The UK Constitution: A Comprehensive Guide for Sixth Form Students

Question 1

Who serves as the Head of State in the UK?

Accepted Answer

The Monarch

Answer

The Prime Minister

Answer

The Lord Chancellor

Answer

The Speaker of the House of Commons

Question 2

Which feature characterizes the UK's electoral system?

Accepted Answer

First-past-the-post

Answer

Proportional representation

Answer

Single transferable vote

Answer

Alternative vote

Question 3

What is the primary role of the monarchy in the UK constitution?

Accepted Answer

Head of state and commander-in-chief

Answer

Source of all executive power

Answer

Highest court in the land

Answer

Can veto any law passed by Parliament

Question 4

What is the doctrine of parliamentary sovereignty?

Accepted Answer

Parliament can make or unmake any law it wishes

Answer

Parliament is the highest court in the land

Answer

The Prime Minister is the head of Parliament

Answer

The Queen has the power to dismiss Parliament at any time

Question 5

Which of the following actions does not fall within the remit of Parliament?

Accepted Answer

Appointing government ministers

Answer

Enacting legislation

Answer

Scrutinizing government actions

Answer

Declaring war

Question 6

What is the primary function of constitutional conventions in the UK?

Accepted Answer

They guide political behavior and practices

Answer

They serve as legally enforceable rules

Answer

They are subject to interpretation and enforcement by the courts

Answer

They are codified in a single constitutional document

Question 7

What is the fundamental distinction between a statute and a common law rule?

Accepted Answer

Statutes are enacted by Parliament, whereas common law rules are developed by judges

Answer

Common law rules hold greater legal weight than statutes

Answer

Statutes are always documented in writing, while common law rules are not

Answer

There is no meaningful distinction between a statute and a common law rule

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT a function of the monarchy in the UK constitutional system?

Accepted Answer

Sole source of executive power

Answer

Head of state

Answer

Symbol of national unity

Answer

Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces

Question 9

Which branch of the UK Parliament is primarily responsible for making laws?

Accepted Answer

House of Commons

Answer

House of Lords

Answer

Privy Council

Answer

Supreme Court

Question 10

What does the principle of 'parliamentary sovereignty' primarily entail?

Accepted Answer

Parliament has the authority to create or abolish any law

Answer

No other institution can overrule laws enacted by Parliament

Answer

Parliamentary elections are held every five years

Answer

The judiciary has the power to strike down laws it deems unconstitutional

Question 11

Which court serves as the highest judicial body in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Supreme Court of the United Kingdom

Answer

High Court of Justice

Answer

Crown Court

Answer

Court of Appeal

Question 12

Which of the following is a potential advantage of an unwritten constitution?

Accepted Answer

Greater flexibility in adapting to changing circumstances

Answer

Increased efficiency in government decision-making

Answer

Enhanced protection of individual rights

Answer

Assurance that the constitution is always up-to-date

Question 13

Which criticism of the UK constitutional system highlights its complexity and potential inaccessibility?

Accepted Answer

It is excessively complex and challenging to understand

Answer

It is outdated and no longer relevant to modern society

Answer

It is overly influenced by the role of the monarchy

Answer

It fails to adequately safeguard individual rights and freedoms

Question 14

How do conventions influence the practical operation of the UK constitution?

Accepted Answer

Conventions are unwritten guidelines that shape how the government functions.

Answer

Conventions are legally enforceable rules that govern government actions.

Answer

Conventions apply solely to the monarchy and not to other government bodies.

Answer

Conventions can be easily altered by the government.

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT a power of the Monarch in the UK constitutional monarchy?

Accepted Answer

Making laws

Answer

Appointing the Prime Minister

Answer

Dissolving Parliament

Answer

Commanding the armed forces

Question 16

What is the primary role of the judiciary in the UK constitution?

Accepted Answer

To interpret and enforce the law

Answer

To make new laws

Answer

To oversee the government

Question 17

Which of the following courts is the highest court in the UK?

Accepted Answer

The Supreme Court

Answer

The Court of Appeal

Answer

The High Court

Question 18

What was the main purpose of the Bill of Rights (1689)?

Accepted Answer

To limit the powers of the Monarch

Answer

To establish Parliament's supremacy

Answer

To protect individual rights

Answer

To codify the UK constitution

Question 19

Which of the following is a characteristic of the UK's unwritten constitution?

Accepted Answer

It is flexible and adaptable

Answer

It is codified in a single document

Answer

It is subject to judicial review

Answer

It is easily amendable

Question 20

What is the primary role of the Prime Minister in the UK constitution?

Accepted Answer

To lead the government

Answer

To appoint the Monarch

Answer

To dissolve Parliament

Answer

To make laws

Question 21

Which of the following is a key feature of parliamentary sovereignty in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Parliament can make or unmake any law

Answer

Parliament is subject to judicial review

Answer

Parliament cannot delegate its powers

Answer

Parliament is subordinate to the Monarch

Question 22

What is the main responsibility of the House of Commons in the UK Parliament?

Accepted Answer

To pass legislation

Answer

To scrutinise government policies

Answer

To appoint the Prime Minister

Answer

To interpret the law

Question 23

Which of the following is **not** a component of the UK constitution?

Accepted Answer

Codified Document

Answer

Common Law

Answer

Statutes

Answer

Royal Prerogative

Question 24

Which branch of the UK government is responsible for making laws?

Accepted Answer

Legislature

Answer

Executive

Answer

Judiciary

Answer

Monarchy

Question 25

The 'Great Repeal Act' of 2018 primarily aimed to:

Accepted Answer

End the UK's membership of the EU

Answer

Abolish the House of Lords

Answer

Establish a new Supreme Court

Answer

Introduce a written constitution

Question 26

Which of the following is a **key** principle of UK constitutional law?

Accepted Answer

Parliamentary Sovereignty

Answer

Rule of Law

Answer

Judicial Supremacy

Answer

Separation of Powers

Question 27

Which of the following is **not** a function of Parliament?

Accepted Answer

Interpreting the constitution

Answer

Making laws

Answer

Approving government spending

Answer

Selecting the Prime Minister

Question 28

The 'Royal Assent' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The monarch's approval of a new law

Answer

The Prime Minister's agreement to dissolve Parliament

Answer

A formal statement by the Speaker of the House of Commons

Answer

A legal document that establishes a new government

Question 29

A key characteristic of the UK's unwritten constitution is its:

Accepted Answer

Flexibility

Answer

Clarity

Answer

Rigidity

Answer

Stability

Question 30

The principle of 'Parliamentary Sovereignty' in the UK means that:

Accepted Answer

Parliament can make any law it wants

Answer

The government is subject to the law

Answer

The monarch retains ultimate power

Answer

The judiciary has the final say on constitutional matters

Question 31

Which of the following is NOT a component of the UK judiciary?

Accepted Answer

European Court of Justice

Answer

High Court

Answer

Supreme Court

Answer

Court of Appeal

Question 32

In the context of the UK constitution, what is the primary function of the monarchy?

Accepted Answer

To serve as the nation's symbolic head and embodiment of unity.

Answer

To enact legislation.

Answer

To exercise executive authority.

Question 33

Which entity holds the distinction of being the highest court in the United Kingdom?

Accepted Answer

Supreme Court

Answer

Court of Appeal

Answer

High Court

Answer

Tribunal

Question 34

What is the fundamental concept underpinning the principle of parliamentary sovereignty?

Accepted Answer

Parliament possesses the exclusive authority to create or repeal any law.

Answer

Parliament is obligated to adhere to principles of natural justice.

Answer

Parliament must seek public input before enacting laws.

Answer

Parliament is prohibited from infringing upon individual rights.

Question 35

Which characteristic is distinctive to a federal constitution?

Accepted Answer

Authority is apportioned between a central government and regional governments.

Answer

Legislative power is vested in a single, supreme body.

Answer

The constitution is codified in a single document.

Question 36

Within the UK Parliament, what is the primary responsibility of the House of Lords?

Accepted Answer

To scrutinize and amend legislation passed by the House of Commons.

Answer

To appoint the Prime Minister.

Answer

To enact laws independently of the House of Commons.

Question 37

What is a defining principle of judicial review?

Accepted Answer

Courts are empowered to examine the legality of government actions.

Answer

Judicial review is limited to the actions of the executive branch.

Answer

Courts can override government decisions with their own judgments.

Question 38

What is the key distinction between a statute and a convention?

Accepted Answer

A statute is a formal, written law, while a convention is an unwritten norm of conduct.

Answer

Statutes carry more weight than conventions.

Answer

Conventions are more likely to be enforced by the courts.

Question 39

What is a primary advantage of a codified constitution?

Accepted Answer

It provides clarity and certainty regarding the law.

Answer

It is inherently more flexible than an uncodified constitution.

Answer

It is less susceptible to amendments.

Answer

It is inherently more democratic than an uncodified constitution.

Question 40

In the UK's constitutional framework, what is the primary role of the Prime Minister?

Accepted Answer

To lead the government and provide counsel to the monarch on matters of state.

Answer

To enact laws independently of Parliament.

Answer

To interpret the law.