Introduction to Constitutional Institutions
In the UK, the government is made up of several important parts, called constitutional institutions. Each part has its own role and responsibilities. Let’s look at the main ones.
The Monarchy
The monarchy is the oldest institution in the UK. The monarch (currently King Charles III) is the head of state. The monarch’s role is mostly ceremonial. For example, the monarch opens Parliament and meets with leaders from other countries. However, the monarch does not make laws or run the government.
Parliament
Parliament is the UK’s main law-making body. It has two houses:
- House of Commons: This is where Members of Parliament (MPs) sit. They are elected by the public. The House of Commons is responsible for making and passing laws.
- House of Lords: This house is made up of appointed members, including life peers, bishops, and hereditary peers. They review and suggest changes to laws proposed by the House of Commons.
The Prime Minister
The Prime Minister is the head of government. They are usually the leader of the political party that has the most MPs in the House of Commons. The Prime Minister makes decisions about running the country and represents the UK in international matters.
The Cabinet
The Cabinet is made up of senior government ministers chosen by the Prime Minister. They head different government departments, like health or education. The Cabinet meets regularly to discuss important issues and make decisions.
The Judiciary (Courts)
The judiciary is responsible for interpreting laws and ensuring justice. Courts handle legal disputes and criminal cases. Judges are independent, meaning they make decisions based only on the law.
The Police
The police work to maintain law and order. They investigate crimes, enforce the law, and help keep communities safe. They operate at both local and national levels.
The Civil Service
The civil service is made up of professional, non-political staff who help the government run smoothly. They provide advice and support to ministers and ensure that government policies are carried out.
Local Government
Local government is responsible for services in specific areas, like schools, transport, and housing. Local councils are elected by residents and make decisions that affect their communities.
Devolved Governments
In addition to the UK Parliament, there are devolved governments in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. These governments have the power to make decisions about certain issues, such as education and health, but not all areas of law.
Questions for Understanding
Easy Level Questions
- Who is the head of state in the UK?
- A) Prime Minister
- B) Monarch
- C) Cabinet
- D) MP
- What does the House of Commons do?
- A) Reviews laws
- B) Makes laws
- C) Enforces laws
- D) Judges laws
- Who is the head of government?
- A) Monarch
- B) MP
- C) Prime Minister
- D) Judge
- What is the role of the police?
- A) Make laws
- B) Enforce laws
- C) Judge laws
- D) Execute laws
- Who advises the Prime Minister?
- A) The police
- B) The Cabinet
- C) The judiciary
- D) Local councils
- What is the role of the judiciary?
- A) Make laws
- B) Enforce laws
- C) Interpret laws
- D) Suggest laws
- What is the purpose of local government?
- A) Control the monarchy
- B) Manage local services
- C) Make national laws
- D) Appoint judges
- Where do MPs sit?
- A) House of Lords
- B) House of Commons
- C) The Cabinet
- D) Local councils
- Who can be a member of the House of Lords?
- A) Elected officials only
- B) Appointed members
- C) Judges
- D) Police officers
- What do devolved governments do?
- A) Make all UK laws
- B) Manage specific local issues
- C) Appoint the Prime Minister
- D) Control the monarchy
Medium Level Questions
- What type of members are in the Cabinet?
- A) Elected officials
- B) Appointed ministers
- C) Judges
- D) Police officers
- Which house of Parliament is elected by the public?
- A) House of Lords
- B) House of Commons
- C) The Cabinet
- D) The judiciary
- How does the Prime Minister make decisions?
- A) Alone
- B) With the support of the Cabinet
- C) With the police
- D) With the monarchy
- What is the main duty of the judiciary?
- A) To create laws
- B) To interpret and apply laws
- C) To enforce laws
- D) To suggest laws
- What is a life peer in the House of Lords?
- A) An elected member
- B) A member appointed for life
- C) A member who inherits their position
- D) A judge
- Which part of government deals with local services such as schools?
- A) The monarchy
- B) Local government
- C) The judiciary
- D) The Cabinet
- What does the civil service do?
- A) Enforce laws
- B) Run government departments
- C) Make laws
- D) Appoint MPs
- Where does the Prime Minister work?
- A) The House of Lords
- B) The House of Commons
- C) 10 Downing Street
- D) Local councils
- Which of the following is not part of the UK Parliament?
- A) House of Commons
- B) House of Lords
- C) The Cabinet
- D) The monarchy
- What area of law can devolved governments legislate on?
- A) National security
- B) Education
- C) Foreign affairs
- D) Immigration
Hard Level Questions
- What is the primary function of the House of Lords?
- A) To make laws
- B) To review and revise legislation
- C) To enforce laws
- D) To elect the Prime Minister
- How are members of the House of Lords appointed?
- A) By public vote
- B) By the Prime Minister
- C) By hereditary rights
- D) All of the above
- What does the Prime Minister’s Cabinet consist of?
- A) Elected MPs only
- B) Appointed ministers from both houses
- C) Judges and police officers
- D) Only members from the House of Commons
- How does the judiciary ensure fairness in the law?
- A) By interpreting laws independently
- B) By making laws
- C) By enforcing laws
- D) By advising the Prime Minister
- Which document outlines the powers of the devolved governments?
- A) The Constitution
- B) The Acts of Parliament
- C) The Magna Carta
- D) The Human Rights Act
- What is the role of the Local Councils?
- A) To govern the UK
- B) To manage local services and policies
- C) To appoint judges
- D) To revise national laws
- What is a key responsibility of the civil service?
- A) To create government policies
- B) To legislate on behalf of the public
- C) To provide support and advice to ministers
- D) To enforce local laws
- How does the Prime Minister represent the UK internationally?
- A) By meeting with foreign leaders and diplomats
- B) By making laws
- C) By enforcing laws
- D) By managing local councils
- Which of the following is true about the judiciary?
- A) It is elected by the public
- B) It is independent from the government
- C) It creates laws
- D) It is controlled by the Prime Minister
- What is the primary purpose of Parliament?
- A) To enforce laws
- B) To represent the people and make laws
- C) To manage local services
- D) To appoint the monarchy
Answers and Explanations
Easy Level Answers
- B) Monarch
- B) Makes laws
- C) Prime Minister
- B) Enforce laws
- B) The Cabinet
- C) Interpret laws
- B) Manage local services
- B) House of Commons
- B) Appointed members
- B) Manage specific local issues
Medium Level Answers
- B) Appointed ministers
- B) House of Commons
- B) With the support of the Cabinet
- B) To interpret and apply laws
- B) A member appointed for life
- B) Local government
- B) Run government departments
- C) 10 Downing Street
- C) The Cabinet
- B) Education
Hard Level Answers
- B) To review and revise legislation
- D) All of the above
- B) Appointed ministers from both houses
- A) By interpreting laws independently
- B) The Acts of Parliament
- B) To manage local services and policies
- C) To provide support and advice to ministers
- A) By meeting with foreign leaders and diplomats
- B) It is independent from the government
- B) To represent the people and make laws
