am to 8.00 pm
    2. B 7.00 am to 10.00 pm
    3. C 8.00 am to 9.00 pm
    4. D 9.00 am to 5.00 pm
    Show answer

    B. 7.00 am to 10.00 pm

    Polling stations are open from 7.00 am to 10.00 pm.

  12. 12. In which part of the UK do voters need to show photographic identification at the polling station?

    1. A Scotland
    2. B Northern Ireland
    3. C Wales
    4. D England
    Show answer

    B. Northern Ireland

    Photo ID is required at polling stations in Northern Ireland.

  13. 13. Which group is NOT allowed to stand for election as an MP?

    1. A Members of the House of Lords
    2. B Citizens of Commonwealth countries resident in the UK
    3. C Citizens of the Republic of Ireland resident in the UK
    4. D British citizens aged 18 or over
    Show answer

    A. Members of the House of Lords

    Members of the House of Lords cannot stand for election to the House of Commons. They are eligible for all other public offices.

  14. 14. Which is the highest court of appeal in the UK?

    1. A Crown Court
    2. B Supreme Court
    3. C High Court
    4. D Court of Appeal
    Show answer

    B. Supreme Court

    The Supreme Court is the highest court of appeal in the UK (since 2009, replacing the judicial role of the Law Lords). The Crown Court is for serious *criminal trials*, not appeals.

  15. 15. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, where are serious criminal cases tried with a judge and jury?

    1. A Magistrates' Court
    2. B County Court
    3. C Crown Court
    4. D Supreme Court
    Show answer

    C. Crown Court

    Serious criminal cases in E&W and NI go to the Crown Court, in front of a judge and a jury of 12. In Scotland, they go to the Sheriff Court or High Court (jury of 15).

  16. 16. True or false: in England, Wales, and Scotland, magistrates are usually unpaid and not legally qualified.

    1. A True
    2. B False
    Show answer

    A. True

    True. They are members of the local community, trained for the role and supported by a legal adviser. Northern Ireland is the exception; minor cases there are heard by paid, legally-qualified District Judges.

  17. 17. How many members does a jury have in a Crown Court trial in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland?

    1. A 10
    2. B 12
    3. C 15
    4. D 18
    Show answer

    B. 12

    In E&W and NI, a jury has 12 members. In Scotland, a jury has 15.

  18. 18. Which of these verdicts is unique to the Scottish legal system?

    1. A Guilty
    2. B Not guilty
    3. C Not proven
    4. D Hung
    Show answer

    C. Not proven

    Scotland has a third verdict, 'not proven', alongside guilty and not guilty.

  19. 19. What is the small-claims threshold in England and Wales?

    1. A £1,000
    2. B £3,000
    3. C £5,000
    4. D £10,000
    Show answer

    C. £5,000

    £5,000 in England and Wales. £3,000 in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

  20. 20. What is the small-claims threshold in Scotland and Northern Ireland?

    1. A £500
    2. B £3,000
    3. C £5,000
    4. D £10,000
    Show answer

    B. £3,000

    £3,000 in Scotland and Northern Ireland (vs £5,000 in England and Wales).

  21. 21. What is the age range for cases heard in a Youth Court in E&W and NI?

    1. A 8 to 16
    2. B 10 to 17
    3. C 12 to 18
    4. D 14 to 21
    Show answer

    B. 10 to 17

    Youth Courts hear cases for accused persons aged 10 to 17 in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

  22. 22. In which year were Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) first elected in England and Wales?

    1. A 2008
    2. B 2010
    3. C November 2012
    4. D 2015
    Show answer

    C. November 2012

    PCCs were first elected in England and Wales in November 2012.

  23. 23. What is the age range for jury service?

    1. A 18 to 60
    2. B 18 to 65
    3. C 18 to 70
    4. D 21 to 70
    Show answer

    C. 18 to 70

    Anyone on the electoral register aged 18 to 70 can be summoned for jury service.

  24. 24. When did the UK first sign the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms?

    1. A 1689
    2. B 1948
    3. C 1950
    4. D 1998
    Show answer

    C. 1950

    The UK was one of the first countries to sign the European Convention on Human Rights, in 1950. The Human Rights Act 1998 incorporated it into UK law.

  25. 25. What is the minimum age to drive a car or motorcycle on public roads in the UK?

    1. A 16
    2. B 17
    3. C 18
    4. D 21
    Show answer

    B. 17

    17 for cars and motorcycles. 16 for mopeds.

  26. 26. From what age must a vehicle take an annual MOT test?

    1. A More than 1 year old
    2. B More than 3 years old
    3. C More than 5 years old
    4. D More than 10 years old
    Show answer

    B. More than 3 years old

    Vehicles over three years old must take an MOT test every year.

  27. 27. In which part of the UK must a newly qualified driver display an 'R' (restricted) plate for one year?

    1. A Scotland
    2. B Wales
    3. C Northern Ireland
    4. D All four nations
    Show answer

    C. Northern Ireland

    In Northern Ireland, newly qualified drivers must display an 'R' plate for one year after passing the test.

  28. 28. When are UK young people automatically sent their National Insurance number?

    1. A On their 14th birthday
    2. B Just before their 16th birthday
    3. C When they leave school
    4. D When they start paying income tax
    Show answer

    B. Just before their 16th birthday

    All UK young people are sent a National Insurance number just before their 16th birthday.

  29. 29. What does the abbreviation PAYE stand for?

    1. A Public Assessment of Yearly Earnings
    2. B Pay As You Earn
    3. C Personal Annual Yearly Equity
    4. D Permitted Allowance and Year-End
    Show answer

    B. Pay As You Earn

    Pay As You Earn: the system by which an employer deducts income tax from wages and pays it directly to HMRC.

  30. 30. True or false: forcing someone to marry against their will is a criminal offence in the UK.

    1. A True
    2. B False
    Show answer

    A. True

    True. Forced marriage is a criminal offence. Arranged marriages, where both parties consent, are acceptable.

  31. 31. Is it illegal to take a girl from the UK abroad in order to perform female genital mutilation (FGM) on her?

    1. A Yes
    2. B No
    Show answer

    A. Yes

    Yes. Practising FGM, or taking a girl/woman abroad for FGM, is a criminal offence under UK law.

  32. 32. What is the minimum age to be a school governor?

    1. A 16
    2. B 18
    3. C 21
    4. D There is no minimum age
    Show answer

    B. 18

    School governors must be 18 or over at election or appointment. There is no upper age limit.

  33. 33. How many reforms did the Chartists campaign for in the 1830s and 1840s?

    1. A Three
    2. B Four
    3. C Six
    4. D Ten
    Show answer

    C. Six

    The Chartists campaigned for six reforms, including votes for all men, secret ballots, and paid MPs.

  34. 34. When did the UK become 'fully democratic' according to the handbook?

    1. A 1832
    2. B 1918
    3. C 1928
    4. D 1969
    Show answer

    C. 1928

    1928, when women got the vote at 21, the same age as men.

  35. 35. When did Queen Elizabeth II become monarch?

    1. A 1948
    2. B 1952
    3. C 1969
    4. D 1977
    Show answer

    B. 1952

    Elizabeth II became monarch in 1952 on the death of her father George VI.

  36. 36. Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee in 2012 marked how many years on the throne?

    1. A 25 years
    2. B 50 years
    3. C 60 years
    4. D 75 years
    Show answer

    C. 60 years

    60 years on the throne: the Diamond Jubilee.

  37. 37. Who was Queen Elizabeth II's husband?

    1. A Prince Edward
    2. B Prince Charles
    3. C Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh
    4. D Prince Harry
    Show answer

    C. Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh

    Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, was the Queen's husband.

  38. 38. Prince Charles is also known as:

    1. A The Duke of Cambridge
    2. B The Prince of Wales
    3. C The Duke of York
    4. D The Prince Regent
    Show answer

    B. The Prince of Wales

    Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales, was heir to the throne (per the handbook used by the test).

  39. 39. What is the UK's national anthem?

    1. A Rule, Britannia!
    2. B Land of Hope and Glory
    3. C God Save the Queen
    4. D Jerusalem
    Show answer

    C. God Save the Queen

    'God Save the Queen' is the UK's national anthem (per the handbook).

  40. 40. At a UK citizenship ceremony, new citizens swear or affirm allegiance to:

    1. A The Prime Minister
    2. B Parliament
    3. C Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, her Heirs and Successors
    4. D The British people
    Show answer

    C. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, her Heirs and Successors

    The oath/affirmation pledges allegiance to the Queen and her heirs and successors.

  41. 41. Which chamber of Parliament is regarded as the more important?

    1. A The House of Lords
    2. B The House of Commons
    3. C Both equally
    4. D The Privy Council
    Show answer

    B. The House of Commons

    The House of Commons is regarded as more important because its members are democratically elected.

  42. 42. How are members of the House of Commons chosen?

    1. A Appointed by the monarch
    2. B Inherited
    3. C Elected by voters in parliamentary constituencies
    4. D Drawn from senior judges
    Show answer

    C. Elected by voters in parliamentary constituencies

    MPs are elected at General Elections by voters in each constituency.

  43. 43. Members of which church sit in the House of Lords?

    1. A The Roman Catholic Church
    2. B The Church of Scotland
    3. C The Church of England
    4. D The Methodist Church
    Show answer

    C. The Church of England

    Several Church of England bishops sit in the House of Lords, the constitutional link between Church and state.

  44. 44. Since which year have hereditary peers lost the automatic right to sit in the House of Lords?

    1. A 1958
    2. B 1969
    3. C 1999
    4. D 2010
    Show answer

    C. 1999

    Since 1999. They now elect a few of their number to represent them.

  45. 45. Since which year has the PM had the power to nominate peers for their lifetime only?

    1. A 1948
    2. B 1958
    3. C 1969
    4. D 1999
    Show answer

    B. 1958

    Life peers have been nominated by the PM since 1958.

  46. 46. Which statement about the Speaker of the House of Commons is TRUE?

    1. A The Speaker represents a political party
    2. B The Speaker is chosen by other MPs in a secret ballot
    3. C The Speaker is chosen by the Queen
    4. D The Speaker has no constituency
    Show answer

    B. The Speaker is chosen by other MPs in a secret ballot

    The Speaker is chosen by other MPs in a secret ballot. They are politically neutral despite being an MP.

  47. 47. What is the Prime Minister's country residence called?

    1. A Balmoral
    2. B Chequers
    3. C Sandringham
    4. D Highgrove
    Show answer

    B. Chequers

    Chequers is the PM's country house outside London.

  48. 48. Which government minister is responsible for managing relationships with foreign countries?

    1. A The Home Secretary
    2. B The Chancellor of the Exchequer
    3. C The Foreign Secretary
    4. D The Lord Chancellor
    Show answer

    C. The Foreign Secretary

    The Foreign Secretary handles relationships with foreign countries.

  49. 49. Which government minister is responsible for crime, policing, and immigration?

    1. A The Home Secretary
    2. B The Foreign Secretary
    3. C The Chancellor of the Exchequer
    4. D The Prime Minister
    Show answer

    A. The Home Secretary

    The Home Secretary handles crime, policing, and immigration.

  50. 50. What is the 'shadow cabinet'?

    1. A Senior civil servants who advise ministers
    2. B Senior opposition MPs who challenge government policy
    3. C Members of the House of Lords
    4. D Local council leaders
    Show answer

    B. Senior opposition MPs who challenge government policy

    The shadow cabinet is appointed by the leader of the opposition to challenge the government and propose alternatives.

  51. 51. How often does Prime Minister's Questions take place when Parliament is sitting?

    1. A Daily
    2. B Every week
    3. C Once a month
    4. D Once a year
    Show answer

    B. Every week

    PMQs takes place every week while Parliament is sitting.

  52. 52. What does the CBI represent?

    1. A Civil servants
    2. B British business
    3. C Trade unions
    4. D Charities
    Show answer

    B. British business

    The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) represents British business.

  53. 53. Greenpeace is an example of a pressure group that campaigns on:

    1. A Immigration
    2. B Religious freedom
    3. C The environment
    4. D Education policy
    Show answer

    C. The environment

    Greenpeace campaigns on environmental issues.

  54. 54. How are civil servants chosen?

    1. A Politically appointed by the Prime Minister
    2. B Elected by the public
    3. C Chosen on merit through an application process
    4. D Appointed by the monarch
    Show answer

    C. Chosen on merit through an application process

    Civil servants are chosen on merit and are politically neutral, not political appointees.

  55. 55. How many local authorities does London have?

    1. A 1
    2. B 12
    3. C 33
    4. D 50
    Show answer

    C. 33

    London has 33 local authorities, plus the Greater London Authority and the Mayor of London.

  56. 56. When are local elections for councillors usually held?

    1. A January
    2. B May
    3. C October
    4. D December
    Show answer

    B. May

    Local elections are usually held in May every year.

  57. 57. Which of the following is a 'reserved' matter, decided in London not by devolved bodies?

    1. A Education
    2. B Health
    3. C Defence
    4. D Housing
    Show answer

    C. Defence

    Defence is reserved to the UK government. Education, health, and housing are devolved.

  58. 58. Since 2011, the National Assembly for Wales has been able to:

    1. A Pass laws on devolved topics without UK Parliament agreement
    2. B Set its own immigration policy
    3. C Levy national taxes
    4. D Declare independence
    Show answer

    A. Pass laws on devolved topics without UK Parliament agreement

    Since 2011, the Welsh Assembly can pass laws on its 20 devolved topics without UK Parliament agreement.

  59. 59. What is Hansard?

    1. A The chief tabloid newspaper
    2. B The official report of parliamentary proceedings
    3. C The BBC's news service
    4. D The state's intelligence service
    Show answer

    B. The official report of parliamentary proceedings

    Hansard is the official report of proceedings in Parliament.

  60. 60. By UK law, radio and television coverage of political parties must be:

    1. A Pro-government
    2. B Pro-opposition
    3. C Balanced: equal time for rival viewpoints
    4. D Strictly neutral and avoid politics
    Show answer

    C. Balanced: equal time for rival viewpoints

    By law, broadcast political coverage must be balanced, giving equal time for rival viewpoints.

  61. 61. What is a by-election?

    1. A An election held in May every year
    2. B An election to fill an MP vacancy when an MP dies or resigns
    3. C An election held alongside a General Election
    4. D An election to choose the Speaker
    Show answer

    B. An election to fill an MP vacancy when an MP dies or resigns

    A by-election is held in a single constituency when its MP dies or resigns.

  62. 62. What does MEP stand for?

    1. A Member of Executive Parliament
    2. B Member of the European Parliament
    3. C Member of English Parliament
    4. D Manager of Elected Parties
    Show answer

    B. Member of the European Parliament

    MEP: Member of the European Parliament.

  63. 63. What is a poll card?

    1. A Your ballot paper
    2. B A card sent before an election telling you when and where to vote
    3. C Your photo ID for the polling station
    4. D A receipt confirming you voted
    Show answer

    B. A card sent before an election telling you when and where to vote

    A poll card is sent before the election with your polling station address and the election date.

  64. 64. If you cannot get to a polling station, you can register for a:

    1. A Phone vote
    2. B Postal ballot
    3. C Online vote
    4. D Proxy MP
    Show answer

    B. Postal ballot

    You can register for a postal ballot, which is sent to your home before the election.

  65. 65. Which group cannot stand for public office in the UK?

    1. A Members of the armed forces
    2. B Naturalised citizens
    3. C People aged 25
    4. D People who own property
    Show answer

    A. Members of the armed forces

    Members of the armed forces cannot stand for public office. Civil servants and people convicted of certain crimes also cannot.

  66. 66. Approximately how many member states does the Commonwealth have?

    1. A 27
    2. B 47
    3. C 54
    4. D 190
    Show answer

    C. 54

    The Commonwealth has 54 member states, most of them former British Empire countries.

  67. 67. Who is the ceremonial head of the Commonwealth?

    1. A The Prime Minister
    2. B The Secretary-General of the UN
    3. C The Queen / monarch
    4. D The President of South Africa
    Show answer

    C. The Queen / monarch

    The Queen (monarch) is the ceremonial head of the Commonwealth.

  68. 68. Which of the following was NOT one of the six founding EEC countries?

    1. A France
    2. B Germany
    3. C Italy
    4. D United Kingdom
    Show answer

    D. United Kingdom

    The UK was NOT a founding member. The original six were Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands.

  69. 69. The Council of Europe is responsible for:

    1. A Setting EU economic policy
    2. B Defending Europe militarily
    3. C Promoting and protecting human rights in member countries
    4. D Issuing the euro currency
    Show answer

    C. Promoting and protecting human rights in member countries

    The Council of Europe protects and promotes human rights; it is separate from the EU. Drafted the European Convention on Human Rights.

  70. 70. How many permanent members does the UN Security Council have?

    1. A 3
    2. B 5
    3. C 10
    4. D 15
    Show answer

    B. 5

    There are 5 permanent members of the UN Security Council. The UK is one of them.

  71. 71. How many members are on the UN Security Council in total?

    1. A 5
    2. B 10
    3. C 15
    4. D 27
    Show answer

    C. 15

    15 members total: 5 permanent and 10 rotating.

  72. 72. NATO is a military alliance of countries that have agreed to:

    1. A Disarm completely
    2. B Help each other if they come under attack
    3. C Adopt a common currency
    4. D Form a single state
    Show answer

    B. Help each other if they come under attack

    NATO members agree to help each other if any one is attacked.

  73. 73. Carrying a weapon in the UK is:

    1. A Legal if you have a licence
    2. B Legal for self-defence
    3. C A criminal offence even if for self-defence
    4. D Legal in your own home only
    Show answer

    C. A criminal offence even if for self-defence

    Carrying a weapon is a criminal offence in the UK, even if it is intended for self-defence.

  74. 74. What is the minimum age for buying tobacco products in the UK?

    1. A 16
    2. B 17
    3. C 18
    4. D 21
    Show answer

    C. 18

    It is illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone under 18.

  75. 75. Smoking tobacco in nearly all enclosed public places in the UK is:

    1. A Legal
    2. B Legal with permission
    3. C Against the law
    4. D Allowed only after 6 pm
    Show answer

    C. Against the law

    Smoking is against the law in nearly every enclosed public place. Signs indicate where you cannot smoke.

  76. 76. Disputes between landlords and tenants over repairs are an example of:

    1. A Criminal law
    2. B Constitutional law
    3. C Civil law (housing)
    4. D Tax law
    Show answer

    C. Civil law (housing)

    Landlord-tenant disputes are a civil-law matter (housing law).

  77. 77. What does a Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) do in England and Wales?

    1. A Prosecute criminals in court
    2. B Set local policing priorities and the local policing budget
    3. C Train new officers
    4. D Run the prison service
    Show answer

    B. Set local policing priorities and the local policing budget

    PCCs set local policing priorities, set the budget, and appoint the Chief Constable.

  78. 78. Can the government interfere with how judges interpret the law?

    1. A Yes, always
    2. B Only in emergencies
    3. C No, the judiciary is independent
    4. D Only with the monarch's approval
    Show answer

    C. No, the judiciary is independent

    The judiciary is independent. The government cannot interfere with how judges interpret the law.

  79. 79. How many members does a Scottish jury have?

    1. A 10
    2. B 12
    3. C 15
    4. D 21
    Show answer

    C. 15

    A Scottish jury has 15 members. In E&W and NI, juries have 12.

  80. 80. Most serious civil cases in Scotland are heard in:

    1. A The Sheriff Court
    2. B The Court of Session
    3. C The High Court
    4. D The Crown Court
    Show answer

    B. The Court of Session

    The most serious civil cases in Scotland go to the Court of Session in Edinburgh. Routine civil cases go to the Sheriff Court.

  81. 81. Most civil disputes in England and Wales are dealt with in:

    1. A County Courts
    2. B Magistrates' Courts
    3. C Crown Courts
    4. D Supreme Courts
    Show answer

    A. County Courts

    County Courts handle most civil disputes in E&W and NI.

  82. 82. Children and young people who have committed an offence in Scotland are dealt with through:

    1. A Youth Courts
    2. B The Children's Hearings System
    3. C Magistrates' Courts
    4. D Sheriff Courts
    Show answer

    B. The Children's Hearings System

    Scotland uses the Children's Hearings System for youth offences.

  83. 83. Where can you get free legal advice and information about local solicitors?

    1. A The Royal Courts of Justice
    2. B The Citizens Advice Bureau
    3. C The House of Commons
    4. D Buckingham Palace
    Show answer

    B. The Citizens Advice Bureau

    The Citizens Advice Bureau provides legal information and can refer you to local solicitors.

  84. 84. Which UK Act incorporated the European Convention on Human Rights into UK law?

    1. A Bill of Rights 1689
    2. B Human Rights Act 1998
    3. C Equality Act 2010
    4. D Magna Carta
    Show answer

    B. Human Rights Act 1998

    The Human Rights Act 1998 incorporated the European Convention on Human Rights into UK law.

  85. 85. Which of the following is NOT a principle of the European Convention on Human Rights?

    1. A Right to a fair trial
    2. B Freedom of expression
    3. C Right to bear arms
    4. D Prohibition of torture
    Show answer

    C. Right to bear arms

    There is no 'right to bear arms' under the European Convention. The other three are explicit principles.

  86. 86. UK laws prevent unfair treatment because of which of the following?

    1. A Hair colour
    2. B Sex, race, religion
    3. C Country of birth (specifically)
    4. D Voting preference
    Show answer

    B. Sex, race, religion

    UK laws cover age, disability, sex, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sexuality, or marital status.

  87. 87. Domestic violence helplines in the UK can usually be found:

    1. A Only at police stations
    2. B Only at hospitals
    3. C In the helpline section of Yellow Pages and via the 24-hour National Helpline
    4. D Only by paid solicitors
    Show answer

    C. In the helpline section of Yellow Pages and via the 24-hour National Helpline

    Helplines are listed in Yellow Pages, including the 24-hour National Domestic Violence Freephone Helpline (0808 2000 247).

  88. 88. Are arranged marriages, where both parties consent, legal in the UK?

    1. A Yes, they are acceptable
    2. B No, they are illegal
    3. C Only if registered
    4. D Only between UK citizens
    Show answer

    A. Yes, they are acceptable

    Arranged marriages (where both parties agree) are acceptable. Forced marriages, where consent is missing, are illegal.

  89. 89. When were Forced Marriage Protection Orders introduced in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland?

    1. A 1998
    2. B 2002
    3. C 2008
    4. D 2014
    Show answer

    C. 2008

    Forced Marriage Protection Orders were introduced in 2008 for E&W and NI; similar orders introduced in Scotland in 2011.

  90. 90. The Pay As You Earn (PAYE) system is used to:

    1. A Calculate VAT on goods and services
    2. B Deduct income tax from employees' wages directly to HMRC
    3. C Pay benefits to retirees
    4. D Compute mortgage interest
    Show answer

    B. Deduct income tax from employees' wages directly to HMRC

    PAYE: the employer deducts income tax automatically from your wages and pays it directly to HMRC.

  91. 91. What system do self-employed people in the UK use to pay their tax?

    1. A PAYE
    2. B VAT-only
    3. C Self-assessment (a tax return)
    4. D Direct debit
    Show answer

    C. Self-assessment (a tax return)

    Self-employed people use self-assessment: they complete a tax return.

  92. 92. Money raised from National Insurance Contributions is used to pay for:

    1. A Roads and bridges
    2. B State benefits and the NHS
    3. C Defence and armed forces
    4. D The royal household
    Show answer

    B. State benefits and the NHS

    NI Contributions fund state benefits (including state retirement pension) and the NHS.

  93. 93. A non-UK national who has the right to work in the UK should contact which department to get a National Insurance number?

    1. A HM Revenue & Customs
    2. B The Home Office
    3. C The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
    4. D The Foreign Office
    Show answer

    C. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)

    Contact the DWP to arrange a National Insurance number; an interview may be required.

  94. 94. After what age does a UK driving licence need to be renewed every three years?

    1. A 60
    2. B 65
    3. C 70
    4. D 75
    Show answer

    C. 70

    After 70, the UK driving licence is valid for three years at a time and must be renewed.

  95. 95. What is the legal status of driving without motor insurance in the UK?

    1. A A minor offence with a small fine
    2. B A serious criminal offence
    3. C Allowed for short journeys
    4. D Allowed if your vehicle is over 25 years old
    Show answer

    B. A serious criminal offence

    Driving without insurance is a serious criminal offence.

  96. 96. How long can a driver use an EU/Norway/Iceland/Liechtenstein driving licence in the UK?

    1. A Up to 12 months
    2. B Until age 70
    3. C As long as the licence is valid
    4. D Only for 6 months
    Show answer

    C. As long as the licence is valid

    An EU/EFTA licence can be used in the UK for as long as the licence is valid. Other foreign licences: 12 months max.

  97. 97. How long can a driver use a non-EU/non-EFTA foreign driving licence in the UK?

    1. A 3 months
    2. B 6 months
    3. C 12 months
    4. D Indefinitely
    Show answer

    C. 12 months

    Up to 12 months. After that, you need a UK full driving licence.

  98. 98. What is 'canvassing' in UK politics?

    1. A Counting votes
    2. B Knocking on doors to ask for support during elections
    3. C Drafting legislation
    4. D Polling the public
    Show answer

    B. Knocking on doors to ask for support during elections

    Canvassing: going door-to-door to ask people to support a candidate. You don't have to tell a canvasser how you'll vote.

  99. 99. What is a 'special constable'?

    1. A A police officer in the diplomatic corps
    2. B A volunteer police officer
    3. C A senior judicial position
    4. D An MP who specialises in policing
    Show answer

    B. A volunteer police officer

    You can volunteer with the police as a special constable, a non-paid auxiliary role.

  100. 100. Approximately how long does it take to donate blood?

    1. A 10 minutes
    2. B 30 minutes
    3. C About 1 hour
    4. D Half a day
    Show answer

    C. About 1 hour

    Blood donation takes about an hour.

  101. 101. The National Citizen Service programme is for:

    1. A 10- and 11-year-olds
    2. B 16- and 17-year-olds
    3. C 18-plus students
    4. D Retired adults
    Show answer

    B. 16- and 17-year-olds

    The National Citizen Service is for 16- and 17-year-olds: outdoor activities and community projects.