UK Government & Politics Flashcards

What is the role of the Prime Minister in the UK?

Answer: Head of government who leads the executive branch and sets government policy

The Prime Minister is the head of government in the UK, leading the Cabinet, setting government policy, and representing the government in Parliament.

How many Members of Parliament (MPs) sit in the House of Commons?

Answer: 650

The House of Commons has 650 Members of Parliament, each representing a constituency (geographic area) in the United Kingdom.

What is the House of Lords and how are its members selected?

Answer: The upper chamber of Parliament, with members appointed or inheriting titles

The House of Lords is the upper chamber of the UK Parliament. Members include life peers (appointed), hereditary peers (inherited), and bishops of the Church of England.

What is devolution in the context of UK government?

Answer: The transfer of certain powers from Westminster to Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland

Devolution is the transfer of specific powers from the UK Parliament at Westminster to the Scottish Parliament, Welsh Senedd, and Northern Ireland Assembly.

What is the minimum voting age in UK general elections?

Answer: 18 years old

The minimum voting age for UK general elections is 18 years old. However, in Scottish Parliament and Welsh Senedd elections, 16- and 17-year-olds can vote.

What does the term 'constitutional monarchy' mean in the UK context?

Answer: The monarch is head of state but their powers are limited by law and convention

In a constitutional monarchy, the monarch serves as head of state but their powers are defined and limited by constitutional conventions and laws, with real political power resting with elected officials.