UK gov't law and your role Flashcards
is the uk consitution written?
no
what are the different constitutional institutions? (8)
- monarch
- parliament (house of commons and lords)
- PM
- Cabinet
- Judiciary
- Police
- civil service
- LG
what is a constitutional monarchy?
king/queen doesn’t rule the country but appoints the gov’t as chosen by the people through. the monarch meets with PM regularly and advises but final decision is with the gov’t and PM
since when has Queen Elizabeth II reigned?
1952
whats the national anthem?
“God Save the Queen”
God save our gracious queen long live our noble queen god save our queen send her victorious happy and glorious long to reign over us god save our queen
difference between oath of allegiance and affirmation of allegiance upon becoming British citizen
Oath refers to Almighty God. Affirmation doesnt.
how is gov’t formed?
voters in each constituency vote for a MP. all MPs make the house of commons. The party with greatest number of MPS in the house of commons forms the gov’t.
if there isn’t a majority in house of commons what happens?
two parties join together and form the coalition
responsibilities of an MP (4)
- represent their constituency
- help create new laws
- scruitisine and comment on what gov’t is doing
- debate
what do house of lords do?
check laws passed by gov’t to ensure it is working in peoples best interest. They can suggest ammendments or propose new laws (house of commons can overrule this decision, but rarely happens)
who can be in house of lords?
senior judges, bishops of house of england, life peers (appointed by monarch or advice of PM). house of lords use to be hereditary, but now they can elect someone.
who is chief officer of house of commons
the speaker. speaker is voted in by secret ballot and is neutral (although they are still an MP over a particular constituency
how often are MPs elected?
at least every 5 years by general election (but can be done earlier)
what is first past the post voting system?
candidates that gets the most votes is elected in the constituency
where does PM live (2)?
- 10 downing street in london.
2. country house outside london called Chequers
when can PM change?
when governing party decide to do so or after resignation
what is cabinet?
a committee made up of senior MPS that were appointed by PM. This include chancellor of exchequer, homes secretary, foreign secretary etc. decisions by cabinet is debated by parliament
what is the shadow cabinet?
put together by the opposition party leader. these shadow ministers role is to challenger the government and put forward alternative policies
how often is the PM questions?
weekly in parliament
what are the main politicial parties?
conservative, labour, liberal democrats, scottish national party, welsh equivalent, NI equivalent, independent
what are core values of civil service (4)?
integrity, honesty, objectivity, impartiality
whats purpose of devolved administration?
give power to give people in wales, scotland and northern ireland so they can take more control over matters that directly affect them. they can set their own policies on SOME matters without approval from uk parliament
what are some (4) areas does national assembly for wales (devolved administration) have power to make laws without the agreement of UK parliament?
21 in total. these 4 for example - education, health and social service, economic development and housing
what areas (5) does scottish parliament assembly have power to make laws without the agreement of UK parliament?
Civil and criminal law, health, education, planning, additional tax raising.
what areas (5) does northern ireland assembly have power to make decisions?
education, agriculture, environment, health, social services.
what is hansard?
proceedings in parliament published in official reports.
who can vote?
above 18, uk born or naturalised citizens, registered on electoral register via the council.
who can not stand for office (3)?
(1) members of public offie (2) civil servants (3) people found guilty of certain criminal offenses
where do nothern ireland member (MLA) meet?
Northern Ireland Assembly at Stormont, Belfast
where do scottish parliament (MSP) meet?
scottish parliament building at Holyrood Edinburgh
where do wales members (AMs) meet?
Welsh Assembly at Senedd, Cardiff Bay
how many member states are in the common wealth?
54 members
whats the purpose of the council of europe?
promotion and protection of human rights in the 47 member countries. hosts the european convention on human rights
what is the purpose of UN?
international organisations 190 countries, aims to prevent war and promote international peace and security
what is the UN security council?
group of 15 members that recommen actions when there are international crises and threats to peace
who investigates criminal law
police, council and are punishable by court
what is civil law used for?
to settle disputes between individuals and groups
whats job of the police?
protect life and property, prevent disturbance (keep the peace), prevent and detect crime
main terrorist threats (2)?
Al Qa’ida and Northern ireland related terrorism
who handles minor criminal cases?
Magistrates court (E, W NI) and justice of peace courts (scotland). run by volunteers, qualification not necessary (except NI when a paid district judge or deputy also listens to case)
who handles serious criminal offences?
Crown court or Sheriff/High court (scotland) which has a jury.
number of jurors in high court case?
12 in E, W, NI. 15 in scotland
who handles civil disputes?
country courts (EWNI) or Sheriff court (Scotland)
name some principles of the european convention on human rights (7)
- right to life
- prohibition of torture
- prohibition of slavery and forced labour
- right to liberty and security
- right to fair trial
- freedom of thought, conscience and religion
- freedom of expression
what is income tax used for?
gov’t services like roads, eductaion, police and armed forces
what is NIC used for?
to pay for state benefits, NHS and retirement pension
