The British political system is one of the most influential and historically significant governance models in the world. Understanding its structure, key institutions, and political processes is essential for students, researchers, and political enthusiasts. Here, you will find 20 key MCQs about the political system of the UK, covering topics such as the UK Parliament, the Prime Minister, elections, and constitutional principles. Whether you are preparing for exams or simply want to expand your knowledge, these MCQs will help you grasp the fundamentals of how the UK government functions.
Find below the 20 Key MCQs about the UK Political System.
Key MCQs about the Political System of the UK
1. What type of government does the United Kingdom have?
A. Presidential Republic
B. Constitutional Monarchy
C. Absolute Monarchy
D. Federal Republic
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Details: The UK has a constitutional monarchy where the monarch is the head of state, but elected officials run the government within a parliamentary system.
2. Who is the head of government in the United Kingdom?
A. The King
B. The Speaker of the House
C. The Prime Minister
D. The Chancellor of the Exchequer
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Details: The Prime Minister is the head of government in the UK, leading the executive branch and overseeing national policies.
3. What is the role of the British monarch in the political system?
A. Makes all laws
B. Has no role in government
C. Ceremonial duties and constitutional functions
D. Acts as the Speaker of Parliament
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Details: The British monarch performs ceremonial roles, gives royal assent to laws, and ensures the government functions constitutionally.
4. What are the two houses of the UK Parliament?
A. House of Representatives and Senate
B. House of Lords and House of Commons
C. Parliament and Congress
D. House of Commons and House of Councils
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Details: The UK Parliament consists of the elected House of Commons and the appointed House of Lords, each with distinct legislative functions.
5. How often are general elections held in the UK?
A. Every 4 years
B. Every 5 years
C. Every 6 years
D. Every 3 years
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Details: Under the Fixed-term Parliaments Act, general elections are held every five years unless an early election is called.
6. What is the official residence of the UK Prime Minister?
A. Buckingham Palace
B. Westminster Palace
C. 10 Downing Street
D. Windsor Castle
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Details: 10 Downing Street in London serves as the official residence and executive office of the UK Prime Minister.
7. Who appoints the UK Prime Minister?
A. The Speaker of the House
B. The British Monarch
C. The House of Lords
D. The Supreme Court
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Details: The British monarch appoints the Prime Minister, typically the leader of the party that holds a majority in the House of Commons.
8. What is the role of the House of Commons?
A. Reviews laws passed by the monarchy
B. Debates and votes on proposed laws
C. Appoints the monarch
D. Handles foreign affairs exclusively
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Details: The House of Commons is responsible for debating legislation, making laws, and overseeing the government.
9. What party is currently in power in the UK as of 2025?
A. Labour Party
B. Conservative Party
C. Liberal Democrats
D. Green Party
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Details: The ruling party changes based on general election outcomes, with the two main parties being Labour and the Conservatives.
10. Who is eligible to vote in UK general elections?
A. Only British citizens over 21
B. All UK and Commonwealth citizens over 18
C. EU citizens only
D. Anyone living in the UK
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Details: British and Commonwealth citizens over the age of 18 can vote in UK general elections.
11. Who is the head of state in the United Kingdom?
A. The Prime Minister
B. The Monarch
C. The Speaker of the House
D. The Chancellor of the Exchequer
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Details: The British Monarch is the ceremonial head of state, while the Prime Minister is the head of government.
12. What is the role of the House of Lords?
A. To create laws
B. To scrutinize and revise legislation
C. To elect the Prime Minister
D. To oversee the military
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Details: The House of Lords reviews and suggests amendments to legislation proposed by the House of Commons.
13. How often are general elections held in the UK?
A. Every 4 years
B. Every 5 years
C. Every 6 years
D. Every 3 years
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Details: According to the Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011, UK general elections are held every five years unless an early election is called.
14. What is the official residence of the British Prime Minister?
A. Windsor Castle
B. 10 Downing Street
C. Buckingham Palace
D. Westminster Hall
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Details: The Prime Minister resides at 10 Downing Street in London, which serves as the official residence and office.
15. What is the role of the Chancellor of the Exchequer?
A. Managing foreign relations
B. Overseeing the economy and public finances
C. Leading the opposition
D. Commanding the armed forces
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Details: The Chancellor of the Exchequer is responsible for economic policy, taxation, and public spending in the UK.
16. What is the main role of the Opposition in the UK Parliament?
A. To propose new laws
B. To challenge and scrutinize the government
C. To implement policies
D. To represent the monarchy
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Details: The Opposition, led by the Leader of the Opposition, holds the government accountable and presents alternative policies.
17. What is the purpose of a by-election?
A. To elect a new Prime Minister
B. To replace an MP who has resigned or passed away
C. To amend the Constitution
D. To elect members of the House of Lords
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Details: A by-election is held in a parliamentary constituency when a seat becomes vacant between general elections.
18. Who appoints the Prime Minister of the UK?
A. The House of Lords
B. The Monarch
C. The Supreme Court
D. The House of Commons
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Details: The Monarch formally appoints the Prime Minister, usually the leader of the party with the most seats in the House of Commons.
19. What is the term used for the UK government’s annual financial statement?
A. The Budget
B. The Manifesto
C. The Resolution
D. The Expenditure Report
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Details: The Budget is presented by the Chancellor of the Exchequer and outlines government spending and economic policy.
20. Which voting system is used in UK general elections?
A. Proportional representation
B. First-past-the-post
C. Single transferable vote
D. Preferential voting
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Details: The UK uses the first-past-the-post system, where the candidate with the most votes in a constituency wins a seat in the House of Commons.
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