British Politics Quiz

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What’s in the British Politics Quiz?

The fascinating world of British political history and parliamentary democracy, covering:

  • The structure and functions of Parliament
  • Historical developments in British democracy
  • Parliamentary traditions and procedures
  • Key political offices and their roles

From the grandeur of the State Opening to the weekly spectacle of Prime Minister’s Questions, British politics is steeped in centuries-old traditions that somehow function in our modern world. Did you know that MPs are still prohibited from wearing armour in Parliament? This rather unusual law dates back to 1313 and is still technically in force!

British Politics Quiz

The Houses of Parliament have witnessed everything from Guy Fawkes’ failed Gunpowder Plot to Winston Churchill’s stirring wartime speeches. Even today, the Commons doorkeeper still ceremonially slams the door in Black Rod’s face during the State Opening – a tradition marking Parliament’s independence from the Monarchy. From the perfectly reasonable to the peculiarly British, this quiz will test your knowledge of a political system that has influenced democracies worldwide. Curious about what lies ahead? Press Start Quiz to begin your journey through the corridors of British political power. Just remember – no sitting on the benches in the House of Commons, they’re only for elected MPs! Check out the questions and answers before you start for a boost by pressing Preview Quiz Content.

Preview Quiz Content

This section contains all of the questions that could be a part of this quiz. The quiz will choose 15 random questions from the pool below. If you've found this section feel free to take a look but to start the quiz you should press "Start Quiz". You may also be thinking that some information is missing for some of the below questions and you'd be right! The answers listed below only contain answers that appear in the quiz, so as a hypothetical example, if a question asks about which MP insisted on keeping their pet hedgehog in their office and 4 options are given in the question, only the correct answer will appear in the below information. This is because this supplemental information is about the quiz itself and not intended as a comprehensive list. We hope you found the quiz to be entertaining and informative. If you haven't taken it yet, Good Luck!

Q1: Which position is considered the Head of Government in the United Kingdom?

A1: Prime Minister

Q2: How many constituent countries make up the United Kingdom?

A2: Four

Q3: Match each parliamentary chamber with its primary role.

A3: House of Commons - Initiates legislation, House of Lords - Reviews legislation, Cabinet - Executes policy

Q4: What is the minimum voting age for general elections in the UK?

A4: 18

Q5: Which of the following are devolved powers in the United Kingdom?

A5: Education, Health, Housing

Q6: What is the maximum period between general elections in the UK?

A6: 5 years

Q7: Which document established the principle of parliamentary democracy in England?

A7: Magna Carta

Q8: What is the official residence of the UK Prime Minister?

A8: 10 Downing Street

Q9: Which of the following are Great Offices of State in the UK?

A9: Chancellor of the Exchequer, Home Secretary, Foreign Secretary

Q10: How many MPs are there in the House of Commons?

A10: 650

Q11: Match each political term with its correct definition.

A11: Whip - Enforces party discipline, Backbencher - Regular MP without office, Shadow Minister - Opposition counterpart

Q12: What is the term for when Parliament is temporarily suspended?

A12: Prorogation

Q13: What majority is typically needed to pass legislation in the House of Commons?

A13: Simple majority

Q14: Which colour traditionally represents the Speaker's seat in the House of Commons?

A14: Green

Q15: Which parliamentary session traditionally begins with the Queen's/King's Speech?

A15: State Opening of Parliament

Q16: How often is Prime Minister's Questions held when Parliament is in session?

A16: Weekly

Q17: Which of the following are types of Parliamentary Bills?

A17: Public Bills, Private Bills, Private Members' Bills

Q18: What is the name of the ceremonial staff that represents royal authority in Parliament?

A18: Black Rod

Q19: Match each parliamentary term with its meaning.

A19: Hansard - Official record, Division - Parliamentary vote, Lobby - Voting corridor

Q20: What is the minimum age requirement to become an MP in the UK?

A20: 18

Q21: Which document outlines the rules and customs of the House of Commons?

A21: Erskine May