Cheat sheet
The UK government, the law and your role
Parliament, elections, the monarchy, devolution, the courts and your role as a citizen.
The facts to remember, in one place. Drill them with mock exams and spaced repetition in Life in the UK Test.
Download on theApp StoreHow the UK government works
- ◆ Parliament has two parts: the House of Commons and the House of Lords.
- ◆ Members of Parliament (MPs) in the Commons are elected by the public.
- ◆ The Prime Minister is the head of government and leads the largest party.
- ◆ The monarch is head of state but acts on the advice of ministers.
- ◆ Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own devolved administrations.
The law and your role as a citizen
- ◆ The police keep order, protect people and property, and must obey the law themselves.
- ◆ Serious criminal cases in England and Wales are heard by a jury in the Crown Court.
- ◆ You can be called for jury service once you are on the electoral register.
- ◆ Everyone has the right to be treated fairly and equally under the law.
- ◆ Responsibilities include obeying the law, paying taxes and respecting others’ rights.
Paying tax in the UK
- ◆ Income Tax is paid on earnings, pensions and most other income.
- ◆ National Insurance contributions help pay for benefits and the State Pension.
- ◆ Tax is collected by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).
- ◆ Most employees have tax deducted automatically through PAYE.
- ◆ Taxes pay for services such as the NHS, roads and education.
The NHS and public services
- ◆ The National Health Service (NHS) provides healthcare, mostly free at the point of use.
- ◆ The NHS was founded in 1948.
- ◆ To use NHS services you usually register with a local GP (doctor).
- ◆ Public services are funded through taxation.
- ◆ In an emergency you can call 999 or 112 for the ambulance service.
Getting involved in your community
- ◆ Volunteering means giving your time to help others without being paid.
- ◆ You can become a school governor or help in your local school.
- ◆ Many charities rely on volunteers and donations.
- ◆ Jury service and voting are ways of taking part in public life.
- ◆ Helping your neighbours and community is encouraged of all residents.
The UK and international organisations
- ◆ The UK is a member of the United Nations (UN).
- ◆ The UK is a permanent member of the UN Security Council.
- ◆ The UK is a member of NATO, a defence alliance.
- ◆ The UK is a leading member of the Commonwealth.
- ◆ These bodies work to promote peace, security and cooperation.
Driving and the law in the UK
- ◆ You can apply for a provisional driving licence at 17 (or earlier in some cases).
- ◆ You must have a valid licence, insurance and (for older cars) an MOT certificate.
- ◆ It is illegal to drive without insurance.
- ◆ Cars over three years old usually need an annual MOT test.
- ◆ It is against the law to drink and drive over the legal limit.
The monarchy and the Crown
- ◆ The monarch is the head of state but does not run the government.
- ◆ The monarch must remain politically neutral.
- ◆ The monarch opens each new session of Parliament.
- ◆ The monarch is also Head of the Commonwealth and of the Church of England.
- ◆ New laws receive Royal Assent before they come into force.
Elections and voting in the UK
- ◆ You must be 18 or over to vote in a general election.
- ◆ A general election must be held at least every five years.
- ◆ The UK is divided into constituencies, each electing one MP.
- ◆ To vote you must be on the electoral register.
- ◆ Other elections include those for local councils and devolved bodies.
Devolution in the UK
- ◆ The Scottish Parliament sits in Edinburgh.
- ◆ The Welsh Parliament (Senedd) sits in Cardiff.
- ◆ The Northern Ireland Assembly sits at Stormont in Belfast.
- ◆ Devolved powers can include health, education and some taxes.
- ◆ Defence and foreign affairs stay with the UK Parliament.
The UK economy and working life
- ◆ There is a National Minimum Wage that employers must pay.
- ◆ Everyone has a right to be free from discrimination at work.
- ◆ Most employees pay Income Tax and National Insurance on their earnings.
- ◆ You usually need a National Insurance number to work in the UK.
- ◆ Employees have rights to holiday and a safe workplace.
Crime and the justice system
- ◆ Less serious cases in England and Wales are heard by magistrates.
- ◆ Serious criminal cases are tried by a jury in the Crown Court.
- ◆ A jury in England, Wales and Northern Ireland has 12 members.
- ◆ Judges are independent of the government and of Parliament.
- ◆ People are presumed innocent until proven guilty.