Question 1: Describe the main roles of the UK Parliament. Include the names of its two houses.

Answer: The UK Parliament is responsible for making laws, scrutinising the government, and representing the people. It consists of two houses: the House of Commons and the House of Lords.

Question 2: Explain the process by which a bill becomes law in the UK Parliament.

Answer: A bill is proposed and goes through several stages in both houses, including readings, committee stage, and debates. It must be approved by both houses and receive Royal Assent from the Monarch to become law.

Question 3: Identify the main responsibilities of the Prime Minister in the UK government.

Answer: The Prime Minister leads the government, makes policy decisions, represents the UK internationally, and oversees the work of government ministers.

Question 4: Write a brief explanation of what the Cabinet is and its role in the UK government.

Answer: The Cabinet is a group of senior government ministers chosen by the Prime Minister. It helps develop policies and makes important decisions about government actions.

Question 5: Draw a simple diagram showing the relationship between the Prime Minister, Cabinet, and Parliament. Label each component clearly.

Answer: [Model answer: A diagram with the Prime Minister at the top, connected to the Cabinet below, and Parliament encompassing both, illustrating the hierarchy and relationships.]

Question 6: What is the role of local councils within the UK political system?

Answer: Local councils manage local services such as education, waste collection, and transportation. They make decisions that directly affect local communities.

Question 7: Identify two ways in which citizens can participate in UK politics.

Answer: Citizens can participate by voting in elections and referendums, and by joining political parties or campaigning for issues they care about.

Question 8: Explain the concept of 'checks and balances' in the context of the UK government.

Answer: Checks and balances refer to the mechanisms that prevent any one branch of government from becoming too powerful, such as parliamentary scrutiny of the executive and judicial review.

Question 9: Describe the difference between devolved and reserved powers in the UK.

Answer: Devolved powers are those transferred to regional governments like Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, such as education and health. Reserved powers are retained by the UK Parliament, like defence and foreign policy.

Question 10: Sketch a flowchart illustrating how a government bill moves through the legislative process in Parliament.

Answer: [Model answer: A flowchart starting with 'Bill proposal', then 'First reading', 'Committee stage', 'Second reading', 'Report stage', 'Third reading', 'Both Houses approve', and 'Royal Assent', with arrows connecting these steps.]