Chapter 9 of 32 · Updated for 2026

British Values & Democracy: practice questions

Ten Life in the UK test questions on British Values & Democracy, each checked against the official handbook and set in the four formats the real test uses. Pick your answer, then tap Show the answer to see why.

1. One answer

   1. What is the primary role of Parliament?

   • AExecute laws
   • BMake laws
   • CEnforce laws
   • DJudge cases
   Show the answer

   B: Make laws

   Parliament is responsible for making laws.

2. One answer

   2. What is the main job of a House of Commons select committee?

   • ATo select the party candidates who will stand at the next general election
   • BTo choose the next Prime Minister when the current one stands down
   • CTo appoint new judges to the Supreme Court and other senior courts
   • DTo examine the spending, policies and work of government departments
   Show the answer

   D: To examine the spending, policies and work of government departments

   Select committees are cross-party groups of MPs, such as the Treasury Committee, that question ministers and experts and publish reports on government work.

3. True or false

   3. Is the statement below TRUE or FALSE?

   According to the handbook, British values are protected by law, customs and expectations.

   • ATrue
   • BFalse
   Show the answer

   A: True

   The handbook says British values are based on history and traditions and are protected by law, customs and expectations.

4. One answer

   4. What is one reason the UK has never had a single written constitution?

   • AParliament has passed a law that forbids the creation of a single written document
   • BThe monarch has always refused to give Royal Assent to a written constitution
   • CIt has never had a revolution that permanently created a totally new system of government
   • DIt follows the written constitution of the United States of America instead
   Show the answer

   C: It has never had a revolution that permanently created a totally new system of government

   The UK's important institutions developed gradually over hundreds of years, without a revolution that replaced the whole system.

5. Choose TWO answers

   5. Which TWO of these are fundamental principles of British life?

   • ADemocracy
   • BIndividual liberty
   • CCompulsory voting
   • DNational service
   Show the answer

   A: Democracy
   B: Individual liberty

   Democracy and individual liberty are two of the five fundamental principles. Voting is not compulsory in the UK and there is no national service.

6. One answer

   6. What does the law require of radio and television coverage of political parties?

   • AIt must give more time to the governing party than to others
   • BIt is banned completely during general election campaigns
   • CIt must be balanced, giving equal time to rival viewpoints
   • DIt must be approved in advance by the Prime Minister's office
   Show the answer

   C: It must be balanced, giving equal time to rival viewpoints

   By law, broadcasters must give balanced coverage of political parties, with equal time for rival viewpoints.

7. Which statement is correct

   7. Which of these statements is correct?

   • AIn the citizenship pledge, new citizens promise to observe the laws of the UK faithfully.
   • BIn the citizenship pledge, new citizens promise to vote in every UK general election.
   Show the answer

   A: In the citizenship pledge, new citizens promise to observe the laws of the UK faithfully.

   The pledge includes the promise 'I will observe its laws faithfully'. Voting in the UK is a right, not a duty, so it is not part of the pledge.

8. One answer

   8. According to the handbook, which of these is part of the British constitution?

   • AParty manifestos
   • BNewspaper editorials
   • COpinion polls
   • DLaws and conventions
   Show the answer

   D: Laws and conventions

   The British constitution includes the institutions that run the country together with laws and conventions.

9. True or false

   9. Is the statement below TRUE or FALSE?

   A General Election must be held at least every four years.

   • ATrue
   • BFalse
   Show the answer

   B: False

   False. General Elections are held at least every five years.

10. One answer

    10. According to the handbook, what do independent MPs usually represent?

    • AThe policies of the largest party
    • BAn issue that matters to their constituency
    • CThe views of the House of Lords
    • DA pressure group that funds them
    Show the answer

    B: An issue that matters to their constituency

    Independent MPs belong to no main party and usually stand for an issue that is important to their own constituency.

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