Revision guide
The UK government, the law and your role
How power is organised, how laws are made and enforced, and the public services most residents meet.
Parliament and government
The UK Parliament at Westminster has two Houses: the elected Commons and the appointed Lords. There are 650 MPs, each representing a constituency, elected by first past the post. The Speaker chairs the Commons. The Cabinet is the PM’s senior ministerial team; the Chancellor of the Exchequer presents the Budget. A shadow cabinet mirrors that team from the opposition.
Devolution
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have devolved legislatures with powers over many domestic matters. The Scottish Parliament sits at Holyrood in Edinburgh. The Senedd sits in Cardiff. The Northern Ireland Assembly sits at Stormont. The UK Parliament remains sovereign and handles reserved matters such as most of defence, immigration and the constitution.
Courts, police and emergencies
Most minor criminal cases in England and Wales start in a magistrates’ court; serious cases go to the Crown Court. Scotland has a separate legal system. The UK Supreme Court is the final court of appeal for most UK civil cases and for criminal cases from England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Call 999 in an emergency and 101 for non-emergency police. NHS 111 can advise when it is not an emergency.
Tax, the NHS and your role
Income tax, National Insurance and VAT are the taxes most people notice. Council tax helps fund local services. The NHS is funded mainly from taxation and is free at the point of use for eligible residents. You can stand for Parliament from age 18 if you meet the other legal tests. Serving on a jury, if summoned, is part of civic duty.
Independent notes for passbritain.co.uk. Not affiliated with the Home Office. Study the official Guide for New Residents before you sit the test on GOV.UK.