Public Service Knowledge Flashcards
6 cards from real FAST STREAM practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Public Service Knowledge flashcards as text
The Salisbury Convention (also known as the Salisbury-Addison Convention) establishes which principle?
Answer: The House of Lords will not vote against legislation implementing a manifesto commitment at Second Reading
The Salisbury Convention (1945) holds that the House of Lords should not reject at Second Reading any government legislation that fulfils a manifesto commitment. This convention recognises the democratic mandate of an elected government, though as a convention it is not legally binding.
Which body is responsible for regulating the standards and conduct of civil servants in the UK?
Answer: The Civil Service Commission
The Civil Service Commission is the independent body that regulates Civil Service appointments to uphold the merit principle. It also hears complaints under the Civil Service Code and provides assurance that recruitment is fair and open. It was established on a statutory basis by the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010.
What does the term 'purdah' (now officially called the 'pre-election period') mean in the context of UK government?
Answer: A period before elections during which government activity and communications are restricted to avoid influencing the outcome
The pre-election period (traditionally called 'purdah') begins when Parliament is dissolved or an election is announced. During this time, government departments must restrict their communications and avoid making major policy announcements or decisions that could be seen as influencing the election. Civil servants must be particularly cautious about impartiality.
The Sewel Convention (now referenced in legislation) concerns the relationship between Westminster and the devolved legislatures. What does it state?
Answer: Westminster will not normally legislate on devolved matters without the consent of the relevant devolved legislature
The Sewel Convention (1998) establishes that Westminster will 'not normally' legislate on devolved matters without the consent of the relevant devolved parliament or assembly, expressed through a Legislative Consent Motion. While referenced in the Scotland Act 2016, the Supreme Court ruled in the Miller case that it remains a political convention, not a legally enforceable rule.
Which of the following correctly describes the role of the Privy Council in modern UK governance?
Answer: It is a formal body that advises the sovereign, and in practice its Judicial Committee formerly served as the final court of appeal for some Commonwealth countries
The Privy Council is a formal advisory body to the sovereign. While largely ceremonial today, it has practical functions including approving Orders in Council. Its Judicial Committee historically served as the final court of appeal for Commonwealth nations. Senior politicians are appointed as Privy Counsellors, granting them the title 'Right Honourable.'
The Constitutional Reform Act 2005 brought about significant changes to the UK judiciary. Which of the following was NOT a change introduced by this Act?
Answer: Abolition of the monarchy's role in the judicial system
The Act created the Supreme Court (replacing the Appellate Committee of the House of Lords), established the independent Judicial Appointments Commission, and reformed the Lord Chancellor's role to ensure greater separation of powers. It did not abolish the monarchy's role — the sovereign remains the formal source of judicial authority.