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Politics UK Trivia Quiz

A variety of questions about the workings of the political system in the UK.

A multiple-choice quiz by fmcculloch. Estimated time: 3 mins.

Author
fmcculloch

Time
3 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
65,830

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Easy

Avg Score
8 / 10

Plays
3775

Last 3 plays: 4228 (10/10), Guest 14 (3/10), Guest 66 (5/10).

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. Which of the following was able to choose the date of the general election before the Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011? Hint

The electorate

The prime minister

The Duke of Edinburgh

The Lord Chancellor

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Question 2 of 10

2. Under the Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011, how often does a general election have to be held in the UK? Hint

Every 4 years

Every 5 years

At least once every 3 years

Every 2 years

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Question 3 of 10

3. In the UK you can vote in a General Election when you are 16 years old.

True

False

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Question 4 of 10

4. If you are eligible to vote, your name will appear on the electoral register in your area. Where can you find copies of this register? Hint

Local authority offices

Most large pubs

Supermarkets

Schools and colleges

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Question 5 of 10

5. In the UK, what is the official name given to the place where people go to vote? Hint

Polling station

The hustings

Voting station

Primary school

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Question 6 of 10

6. The electoral system used for general elections requires voters to put a _____ next to the candidate of their choice. What word is missing? Hint

Cross

Tick

Number

Star

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Question 7 of 10

7. Which of the following are British political parties? Hint

The Liberal Democrats

All of these

The Scottish National Party

The Green Party

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Question 8 of 10

8. What do the initials M.P. stand for in UK politics?

Answer: (Three Words (singular) - the second word is 'of')

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Question 9 of 10

9. Do MPs work in the House of Commons or the House of Lords?

Answer: (One Word - Commons or Lords)

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Question 10 of 10

10. What name is given to the Ministers in the Scottish Parliament? Hint

The Scottish Department

The Tartan Army

The Scottish Office

The Scottish Government

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Most Recent Scores

Apr 14 2024 : 4228: 10/10
Apr 14 2024 : Guest 14: 3/10
Apr 12 2024 : Guest 66: 5/10
Mar 27 2024 : dellastreet: 10/10
Mar 11 2024 : Guest 172: 8/10
Mar 11 2024 : Guest 116: 6/10
Mar 07 2024 : Guest 208: 0/10
Mar 04 2024 : Guest 195: 9/10
Mar 03 2024 : Guest 35: 8/10

Score Distribution

Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. Which of the following was able to choose the date of the general election before the Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011?

Answer: The prime minister

British general elections were usually held in the spring, or early summer, in a hope that there might be good weather. When the prime minister decided on a date for the election, he had to get permission from the Queen to dissolve Parliament. The political parties had about 4 weeks in which to campaign.

2. Under the Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011, how often does a general election have to be held in the UK?

Answer: Every 5 years

The Act states that a general election should be held on the first Thursday in May, every five years. However, the legislation does allow for this to be overridden in certain circumstances - e.g. the passing of a motion of no confidence in the Government.

3. In the UK you can vote in a General Election when you are 16 years old.

Answer: False

You cannot vote in a UK general election until you are 18 years old.

4. If you are eligible to vote, your name will appear on the electoral register in your area. Where can you find copies of this register?

Answer: Local authority offices

The local electoral register used also to be available at (larger) post offices and public libraries.

5. In the UK, what is the official name given to the place where people go to vote?

Answer: Polling station

Primary schools, community centres and town halls are often used as polling stations. The term 'hustings' was used in the days before the ballot was made secret (in 1868).

6. The electoral system used for general elections requires voters to put a _____ next to the candidate of their choice. What word is missing?

Answer: Cross

If you put anything other than a cross, your vote might not be valid. The candidate in the constituency who gets the most votes becomes the MP, even if he or she only won by one vote.

7. Which of the following are British political parties?

Answer: All of these

In January 2002, the two biggest Parties were the Labour Party and the Conservative Party. The Green Party did not have any representatives in the House of Commons.

8. What do the initials M.P. stand for in UK politics?

Answer: Member of Parliament

Members of the House of Lords, though technically also members of parliament, are not normally referred to as such and certainly don't use the letters MP after their names. The abbreviation is reserved for elected members - that is, members of the House of Commons.

9. Do MPs work in the House of Commons or the House of Lords?

Answer: Commons

Members of the House of Lords, in January 2002, were composed of Hereditary Peers, Life Peers and Bishops. Hereditary Peers inherit their title, and since 2000 most of them have lost their right to sit in the House of Lords. Life Peers are appointed by the Queen, on the advice of the Prime Minister and retain their peerage till their death.

10. What name is given to the Ministers in the Scottish Parliament?

Answer: The Scottish Government

The Scottish Parliament deals with issues specific to Scotland, like education, housing and transport.

Source: Author fmcculloch

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor stedman before going online.
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