UK Government
This topic covers how Britain is governed — Parliament, elections, the Prime Minister, the monarchy, devolved governments, and the legal system. Understanding how democracy works in the UK is essential for this section.
What the test expects you to know
Questions typically test the structure of Parliament (Commons vs Lords), voting eligibility and the FPTP system, the role of the Prime Minister, and devolved powers. You should know that the House of Lords is appointed, not elected, and that elections must be held every five years.
The UK Parliament
- Parliament is made up of the House of Commons and the House of Lords
- The House of Commons has 650 elected Members of Parliament (MPs)
- The House of Lords is not elected — members are appointed
- Parliament meets at the Palace of Westminster in London
- The Speaker controls debates in the House of Commons
Elections and Voting
- General elections must be held at least every five years
- The voting system for general elections is First Past the Post (FPTP)
- You must be 18 or over and registered to vote
- UK citizens, Commonwealth citizens, and Irish citizens resident in the UK can vote
- The party with the most seats in the Commons usually forms the government
The Prime Minister and Cabinet
- The Prime Minister leads the government and is usually the leader of the largest party in the Commons
- The Cabinet is made up of around 20 senior ministers chosen by the Prime Minister
- The Prime Minister lives and works at 10 Downing Street, London
- Cabinet ministers are collectively responsible for government decisions
The Monarch
- The UK is a constitutional monarchy
- The monarch is the Head of State but does not govern the country
- Royal Assent is required for a bill to become law
- The King's Speech (State Opening of Parliament) outlines government policy
- The monarch is commander-in-chief of the armed forces
Devolved Governments
- Scotland has its own Parliament with tax-varying powers
- Wales has its own Senedd (Welsh Parliament)
- Northern Ireland has its own Assembly
- Some policy areas are devolved — others remain with the UK Parliament
- England does not have its own separate parliament
The Legal System
- England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland each have their own legal systems
- Judges in the UK are independent of the government
- The Supreme Court is the highest court in the UK
- Citizens can challenge government decisions in court
Common exam questions on this topic
What are the two Houses of Parliament?
The House of Commons (elected) and the House of Lords (appointed). Both are located at the Palace of Westminster.
How often must a general election be held?
At least every five years. The Prime Minister can call an election earlier.
What is the role of the monarch in government?
The monarch is the Head of State but does not govern the country. The role is largely ceremonial. Royal Assent is required for bills to become law.
Who can vote in a UK general election?
UK citizens, Commonwealth citizens, and Irish citizens who are resident in the UK, aged 18 or over, and registered to vote.
Practise UK Government questions
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