Free practice
114 free practice questions on how the UK is governed, the law, and your role in the community — each with the answer and why it’s right. Part of the full Life in the UK Test course.
Which document, agreed by King John in 1215, was an early step in limiting the power of the monarch?
Why: In 1215 King John was forced by his noblemen to agree to Magna Carta (the Great Charter), which established the principle that the king was subject to the law rather than above it.
Before the Reform Act of 1832, who was entitled to vote in Britain?
Why: Until 1832 the vote was limited to a small minority: men aged over 21 who owned property above a set value. Women could not vote at all.
What did the Reform Act of 1832 abolish?
Why: The Reform Act of 1832 increased the number of people who could vote and abolished the old 'rotten boroughs', giving more parliamentary seats to the growing towns and cities.
Which TWO of the following were demands made by the Chartists?
Why: The Chartists' demands included the secret ballot, payment for MPs, votes for all men over 21, an end to the property qualification for MPs, equal-sized constituencies and annual elections. Votes for women were not part of their charter.
By 1918, most of the reforms demanded by the Chartists had become law.
Why: Although the Chartist campaign was seen as a failure at the time, by 1918 all of its demands except annual elections to Parliament had been adopted.
In 1903, Emmeline Pankhurst helped to set up which organisation campaigning for votes for women?
Why: Emmeline Pankhurst founded the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) in Manchester in 1903. Its members became known as suffragettes.
Which tactic used by imprisoned suffragettes led to them being force-fed, causing public outrage?
Why: Suffragettes who were sent to prison went on hunger strike. The authorities force-fed them, which shocked much of the public and increased sympathy for their cause.
When women were first given the right to vote in 1918, which women qualified?
Why: The 1918 reform gave the vote only to women aged over 30 who were householders or married to householders. Women had to wait until 1928 to vote on the same terms as men.
The word 'democracy' has its roots in which language?
Why: 'Democracy' comes from the Greek words for 'the people' and 'rule', meaning a system of government in which the whole adult population has a say.
Which term best describes the UK's system of government?
Why: The UK is a constitutional monarchy: the monarch is head of state but does not rule the country, which is governed by ministers accountable to an elected Parliament.
Which THREE of the following are institutions of the British constitution?
Why: The institutions of the constitution include the monarchy, Parliament, the Prime Minister, the cabinet, the judiciary, the police, the civil service and local government. The National Trust and the Football Association are private organisations, not parts of government.
Who is the head of state of the UK?
Why: The monarch, currently King Charles III, is head of state. The Prime Minister is head of government, which is a separate role.
The monarch is politically neutral and does not take sides in party politics.
Why: The monarch is required to remain politically neutral. The King has regular meetings with the Prime Minister and can advise, warn and encourage, but decisions on government policy are made by the Prime Minister and cabinet.
What does the monarch do at the State Opening of Parliament each year?
Why: The monarch opens each new session of Parliament with a speech that summarises the government's policies and proposed new laws. The speech is written by the government, not the monarch.
How many parliamentary constituencies are there in the UK, each electing one MP to the House of Commons?
Why: The UK is divided into 650 constituencies, and each one elects a single MP to represent it in the House of Commons.
Under the 'first past the post' system used in UK general elections, who is elected in each constituency?
Why: Under first past the post, the candidate with the largest number of votes in a constituency is elected, even if they do not win an overall majority of the votes cast.
Which TWO statements about the House of Lords are correct?
Why: Members of the House of Lords, known as peers, are not elected. Life peers are appointed by the monarch on the Prime Minister's advice, and the Lords also includes senior Church of England bishops and some hereditary peers.
What can the House of Lords do with a law that has been passed by the House of Commons?
Why: The House of Lords scrutinises legislation from the Commons and can suggest amendments or ask MPs to reconsider. Ultimately, however, the House of Commons has the power to overrule the Lords.
Which TWO statements about government ministers are correct?
Why: The Chancellor of the Exchequer looks after the economy and the Foreign Secretary manages relations with other countries. Defence is the responsibility of the Defence Secretary, and the cabinet is chosen by the Prime Minister.
Who appoints the ministers who form the cabinet?
Why: The Prime Minister appoints around 20 senior MPs as ministers in charge of government departments. Together these senior ministers form the cabinet, which meets weekly to take important policy decisions.
Who becomes the Leader of the Opposition?
Why: The leader of the second largest party in the House of Commons becomes the Leader of the Opposition, whose job is to hold the government to account.
What is the 'shadow cabinet'?
Why: The Leader of the Opposition appoints senior opposition MPs as shadow ministers. Each shadows a government minister and scrutinises the work of that department.
Which TWO statements about the civil service are correct?
Why: Civil servants are managers and administrators who carry out government policy. They are politically neutral, appointed on merit, and continue in post when the governing party changes.
The devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland can pass laws on defence and foreign policy.
Why: Defence, foreign policy, immigration and national security are reserved matters that remain the responsibility of the UK Parliament in Westminster.
Where does the Scottish Parliament meet?
Why: The Scottish Parliament sits at Holyrood in Edinburgh. Stormont is the home of the Northern Ireland Assembly, and the Senedd meets in Cardiff Bay.
The Northern Ireland Assembly was established as part of which 1998 agreement?
Why: The Northern Ireland Assembly was created following the Belfast Agreement (the Good Friday Agreement) of 1998, which was a major step in the peace process.
On the day of a UK general election, when are polling stations normally open?
Why: Polling stations open at 7am and close at 10pm on election day, giving voters a long window in which to cast their vote in secret.
Who is the ceremonial head of the Commonwealth?
Why: The monarch, King Charles III, is the ceremonial head of the Commonwealth, an association of countries that mostly have historical links with the UK.
The Commonwealth can make laws that its member countries must obey.
Why: The Commonwealth has no power over its members, although it can suspend a country's membership. Membership is voluntary.
Two of the four nations listed below belong to the Commonwealth. Which are they?
Why: India and Nigeria are both Commonwealth member states. China and Japan have never been members.
The Council of Europe is responsible for which of the following?
Why: The Council of Europe drew up and is responsible for the European Convention on Human Rights. It has no power to make laws, but produces conventions and charters that member states agree to.
In which year did the UK leave the European Union?
Why: The UK voted in a referendum in 2016 to leave the European Union and formally left on 31 January 2020.
In which year did the UK join the European Economic Community, the forerunner of the European Union?
Why: The UK joined the European Economic Community, often called the Common Market, in 1973. The EEC itself had been founded in 1957 by six western European countries.
Which TWO statements about the United Nations are correct?
Why: The UN was established after the Second World War to prevent war and to promote international peace and security. It has more than 190 member countries and its headquarters are in New York.
What is NATO?
Why: NATO (the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) is a group of European and North American countries that have agreed to defend each other if attacked, and which also works to maintain peace between its members.
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, how many people sit on a jury in a Crown Court trial?
Why: A jury in England, Wales and Northern Ireland has 12 members. In Scotland a criminal jury has 15.
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, serious criminal offences are tried in which court?
Why: Serious offences are tried in the Crown Court in front of a judge and a jury. Minor offences are dealt with by magistrates.
How are members of a jury selected?
Why: Jurors are picked at random from the electoral register, which is one of the reasons why registering to vote matters even if you choose not to vote.
In Scotland, the most serious criminal cases, such as murder, are heard in which court?
Why: In Scotland the most serious cases are heard in the High Court with a judge and jury. Less serious offences go to the Sheriff Court, and minor ones to the Justice of the Peace Court.
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, which court usually deals with civil disputes such as debt or personal injury?
Why: County Courts deal with a wide range of civil disputes, including debt, breach of contract, personal injury and family matters. In Scotland these cases are usually heard in the Sheriff Court.
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, young people of which ages are dealt with by the Youth Court if they are charged with a criminal offence?
Why: Young people aged 10 to 17 are tried in a Youth Court, which is less formal than other courts. Their parents or carers are expected to attend.
Which TWO statements about the police in the UK are correct?
Why: The police are subject to the law like everyone else and must not misuse their authority, make false statements, be rude or abusive, discriminate on racial grounds, or accept bribes.
Who is responsible for interpreting the law and making sure that trials are conducted fairly?
Why: The judiciary interprets the law and ensures trials are fair. Judges are independent and the government cannot interfere with their decisions.
If you think someone is trying to persuade you to join an extremist or terrorist cause, you should tell the police.
Why: Everyone has a duty to help prevent terrorism and extremism. Concerns should be reported to your local police force or by using the anti-terrorist hotline.
What is the minimum age at which you can drive a car in the UK?
Why: You must be at least 17 to drive a car in the UK. You can ride a moped from the age of 16.
A vehicle must have an MOT test certificate once it is more than how many years old?
Why: Vehicles over three years old must pass an MOT test every year to show they are roadworthy. Driving without a valid MOT certificate is an offence.
Which TWO of the following are legal requirements before you can drive your own car on a public road in the UK?
Why: Your vehicle must be taxed and properly insured, and you must hold a valid driving licence. Driving without insurance is a criminal offence.
Which government body is responsible for collecting taxes in the UK?
Why: HM Revenue and Customs collects income tax and other taxes, which pay for services such as roads, education, the police and the armed forces.
For most employees, what does the 'Pay As You Earn' (PAYE) system mean?
Why: Under PAYE, tax is taken out of an employee's wages by their employer and sent to HMRC before the employee receives their pay.
Who normally has to complete a self-assessment tax return each year?
Why: Self-employed people are responsible for paying their own tax and must complete a self-assessment tax return each year telling HMRC about their income.
Which TWO of the following are rights protected in the UK?
Why: The right to a fair trial and freedom of expression are among the fundamental rights respected in the UK. There is no right to carry a weapon or to disobey the law.
Domestic violence is a crime in the UK, whoever commits it.
Why: Domestic violence is a criminal offence regardless of the relationship between the people involved, and it applies to men and women equally. Anyone in immediate danger should call the police.
In England, what is the minimum age to become a school governor?
Why: You must be 18 or over to be a school governor in England. You do not need to have a child at the school to apply.
Which TWO of these charities work to help animals?
Why: The RSPCA and the PDSA are animal charities. Age UK works with older people and Shelter helps people who are homeless.
Which TWO of the following are benefits of volunteering?
Why: Volunteering helps the community while allowing you to meet people, integrate locally and build skills and experience that can improve your chances of finding employment.
If you are called for jury service, you can simply refuse without giving any reason.
Why: Jury service is a legal duty, not an invitation. You can only be excused in certain special circumstances.
Which of the following is a way of helping at your child's school without being a governor?
Why: Schools welcome parent volunteers for activities such as hearing children read, helping on trips and supporting fundraising through the parent-teacher association.
You are having a problem with a neighbour. What is usually the best first step?
Why: Most difficulties between neighbours are best settled by talking to the person first. Formal complaints to the council or the police are for problems that cannot be resolved that way.
Which charity is well known for working to protect children?
Why: The NSPCC is a children's charity. Crisis works with homeless people, Greenpeace campaigns on the environment and the Blue Cross helps animals.
Which of the following helps to reduce the amount of household waste sent to landfill?
Why: Recycling materials such as glass, paper and plastic reduces landfill and is one of the simplest ways residents can look after their local environment.
Hansard, the official written record of debates in Parliament, can be read online.
Why: Hansard records what is said in Parliament and is published — including online — so the public can read it.
In a criminal trial, the jury decides the sentence when a defendant is found guilty.
Why: The jury decides only whether the defendant is guilty; it is the judge who decides the sentence.
Select TWO core values expected of civil servants.
Why: Civil servants must be honest and serve whichever government is elected, so integrity and impartiality are core values; they must not be politically partisan.
What are 'pressure groups' and 'lobby groups'?
Why: Pressure and lobby groups are organisations that campaign to influence government policy on issues they care about.
In Northern Ireland, which plate must a newly qualified driver display for one year?
Why: In Northern Ireland new drivers must show an 'R' (restricted) plate for one year after passing their test.
Select TWO responsibilities of school governors or a school board.
Why: Governors set a school’s overall direction and hold it to account for its performance; they do not teach the classes themselves.
What can happen to a driver who is over the alcohol limit or refuses a breath test?
Why: Driving over the alcohol limit — or refusing to be tested — is a serious offence for which a driver can be arrested.
Which TWO kinds of income does UK income tax apply to?
Why: Income tax is paid on earnings — including profits from self-employment — and on income such as rent, savings interest and dividends. Personal gifts are not taxed as income.
Which of the following statements is correct?
Why: Organ donation in the UK is voluntary — people choose whether to donate, for example by joining the organ donor register.
Which TWO places could you go to for advice about a legal problem?
Why: Solicitors are trained lawyers who advise on legal matters, and the Citizens Advice Bureau offers free advice, including where to find legal help.
You can be called for jury service up to the age of 80.
Why: Anyone on the electoral register aged 18 to 70 can be called for jury service — the age limit is not 80.
What happens at an MP's 'surgery'?
Why: MPs hold regular 'surgeries' in their constituency — sessions where any local person can come and discuss issues with them. Constituents can also contact their MP by letter or phone.
If a public body ignores someone's legal rights, which TWO things can a judge order it to do?
Why: When a public body does not respect a person's legal rights, a judge can order it to change its practices and/or to pay compensation.
From the age of 17, which TWO vehicles are you allowed to learn to drive?
Why: At 17 you can learn to drive a car or a motorcycle; heavier vehicles need higher age limits and extra licences.
Which of these matters is dealt with by the civil law?
Why: Civil law settles disputes between people and organisations — debt, housing, employment, consumer problems — while crimes like burglary belong to the criminal law.
What must you do to hold a full UK driving licence?
Why: A full licence requires passing the driving test, which examines both your knowledge of the rules and your practical driving.
Which of the following statements is correct?
Why: UK law forbids unfair discrimination — everyone must be treated fairly at work and in everyday life.
Which TWO kinds of dispute would a County Court deal with?
Why: County Courts handle civil matters such as divorce and broken contracts. Serious crimes like murder are tried in a Crown Court.
Which TWO everyday habits help protect the environment?
Why: Recycling your waste, and walking or using public transport rather than driving, are simple ways to look after the environment.
The Northern Ireland Assembly can decide policy on which TWO of these matters?
Why: Devolved matters for the Northern Ireland Assembly include agriculture, education, social services and the environment. Defence and foreign affairs stay with the UK government.
Which TWO of these are part of an MP’s job?
Why: MPs represent everyone in their constituency — not just their own voters — and scrutinise what the government does.
Some local councils appoint a ceremonial figurehead each year. What is this person called?
Why: Many local authorities appoint a mayor as the ceremonial leader of the council; in some places the mayor is also the effective political leader.
The National Citizen Service trains young people for the military.
Why: The National Citizen Service is not military — it gives 16- and 17-year-olds outdoor activities, skills training and community projects.
Which of the following statements is correct?
Why: UK parliamentary elections use 'first past the post': in each constituency, the candidate with the most votes becomes the MP.
Scotland's devolved government governs from Edinburgh.
Why: The devolved Scottish government sits in Edinburgh, based around the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood.
Serving as a school governor or school board member is one way to support your local community.
Why: Volunteering as a school governor (or school board member in Scotland) is a recognised way to contribute to your community.
The National Citizen Service is aimed at which age group?
Why: The National Citizen Service offers 16- and 17-year-olds outdoor activities, skills and community projects.
Which of the following statements is correct?
Why: Northern Ireland uses individual voter registration — everyone entitled to vote completes their own form, unlike the household form used elsewhere in the UK.
Which of the following statements is correct?
Why: Most MPs belong to a party, but a few sit as independents — there is no requirement to join a party.
Which of the following statements is correct?
Why: The public can attend debates in the Houses of Parliament free of charge, from the public galleries.
The House of Lords always does what the government wants.
Why: The Lords is independent-minded: it regularly amends or delays legislation, and does not simply follow the government.
Once a car is three years old, how often must it pass an MOT test?
Why: Cars over three years old need a Ministry of Transport (MOT) test every year to stay roadworthy and legal.
It is a criminal offence in the UK to force someone into marriage.
Why: Forcing another person to marry is a crime — everyone has the right to choose whether and whom to marry.
How frequently must a general election be held to choose MPs?
Why: MPs are elected at a general election, which must be held at least every five years.
Which TWO groups of adults can vote in all UK elections?
Why: Adult citizens of the UK (born or naturalised), and resident citizens of the Commonwealth and the Irish Republic, may vote in all UK elections.
Which of the following is something every police officer must do?
Why: The police must themselves obey the law — they may not mistreat people, and misconduct is investigated.
Which of the following statements is correct?
Why: Drivers aged 70 and over must renew their driving licence every three years.
The main political parties actively recruit new members.
Why: The main parties welcome and actively seek new members to campaign, donate and help choose candidates.
Getting to know your neighbours helps you become part of your local community.
Why: Knowing your neighbours is one of the simplest ways to join in community life — and neighbours can help each other in small, practical ways.
What is the jury's job in a court trial?
Why: The jury listens to the evidence and decides the verdict — 'guilty' or 'not guilty'. The judge runs the trial and decides the sentence.
The Commonwealth is committed to which TWO of these values?
Why: The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of countries that supports democracy, the rule of law and good government.
Which of the following statements is correct?
Why: Employees have NICs deducted by their employer, but self-employed people are responsible for paying their own.
Which of the following statements is correct?
Why: Volunteering is unpaid by definition — its rewards are meeting people, gaining skills and improving your community.
What is the UK's National Anthem called?
Why: The National Anthem is 'God Save the Queen', sung at important national occasions and events attended by the monarch.
An EU citizen living in the UK may vote in every kind of British election.
Why: EU citizens resident in the UK may vote in some elections, but not in ALL — UK general elections are reserved for UK, Irish and qualifying Commonwealth citizens.
In which city does the National Assembly for Wales sit?
Why: The Welsh Assembly (Senedd) is based in Cardiff, at the Senedd building in Cardiff Bay.
Which of the following statements is correct?
Why: A free press is freedom from government control of what is printed — not free copies. The UK press has been free since 1695.
Defendants aged under 21 have their cases heard in a Youth Court.
Why: The Youth Court deals with people aged under 18 — from 18 upwards, cases go to the adult courts.
Which TWO of these do people gain from volunteering?
Why: Volunteering is unpaid, but it lets you meet new people and make your community a better place — and it looks good on a CV.
Which of the following statements is correct?
Why: The monarch reigns but does not rule: policy decisions are made by the Prime Minister and the cabinet of senior ministers.
Which of the following statements is correct?
Why: The jury decides guilt; sentencing is the judge’s job.
Which TWO things do pressure and lobby groups do?
Why: Pressure and lobby groups campaign to influence government policy; some, like the CBI, represent the views of British business.
Which of these choices shrinks your carbon footprint?
Why: Shopping locally for products cuts the distance goods travel, reducing your carbon footprint.
Who must pay National Insurance Contributions?
Why: Everyone in the UK who is in paid work pays National Insurance Contributions, which fund state benefits and the NHS.
Answers explained on every one, a timed mock in the real format, and narrated lessons — free, in 8 languages.
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