The British Constitution

Question 1

At the turn of the 19th century, who could vote?

Answer 1

Men of 21 who owned a certain amount of property

Question 2

In politics, what is a franchise?

Answer 2

number of people who have the right to vote

Question 3

When was the voting age reduced to 18 for men and women?

Answer 3

1969

Question 4

Why is the British constitution unwritten?

Answer 4

never had a revolution which led permanently to a totally new system of government.

Question 5

What are the different parts of government

Answer 5

The Monarchy
The Parliament (House of Lords, House of Commons)
The PM
The Cabinet
The Judiciary
The Police
The Civil Service
The Local Governments

Question 6

The Queen has reigned since her father’s death in

Answer 6

1952

Question 7

What is the Diamond Jubilee

Answer 7

60 years as Queen

Question 8

Who opens new parliamentary session each year.

Answer 8

Queen

Question 9

‘I (name) swear by Almighty God that on becoming a British citizen, I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, her Heirs and Successors, according to law.’

Answer 9

Oath of allegiance

Question 10

‘I (name) do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm that on becoming a British citizen, I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, her Heirs and Successors, according to law.’

Answer 10

Affirmation of allegiance

Question 11

Who forms the House of Commons?

Answer 11

Elected MPs

Question 12

Who are peers?

Answer 12

Members of the House of Lords

Question 13

Who did this apply to? Until 1958,

‘hereditary’, which means they inherited their title, or
senior judges, or
bishops of the Church of England

Answer 13

Peers, House of Lords

Question 14

Since 1958, Life peers are appointed whom?

Answer 14

The monarch, on the advice of the Prime Minister.

Question 15

Since 1999, hereditary peers have what?

Answer 15

lost the automatic right to attend the House of Lords.

Question 16

Which body can suggest amendments or propose new laws, which are then discussed by MPs?

Answer 16

House of Lords

Question 17

Who has the power to overrule the House of Lords?

Answer 17

House of Commons

Question 18

Debates in the House of Commons are chaired by?

Answer 18

The Speaker

Question 19

Who is the chief Officer of the House of Commons?

Answer 19

The Speaker

Question 20

Who is neutral and does not represent a political party, even though he or she is an MP, represents a constituency and deals with constituents’ problems like any other MP?

Answer 20

The Speaker

Question 21

Who is choen by other MPs in a secret ballot?

Answer 21

The Speaker

Question 22

Who keeps oder during debates and ensures rules are followed?

Answer 22

The Speaker

Question 23

When are MPs elected?

Answer 23

General Election, which is held at least every five years.

Question 24

What happens if an MP dies or resigns?

Answer 24

Byelection in their constituency

Question 25

Who is elected in a system called ‘first past the post’.

Answer 25

MPs

Question 26

Elections for the European Parliament are also held every how many years?

Answer 26

five years

Question 27

MEPs are?

Answer 27

Elected members of the European Parliament