Life in the UK Test Chapter 5 Key Facts

Democracy and the constitution

The UK is a parliamentary democracy with a constitutional monarchy.
The British constitution is not contained in one written document. It is formed from laws, conventions, institutions and established practices.
Important constitutional institutions include the monarchy, Parliament, the Prime Minister and Cabinet, the judiciary, the police, the civil service, devolved governments and local government.
The monarch is the head of state but does not govern. Political decisions are made by the elected government.
The monarch appoints as Prime Minister the person most able to command the confidence of the House of Commons.
King Charles III became sovereign in 2022. The heir apparent named in the supplied ebook is William, Prince of Wales.
The national anthem is God Save the King.
Parliament consists of the House of Commons and the House of Lords, together with the monarch’s formal role.
Members of Parliament are elected to represent constituencies in the House of Commons.
The House of Lords includes life peers, some hereditary peers and Church of England bishops; it scrutinises and revises legislation.
The Speaker chairs debates in the House of Commons and must remain politically neutral while serving as Speaker.
General elections normally determine which party or coalition forms the government.
Citizens can contact their MP, members of devolved legislatures and local councillors about matters that concern them.

Rights, equality and responsibilities

Fundamental rights include the right to life, liberty and security, a fair trial, freedom of thought, belief and expression, and protection against discrimination.
UK law protects equal opportunities and prohibits unfair discrimination.
Domestic violence is a serious crime. A spouse or partner can be prosecuted for rape.
Female genital mutilation and taking someone abroad for FGM are criminal offences.
Forced marriage is illegal and is different from an arranged marriage, in which both parties consent.

Tax and driving

Income tax is paid on income above the relevant personal allowance; employers normally deduct it through PAYE.
National Insurance contributions help fund state benefits, pensions and the NHS.
Most people receive a National Insurance number around age 16 or apply for one when needed.
Drivers must have a valid licence and appropriate insurance, pay any required vehicle tax, and obtain an MOT certificate when their vehicle is old enough to require one.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, using a hand-held mobile phone while driving and failing to wear required seat belts are offences.
Drivers aged 70 or over must renew their driving licence at regular intervals.

Law, police and courts

Criminal law covers offences against the state or society, such as assault, theft, drug dealing, racial crime and smoking where it is prohibited.
Civil law covers disputes between individuals or organisations, including debt, contracts, property, injury and family matters.
The police protect life and property, prevent disturbances, prevent and detect crime, and help prosecute offenders.
Anyone can complain about police conduct through the relevant procedure.
Terrorism and extremism threaten public safety and British democratic values; suspicious activity should be reported to the police.
Judges form the judiciary. They interpret the law and must be independent of government.
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, most minor criminal cases are heard in Magistrates’ Courts. In Scotland they are heard in Justice of the Peace Courts.
Serious cases are heard in Crown Courts in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and in Sheriff or High Courts in Scotland.
Juries have 12 members in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and 15 members in Scotland.
Scotland permits a third verdict, not proven, in addition to guilty and not guilty.
Youth Courts normally hear cases involving accused people aged 10 to 17 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
County Courts handle many civil disputes in England, Wales and Northern Ireland; Sheriff Courts perform a similar role in Scotland.
The small claims procedure provides a simpler way to resolve lower-value civil disputes.
Solicitors provide legal advice and representation; barristers and advocates specialise in courtroom representation in the relevant jurisdictions.

Government and devolution

The Prime Minister leads the government and appoints senior ministers to the cabinet.
The cabinet makes major policy decisions; ministers are responsible for government departments.
The largest party not in government forms the official opposition and scrutinises the government.
The civil service is politically neutral and supports the government in carrying out policy.
Local councils provide services such as education, housing, planning, social services, waste collection and local amenities, although responsibilities vary.
Powers have been devolved to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The Scottish Parliament, the Senedd and the Northern Ireland Assembly make decisions in devolved policy areas.
The UK government retains reserved powers such as defence and foreign affairs.
The media reports on government and politics. Broadcast coverage of political parties must follow impartiality rules.

Voting and public office

Eligible voters must be listed on the electoral register.
The secret ballot protects the privacy of each person’s vote.
British citizens, qualifying Commonwealth citizens and Irish citizens may vote in UK parliamentary elections if they meet the relevant requirements.
Rules for local and devolved elections may differ, so eligibility should be checked using current official information.
People can stand for elected office if they satisfy the legal requirements.
The public can visit the UK Parliament and the devolved legislatures, and can observe many debates from public galleries.

International institutions

The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of countries, many of which were formerly part of the British Empire.
The monarch is the ceremonial head of the Commonwealth; member countries govern themselves and membership can be suspended.
The supplied ebook covers the UK’s former EU membership, the 2016 referendum and the UK’s formal departure from the EU on 31 January 2020.
The Council of Europe is separate from the European Union and promotes human rights, democracy and the rule of law.
The European Convention on Human Rights protects fundamental rights; the UK helped establish the Council of Europe.
The United Nations was founded after the Second World War. The UK is one of five permanent members of the UN Security Council.
NATO is a defence alliance of European and North American countries. Its full name is the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

Your role in the community

Good citizens respect neighbours, care for their area, obey the law and contribute to community life.
Jury service is a civic responsibility for people who are summoned and eligible.
People can support schools as governors or school-board members. These roles help set strategy, ensure accountability and monitor performance.
Joining or helping a political party is one way to participate in democracy. Election campaigning can include canvassing.
People may volunteer with hospitals, youth projects, museums, housing associations, the police, courts and local services.
Blood donation helps patients with injuries and illnesses; organ donation can save or improve lives. A living person can donate a kidney.
Volunteering means working for a good cause without payment. It can build skills, improve English, strengthen a CV and help the community.
Examples include helping animals, young people, people experiencing homelessness, older people, hospitals, former prisoners and environmental projects.
Charities named in the ebook include Age UK, the NSPCC, Crisis, Shelter, Cancer Research UK, the National Trust, Friends of the Earth, the British Red Cross and the PDSA.
Environmental responsibility includes reducing waste, recycling, saving energy and water, avoiding litter and helping protect public spaces.