How laws are actually made, and who does what. The number of MPs, the role of the Speaker and the difference between the two houses are the parts to know best.
From chapter 5 of the handbook: The UK government, the law and your role
650 MPs in the Commons, about 20 senior ministers in the cabinet.
The Speaker is an MP too, but stays neutral while chairing debates.
Our summary, in our own words. The test can ask about anything in the chapter, so read the official handbook too.
All 15 of our questions on this topic. Say your answer before you open it: trying to answer first helps you remember it.
What are the two houses of parliament?
Parliament has two houses: the House of Commons, whose members are elected, and the House of Lords, whose members are not.
How many members of parliament are there?
There are 650 MPs, each representing a constituency.
What does each MP represent?
Each of the 650 MPs represents a constituency.
How do people become members of the House of Lords?
Members of the Lords are not elected. They are usually appointed by the monarch on the prime minister's advice.
Since 1999, membership of the House of Lords automatically passes from one generation to the next.
Since 1999 membership has no longer passed automatically down the generations.
What can the House of Lords do with a proposed law?
The Lords can suggest amendments and ask the Commons to reconsider, but the Commons has the final say.
What does the Speaker of the House of Commons do?
The Speaker chairs debates, keeps order, and is politically neutral.
How is the Speaker chosen?
The Speaker is an MP, elected by fellow MPs in a secret ballot.
Roughly how many senior ministers does the prime minister appoint to the cabinet?
The prime minister appoints about 20 senior ministers to the cabinet.
Which minister is responsible for the economy?
The Chancellor of the Exchequer runs the economy. The Home Secretary handles crime, policing and immigration.
Which minister is responsible for crime, policing and immigration?
The Home Secretary is responsible for crime, policing and immigration.
Which party forms the opposition?
The second largest party in the Commons forms the opposition, led by the Leader of the Opposition.
What is the role of the opposition?
The opposition holds the government to account and forms a shadow cabinet.
What is true of civil servants?
Civil servants are politically neutral and chosen on merit to carry out government policy.
Where are the proceedings of parliament published?
Proceedings are published in Hansard and broadcast, so the public can follow what parliament does.
Chapter 5 practice test: Parliament and government · 15 questions · 28 minutes if you take it timed