Question 1: Explain the main roles of the UK Parliament. Include the functions of both the House of Commons and the House of Lords.

Answer: The UK Parliament makes laws, checks and challenges the work of the government, and represents the interests of the people. The House of Commons is made up of elected Members of Parliament (MPs) who debate and pass legislation. The House of Lords reviews, amends, and scrutinizes proposed laws, providing expertise and oversight.

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

Answer: A bill is proposed in either the House of Commons or the House of Lords. It is debated and may be amended. The bill must be approved by both houses. Then, it is sent to the monarch for royal assent. Once royal assent is given, the bill becomes law.

Question 3: Identify three key powers of the Prime Minister in the UK government.

Answer: The Prime Minister appoints government ministers, sets government policy and priorities, and represents the UK internationally.

Question 4: Draw a simple diagram illustrating the relationship between the executive, legislative, and judiciary branches of the UK government. Label each branch and include a brief description of its role.

Answer: A diagram divided into three sections: Executive (Prime Minister and Cabinet – implements laws), Legislature (Parliament – makes laws), Judiciary (courts – interprets laws). Each section should be clearly labeled with arrows showing their interactions.

Question 5: Explain the concept of 'separation of powers' and why it is important in the UK government.

Answer: Separation of powers means dividing government responsibilities among different branches to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful. It ensures accountability, fairness, and that each branch checks the others’ actions.

Question 6: What role does the Monarch play in the UK government today?

Answer: The Monarch’s role is mostly ceremonial, such as giving royal assent to bills, but they do not have a direct role in daily government decisions.

Question 7: Sketch a diagram showing the process of how a law is made from proposal to becoming law. Include at least four stages and brief descriptions.

Answer: A flowchart with stages: Proposal (bill introduced), Debate and scrutiny (both houses examine), Approval (both houses agree), Royal Assent (monarch approves), then the law is enacted.

Question 8: Describe how Members of Parliament (MPs) are elected in the UK. Mention the voting system used.

Answer: MPs are elected through general elections using the First Past the Post system. Voters choose one candidate in their local constituency, and the candidate with the most votes wins.

Question 9: Identify and explain one way the UK government is held accountable to the people.

Answer: One way is through parliamentary questions and debates, where MPs scrutinize government actions and policies, holding ministers accountable.