Study
Life in the UK Test Guide- 🎯Exam Guide
- How to Prepare
- Test Day Process
- Summary Notes
- 📋Quick Reference
- Key Dates
- Key Acts
- Key People
- Key Events
- Key Places
- 📝Revision Notes
- History
- Early Britain
- Middle Ages
- Tudors & Stuarts
- Global Power
- 20th Century
- Post 1945
- Modern Society
- UK Today
- Religion
- Customs & Traditions
- Sport
- Arts & Culture
- Leisure
- Places of Interest
- Government & Law
- Constitution
- Government
- Democracy
- Law
- Institutions
- Community
- Principles
- What is the UK?
- Values & Principles
- 📖Study Guide
- Chapter 1: Introduction
- Becoming a Citizen
- Taking the Test
- Values of the UK
- Chapter 2: What is the UK?
- What is the UK?
- Chapter 3: History
- Early Britain
- Middle Ages
- Tudors & Stuarts
- Global Power
- 20th Century
- Post 1945
- Chapter 4: Modern Society
- UK Today
- Religion
- Customs & Traditions
- Sport
- Arts & Culture
- Leisure
- Places of Interest
- Chapter 5: Government & Law
- Constitution
- Government
- Democracy
- Law
- Institutions
- Community
- Principles
/
Government
The Government 政府
The UK government operates through Parliament (which makes laws), the Cabinet (which makes policy), and the Prime Minister (who leads the government). Understanding this structure is essential for the test.
英國政府通過議會（制定法律）、內閣（制定政策）同首相（領導政府）運作。了解呢個結構對考試至關重要。
यूके सरकार संसद (जो कानून बनाती है), कैबिनेट (जो नीति बनाती है), और प्रधान मंत्री (जो सरकार का नेतृत्व करते हैं) के माध्यम से संचालित होती है। इस संरचना को समझना परीक्षा के लिए आवश्यक है।
Westminster Parliament
The Houses of Parliament - where laws are madeTwo Houses of Parliament
議會兩院
| House of Commons 下議院 | House of Lords 上議院 | |
|---|---|---|
| Members | Elected MPs | Appointed Lords |
| Number | 650 MPs | ~800 Lords |
| Leader | Speaker | Lord Speaker |
| Power | More powerful | Can delay laws |
The Prime Minister
首相
The Prime Minister (PM) is the leader of the political party with most MPs in the House of Commons. The PM lives at 10 Downing Street, chairs Cabinet meetings, and represents the UK internationally. The PM is not directly elected by the public.
首相係下議院中議員最多嘅政黨領袖。首相住喺唐寧街10號，主持內閣會議，並喺國際上代表英國。首相唔係由公眾直選嘅。
'10 Downing Street = PM's home' - the most famous address in Britain.
'唐寧街10號 = 首相府'——英國最著名嘅地址。
The Cabinet
內閣
The Cabinet is a group of senior ministers chosen by the Prime Minister. They meet weekly to make key government decisions. Cabinet members are responsible for government departments (e.g., Home Secretary, Foreign Secretary).
內閣係由首相選擇嘅高級部長組成嘅團體。佢哋每週開會做出關鍵政府決定。內閣成員負責政府部門（例如內政大臣、外交大臣）。
General Elections
大選
General elections must be held at least every 5 years. All UK citizens aged 18 or over can vote. Voters elect their local MP using 'first past the post' - whoever gets the most votes wins.
大選必須至少每5年舉行一次。所有18歲或以上嘅英國公民都可以投票。選民使用「簡單多數制」選舉當地議員——得票最多者獲勝。
Practice Questions 練習題
How often must general elections be held?
Incorrect
General elections must be held at least every 5 years, though they can be called earlier.
What is the minimum voting age in UK elections?
Incorrect
You must be 18 or over to vote in UK elections (except in Scotland and Wales for devolved elections).
Where does the Prime Minister live?
Incorrect
10 Downing Street in London is the official residence and office of the Prime Minister. It has been the home of the PM since 1735.
How many MPs are there in the House of Commons?
Incorrect
There are 650 Members of Parliament (MPs) in the House of Commons. Each MP represents a constituency and is elected by voters in that area.
Who becomes Prime Minister?
Incorrect
The Prime Minister is the leader of the political party (or coalition) with the most seats in the House of Commons. They are not directly elected by the public.
What electoral system is used for UK general elections?
Incorrect
The UK uses 'first past the post' for general elections - the candidate with the most votes in each constituency wins, even without a majority.
What is the Cabinet?
Incorrect
The Cabinet is a group of about 20-23 senior ministers chosen by the Prime Minister. They meet weekly to make key government decisions and are responsible for government departments.
Who is the leader of the House of Commons debates?
Incorrect
The Speaker is an MP elected by other MPs to chair debates in the House of Commons. The Speaker must be politically neutral and does not vote.
What is the role of the House of Lords?
Incorrect
The House of Lords examines, debates, and revises laws proposed by the House of Commons. It can delay but not permanently block legislation.
**Key Point**: The UK is a parliamentary democracy. The party with the most MPs forms the government, and the Prime Minister leads the Cabinet in making policy.
**關鍵要點**：英國係議會民主國家。擁有最多議員嘅政黨組成政府，首相領導內閣制定政策。
**मुख्य बिंदु**: यूके एक संसदीय लोकतंत्र है। सबसे अधिक सांसदों वाली पार्टी सरकार बनाती है, और प्रधान मंत्री नीति बनाने में कैबिनेट का नेतृत्व करते हैं।
Put what you just read into practice
The fastest way to remember is to answer real-style questions. Test 1 is free to start.