UK Government and the Law: Life in the UK Test Practice Questions
UK Government and the Law is one of the topics covered in the official handbook, Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents, which every real test question comes from. It covers: How the UK is governed: Parliament, the monarchy, the devolved administrations, elections, the courts, the law, and the rights and responsibilities of residents.
Of the 696 questions in our practice bank, 141 are Government and the Law questions. On a typical 24-question test you can expect roughly 5 from this topic. Below are 10 sample questions with answers and explanations to show you exactly what to prepare for.
Sample Government and the Law Questions and Answers
Try each question before expanding the answer. Every question below also appears in one of our free practice tests.
1. What is democracy defined as in the context of British government?
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Explanation
Democracy is a system of government where the whole adult population gets a say, either by direct voting or by choosing representatives.
2. At the turn of the 19th century, who was allowed to vote in British elections?
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Explanation
At the turn of the 19th century, only men over 21 who owned a certain amount of property could vote.
3. In which decades did the Chartists campaign for reform?
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Explanation
In the 1830s and 1840s, a group called the Chartists campaigned for reform.
4. How many changes did the Chartists want to make to the political system?
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Explanation
The Chartists wanted six changes to the electoral system.
5. What is the role of the monarch in a constitutional monarchy?
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Explanation
The king or queen does not rule the country but appoints the government, which the people have chosen in a democratic election.
6. What are life peers?
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Explanation
Life peers are nominated by the Prime Minister to serve for their own lifetime.
7. What voting system is used for UK general elections?
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Explanation
UK general elections use the 'first past the post' system. The candidate who gets the most votes in each constituency is elected.
8. What is the government department that collects taxes in the UK?
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Explanation
Income tax is paid directly to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), the government department that collects taxes.
9. What is the minimum age to drive a car in the UK?
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In the UK, you must be at least 17 years old to drive a car or motor cycle on public roads.
10. What is the telephone number for the emergency services in the UK?
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Explanation
The telephone number for the emergency services in the UK is 999. You can call this number for police, fire, ambulance, or coastguard in an emergency. The European emergency number 112 also works in the UK.
Practise Government and the Law Until It Sticks
The app lets you practise by category, so you can drill Government and the Law questions on their own. All 20 mock exams, every question in 13 languages, and weak-spot tracking, all in the app.
Study This Topic First
Prefer to read before you practise? Our free study guide breaks down what the Life in the UK handbook actually tests.
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Every full test includes Government and the Law questions alongside the other four categories, in the same mix as the real exam.