Question 1

The British party system is often called a "two-and-a-half party system" because the

Accepted Answer

The term "two-and-a-half party system" refers to the UK's political landscape where the Conservative and Labour parties are the two major parties, and the Liberal Democrats are a smaller, third party that has enough influence to impact politics but not enough to consistently be in power like the other two, hence the "half."

Question 2

Which of the following statements accurately describes results of the 2015 elections as they relate to the smaller British parties?

Accepted Answer

The SNP (Scottish National Party) did indeed demonstrate surprising strength in the 2015 elections, winning 56 out of 59 seats in Scotland.

Question 3

Which of the following is a characteristic of Britain's use of the single-member district (SMD) electoral system?

Accepted Answer

Britain's use of the single-member district (SMD) electoral system has resulted in a dominance of the Labour and Conservative parties. This is because smaller parties have a harder time securing representation in Parliament due to the winner-takes-all nature of the SMD system. As a result, the larger, established parties are more likely to win the majority of seats and form governments.

Question 4

In which of the following ways did Tony Blair's policies as prime minister differ from those of Margaret Thatcher?

Accepted Answer

Tony Blair devolved more power to regional governments, while Margaret Thatcher was known for her centralized government and reduction of local governments. The other options are incorrect as Blair was known for continuing the free-market policies introduced by Thatcher and did not seek to strengthen the power of trade unions. Additionally, Blair's "New Labour" approach was focused on modernization and reform of the Labour Party, rather than accepting the party's status quo.

Question 5

In 1998, violence in Northern Ireland was largely ended by

Accepted Answer

The Good Friday Agreement, also known as the Belfast Agreement, was a peace agreement signed on April 10, 1998, between the British and Irish governments, as well as most of the political parties of Northern Ireland. The agreement established a power-sharing government in Northern Ireland, as well as measures for disarmament and the release of prisoners. This led to a significant decrease in violence and marked the end of the Troubles in Northern Ireland.

Question 6

The Conservative Party is also known as the

Accepted Answer

The term "Tories" is a nickname for the members and supporters of the Conservative Party. It dates back to the 17th century and was originally used as an insult by their political opponents, but the Tories eventually adopted it as their own label. The other options are not accurate names for the Conservative Party.

Question 7

Which of the following descriptions of the UK prime minister is accurate?

Accepted Answer

Prime ministers in the UK are responsible for maintaining the support of their fellow MPs. They must have a majority of support from MPs in the House of Commons in order to govern effectively. Votes of no confidence are a rare occurrence and have only resulted in the removal of a few prime ministers in UK history. Prime Ministers do not have a fixed term limit and can serve as long as they maintain the support of the House of Commons. Diplomatic responsibilities are usually shared by the Prime Minister and the Head of State (the Queen).

Question 8

The Magna Carta set an important precedent by establishing

Accepted Answer

The Magna Carta established limits to the power of the monarchy, making it an important precedent for the concept of constitutionalism and the rule of law. It also paved the way for the development of parliamentary democracy in England.

Question 9

The SNP's ability to win the 2007 Scottish regional elections resulted in part from which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The economic revival in Scotland played a significant role in the success of the SNP in the 2007 Scottish regional elections. The SNP campaigned on a platform focused on boosting the Scottish economy, and their message resonated with voters who had seen improvements in employment and other economic indicators under the Labour-led government. This, combined with other factors such as dissatisfaction with Labour and increasing support for Scottish independence, helped the SNP win a historic victory in the elections. Choices A, B, and D are not relevant factors in the 2007 Scottish regional elections.

Question 10

Which branch of government instituted reforms in 1999 to reduce the number of "hereditary peers," or members of the aristocracy, from positions of power?

Accepted Answer

The House of Lords is the branch of government responsible for instituting reforms in 1999 to reduce the number of "hereditary peers" from positions of power. The reform resulted in a reduction of the number of hereditary peers from around 750 to 92.

Question 11

Which of the following statements about British foreign relations is accurate?

Accepted Answer

Since the end of World War II, the United States and the United Kingdom have maintained a "special relationship," with the UK often being considered the US's most dependable ally. This partnership has been characterized by close cooperation in various areas, including military, intelligence, and economic sectors.

Question 12

The English Civil War resulted in a victory for

Accepted Answer

The English Civil War was fought between the supporters of Parliament (also known as the Roundheads) and the supporters of the monarchy (also known as the Cavaliers) from 1642-1649. The Roundheads were ultimately victorious, resulting in the execution of King Charles I and the establishment of the Commonwealth under Oliver Cromwell. The war had nothing to do with Catholic supporters or peasant laborers.

Question 13

In which of the following ways does the Labour Party differ from the Conservative Party?

Accepted Answer

The Labour Party has formally reduced the once-dominant role of trade unions in party policy, whereas the Conservative Party has not made such a move. The other options are not necessarily accurate or clear-cut differences between the two parties.

Question 14

Which of the following descriptions of members of the UK House of Commons is accurate?

Accepted Answer

Members of the UK House of Commons are typically more accessible to the electorate than American legislators. This is due to several factors, including smaller constituencies, a more centralized political system, and an emphasis on grassroots campaigning.

Answer: D
 Individual members of the UK House of Commons are unable to propose legislation. Instead, most bills are introduced by the government or private members' bills are introduced by individual MPs with the support of a minimum number of fellow MPs.

Note: B and C are not accurate descriptions of members of the UK House of Commons. Members typically follow their party's wishes and have fewer material resources and staff than their U.S. counterparts.

Question 15

Which of the following statements best describes the Third Way of the Labour Party today?

Accepted Answer

The Third Way of the Labour Party today is a moderate compromise between the ideological right and left, balancing moderate free-market policies with ambitious constitutional reform. It is focused on economic growth and equality, with an emphasis on supporting entrepreneurship and investment while also investing in public services and social welfare programs. This approach has been adopted by many center-left parties around the world.

Question 16

_______ is a system based on local customs and precedent, and serves as the basis for contemporary legal systems in the United Kingdom (except Scotland).

Accepted Answer

The system based on local customs and precedent, and serves as the basis for contemporary legal systems in the United Kingdom (except Scotland) is known as common law.

Question 17

Local government in the United Kingdom

Accepted Answer

Local government in the United Kingdom has formal powers only when granted by the central government. This means that local authorities have limited autonomy and are subject to the authority of the central government. The central government can also change or abolish local authorities, as it has done in the past.

Question 18

Which term best describes the United Kingdom's political regime?

Accepted Answer

The United Kingdom's political regime is characterized by majoritarianism, meaning that decisions are made by a majority of elected representatives in Parliament, with little to no restrictions on their powers. While the government is not completely free from elitism, the power ultimately lies with the elected representatives who are chosen through a democratic process. Therefore, majoritarianism is the most accurate term to describe the United Kingdom's political regime.

Question 19

What type of social division or identity is most salient in the United Kingdom?

Accepted Answer

Class-based identity is the most salient social division in the United Kingdom. The country has a long history of class distinctions, with inequalities deeply ingrained in its society. This is reflected in everything from education and job opportunities to accents and cultural preferences. While there are also significant ethnic, religious, and regional differences in the UK, class remains the dominant social marker.

Question 20

The current mayor of London, notable for being the first nonwhite and Muslim mayor of a major Western capital, is

Accepted Answer

Sadiq Khan is the current mayor of London and is notable for being the first nonwhite and Muslim mayor of a major Western capital. Boris Johnson was the previous mayor of London and is currently the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Ken Livingstone is a former mayor of London and Nigel Farage is a British politician who has never held office as mayor of London.

Quiz 12: United Kingdom