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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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

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.

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

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.'

Fast Stream Practice Test

Fast Stream Practice Test

Fast Stream Public Service Knowledge 2