UK Citizenship Practice Test 1

The values and principles of the UK are based on history and traditions. They are protected by law, customs and expectations. Extremism or intolerance is not acceptable in British society.

The leader of the opposition also appoints senior opposition MPs to be ‘shadow ministers’. They form the shadow cabinet and their role is to challenge the government and put forward alternative policies.

Everything said in Parliament is published in Hansard, which is available online the next day. There is also a TV channel which shows parliamentary proceedings live.

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, serious offences are tried in front of a judge and a jury in a Crown Court. In Scotland, serious cases are heard in a Sheriff Court with either a sheriff or a sheriff with a jury. The most serious cases in Scotland, such as murder, are heard at a High Court with a judge and jury. 

The UK government has the power to suspend all devolved assemblies. It has used this power several times in Northern Ireland when local political leaders found it difficult to work together. However, the Assembly has been running successfully since 2007.

The United Kingdom is made up of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The term ‘Great Britain’ does not include Northern Ireland.

People may refer to their nationality as British, English, Scottish, Welsh or Irish, but they all have British citizenship.

The Brit Awards is an annual event that gives awards in a range of categories, such as best British group and best British solo artist.

The Man Booker Prize for Fiction is awarded annually for the best fiction novel written by an author from the Commonwealth, Ireland or Zimbabwe. It has been awarded since 1968. Past winners include Ian McEwan, Hilary Mantel and Julian Barnes.

In 1560, the predominantly Protestant Scottish Parliament abolished the authority of the Pope in Scotland and Roman Catholic religious services became illegal.

Isaac Newton (1643 - 1727)

Born in Lincolnshire, eastern England, Isaac Newton first became interested in science when he studied at Cambridge University. 

John Major was Prime Minister after Margaret Thatcher, and helped establish the Northern Ireland peace process.

British industry led the world in the 19th century. The UK produced more than half of the world’s iron, coal and cotton cloth. The UK also became a centre for financial services, including insurance and banking.

The UN was set up after the Second World War and aims to prevent war and promote international peace and security. There are 15 members on the UN Security Council, which recommends action when there are international crises and threats to peace. The UK is one of five permanent members of the Security Council.

In 1945 the British people elected a Labour government. The new Prime Minister was Clement Attlee, who promised to introduce the welfare state outlined in the Beveridge Report.

The Industrial Revolution was the rapid development of industry in Britain in the 18th and 19th centuries. Britain was the first country to industrialise on a large scale. It happened because of the development of machinery and the use of steam power.

While defending Britain, British forces were fighting the Axis powers (Germany, Italy and Japan) on many other fronts. The Japanese defeated the British in Singapore and then occupied Burma, threatening India. In December 1941, the United States entered the war when the Japanese bombed its naval base at Pearl Harbour.

Britain has produced many great designers, from Thomas Chippendale (who designed furniture in the 18th century) to Clarice Cliff (who designed Art Deco ceramics).

The Tower of London was first built by William the Conqueror after he became king in 1066. Tours are given by the Yeoman Warders, also known as Beefeaters, who tell visitors about the building’s history. People can also see the Crown Jewels there.

The Church of Scotland:

• A Protestant, Presbyterian church
• The Moderator often speaks on behalf of the church
• Organised by the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland

At the time of the Industrial Revolution, Britain’s colonies expanded in Australia, Canada and southern Africa. The East India Company gained control of large parts of India.

Britain traded all over the world and began to import more goods. Trading and settlements overseas brought Britain into conflict with France.

The National Anthem of the UK is ‘God Save the Queen’. It is played at important national occasions and at events attended by the Queen or the Royal Family.

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, most minor criminal cases are dealt with in a Magistrates’ Court. In Scotland, minor criminal offences go to a Justice of the Peace Court.

Historically, the UK is a Christian country but everyone is free to choose their own religion.

The UN Security Council has 15 members. The UK is one of the five permanent members. The Security Council decides how international crises should be dealt with.