Politics

• What are early day motions (EDMs)?

  A way for MPs to bring attention to issues
• What is the primary responsibility of central government?

  National strategy including health and education
• Who heads the central government?

  The Prime Minister
• How does central government raise money?

  Through taxes levied on individuals and businesses
• How is the government held accountable?

  Through parliament elected by the public
• What forms the government?

  Party with majority or most MPs
• What is the responsibility of local government?

  Delivery of services like education and policing
• Who heads local government?

  Council leaders and directly elected mayors
• How is local government held accountable?

  Through elections
• What percentage of public spending does local government account for?

  About a quarter
• What are councils responsible for?

  Transport, housing, social services, and planning
• What do district/borough councils manage?

  Rubbish collection and council tax collections
• What are counties responsible for?

  Education, transport, and social care
• What is a two-tier authority in local government?

  County and city councils with split responsibilities
• What do unitary authorities manage?

  All or most local services
• How can we know what MPs are doing?

  Through their websites and voting records
• What triggers a general election?

  Must be held within 5 years of the last
• Who has the prerogative power to dissolve parliament?

  The King on advice of the PM
• How many members are in the House of Commons?

  650 members
• Who can stand for election?

  British citizens at least 18 years old
• Who cannot stand for election?

  Anyone guilty of election fraud in last 10 years
• Who can vote in UK elections?

  UK citizens aged 18 and over
• Who cannot vote in UK elections?

  People detained in prison
• What is a Green Paper?

  A consultation document before a bill
• What is a White Paper?

  A draft bill based on consultation
• What is the process for a bill in Parliament?

  Passes through readings and stages in both houses
• What is royal assent?

  The King's approval for a new law
• What is the difference between the House of Commons and the House of Lords?

  Commons are elected; Lords are not
• What is the role of the Speaker in Parliament?

  Chairs debates and keeps order
• What is the role of the House of Lords?

  Acts as a check on government policy
• How many members are in the House of Lords?

  About 800 unelected peers
• What is the role of backbench MPs?

  Scrutinise government and represent constituents
• What is the significance of the King in UK politics?

  Head of state, above politics
• What are royal prerogative powers?

  Powers exercised by the PM on behalf of the King
• What is the Crown Estate?

  Manages property holdings of the monarch
• What is the Privy Purse?

  Private income of the monarch from Duchy of Lancaster
• What does the Freedom of Information Act 2000 allow?

  Individuals to request information from public authorities
• What was the impact of the Freedom of Information Act?

  Increased transparency of MPs' expenses
• What are the main responsibilities of central government?

  • National strategy
  • Health
  • Welfare
  • Economy
  • Police and security
  • Education
  • Defence
• What are the main responsibilities of local government?

  • Delivery of local services
  • Education
  • Social services
  • Libraries
  • Policing
  • Crime reduction
  • Planning