Fast Stream Public Service Knowledge 2

Question 1

The Salisbury Convention (also known as the Salisbury-Addison Convention) establishes which principle?

Accepted Answer

The House of Lords will not vote against legislation implementing a manifesto commitment at Second Reading

Answer

The Prime Minister must hold a general election every five years

Answer

The monarch must give Royal Assent to all Bills passed by Parliament

Answer

Select committees must have members from all parties

Question 2

Which body is responsible for regulating the standards and conduct of civil servants in the UK?

Accepted Answer

The Civil Service Commission

Answer

The Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO)

Answer

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)

Answer

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS)

Question 3

What does the term 'purdah' (now officially called the 'pre-election period') mean in the context of UK government?

Accepted Answer

A period before elections during which government activity and communications are restricted to avoid influencing the outcome

Answer

The period when Parliament is dissolved for summer recess

Answer

The time allocated for Prime Minister's Questions

Answer

The period after an election before a new government is formed

Question 4

The Sewel Convention (now referenced in legislation) concerns the relationship between Westminster and the devolved legislatures. What does it state?

Accepted Answer

Westminster will not normally legislate on devolved matters without the consent of the relevant devolved legislature

Answer

Devolved parliaments can override UK-wide legislation at any time

Answer

Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland must hold referendums before passing any legislation

Answer

The Prime Minister must consult the First Ministers before calling a general election

Question 5

Which of the following correctly describes the role of the Privy Council in modern UK governance?

Accepted 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

Answer

It is the primary legislative body of the United Kingdom

Answer

It manages the day-to-day operations of government departments

Answer

It is responsible for conducting the national census

Question 6

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?

Accepted Answer

Abolition of the monarchy's role in the judicial system

Answer

Creation of the UK Supreme Court to replace the Law Lords

Answer

Establishment of the Judicial Appointments Commission

Answer

Reform of the role of the Lord Chancellor to separate judicial and political functions