Question 1: Describe the main functions of the UK Parliament and explain how it influences laws in the UK.

Answer: The UK Parliament is responsible for making and passing laws, scrutinising the government, and representing the interests of citizens. It influences laws by debating proposed legislation, amending bills, and approving or rejecting new laws.

Question 2: Identify and explain the roles of the two houses of the UK Parliament.

Answer: The UK Parliament consists of the House of Commons and the House of Lords. The House of Commons is made up of Members of Parliament (MPs) elected by the public and debates proposed laws. The House of Lords is made up of appointed members who review, amend, and scrutinise legislation passed by the Commons.

Question 3: Explain the difference between an MP and a Member of the House of Lords.

Answer: An MP (Member of Parliament) is elected by the public to represent a constituency in the House of Commons. A Member of the House of Lords is appointed or inherits their position and reviews legislation, but is not elected.

Question 4: Describe the role of the Prime Minister in the UK government.

Answer: The Prime Minister is the head of the UK government, responsible for leading the Cabinet, making policy decisions, representing the country internationally, and overseeing the implementation of laws and government activities.

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

Answer: A correct sketch would show the Monarch as the ceremonial head of state, Parliament as the legislative body (comprising the House of Commons and the House of Lords), and the Prime Minister as the head of the government. The diagram should indicate that the Monarch's role is largely ceremonial, with Parliament and the Prime Minister holding legislative and executive powers respectively.

Question 6: Explain how the UK government checks and balances its own power.

Answer: The UK government checks and balances itself through parliamentary scrutiny, judicial review by courts, and the electoral process. Parliament can scrutinise government decisions, courts can review laws for legality, and elections allow citizens to choose their representatives.

Question 7: Identify three ways citizens can participate in the political process in the UK.

Answer: Citizens can participate by voting in general elections, joining political parties or campaigns, and contacting their elected representatives to express opinions or concerns.

Question 8: Describe the process by which a bill becomes law in the UK Parliament.

Answer: First, a bill is proposed and debated in the House of Commons. It is then scrutinised and may be amended. The bill then moves to the House of Lords for further review. If both Houses agree on the final version, it is sent to the Monarch for Royal Assent, after which it becomes law.

Question 9: Sketch a diagram illustrating the separation of powers in the UK government, including the executive, legislative, and judiciary. Label each part clearly.

Answer: A correct sketch would show three separate boxes or sections: one labeled 'Executive' containing the Prime Minister and Cabinet, one labeled 'Legislative' showing Parliament (Commons and Lords), and one labeled 'Judiciary' representing the courts. Lines or arrows should indicate independence and separation between these branches.