The UK government, the law and your role Flashcards
n the 1830s and 1840s, a group called the Chartists campaigned for reform. They wanted six changes:
1: for every man to have the vote
2: elections every year
3: for all regions to be equal in the electoral system
4: secret ballots
5: for any man to be able to stand as an MP
6: for MPs to be paid.
In what year was the voting age reduced to 18 for both men and women?
1969
In the UK, there are several different parts of government. What re the main ones?
- the monarchy
- Parliament (the House of Commons and the House of Lords)
- the Prime Minister
- the cabinet
- the judiciary (courts)
- the police
- the civil service
- local government.
In addition, there are devolved governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland that have the power to legislate on certain issues.
What is the first verse of the UK National Anthem?
‘God save our gracious King!
Long live our noble King!
God save the King!
Send him victorious,
Happy and glorious,
Long to reign over us,
God save the King!’
How has the role and membership of the House of Lords changed over the last 50 years?
Until 1958, all peers were:
- ‘hereditary’, which means they inherited their title, or
- senior judges, or
- bishops of the Church of England.
Since 1958, the Prime Minister has had the power to nominate peers just for their own lifetime. These are called life peers. They have usually had an important career in politics, business, law or another profession.
Since 1999, hereditary peers have lost the automatic right to attend the House of Lords.
How often does the UK hold elections?
at least every five years.
What is the voting system used?
MPs are elected through a system called ‘first past the post’. In each constituency, the candidate who gets the most votes is elected.
Who can vote in UK elections?
Adult citizens of the UK, and citizens of the Commonwealth and Ireland who are resident in the UK, can vote in all public elections.
What is the role of judges?
Judges (who are together called ‘the judiciary’) are responsible for interpreting the law and ensuring that trials are conducted fairly. The government cannot interfere with this.
Which courts deal with minor criminal cases in England, Wales and Northern Ireland?
Magistrates’ Court.
Magistrates and Justices of the Peace (JPs) are members of the local community.
Which courts deal with minor criminal cases in Scotland?
Justice of the Peace Court.
Magistrates and Justices of the Peace (JPs) are members of the local community.
Which courts deal with serious offences in England, Wales and Northern Ireland?
A judge and a jury in a Crown Court
Which courts deal with serious offences in Scotland
Sheriff Court with either a sheriff or a sheriff with a jury
Which court in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, if an accused person is aged 10 to 17?
And Scotland?
The case is normally heard in a Youth Court in front of up to three specially trained magistrates or a District Judge.
In Scotland a system called the Children’s Hearings System is used to deal with children and young people who have committed an offence.
What courts deal with situations where a person is trying to get back money owed to them?
Or other cases involving personal injury, family matters, breaches of contract, and divorce?
vs More serious civil cases?
County Courts deal with a wide range of civil disputes.
Or when a large amount of compensation is being claimed – are dealt with in the High Court in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In Scotland, they are dealt with in the Court of Session in Edinburgh.
