Chapter 29 of 32 · Updated for 2026

The Law, Your Rights & Your Duties: practice questions

Ten Life in the UK test questions on The Law, Your Rights & Your Duties, 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. Which voting system is used to elect MPs to the House of Commons?

   • AProportional representation
   • BSingle transferable vote
   • CFirst past the post
   • DAdditional member system
   Show the answer

   C: First past the post

   MPs are elected by 'first past the post'. The devolved parliament and assemblies in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use forms of proportional representation.

2. One answer

   2. What is a Private Member's Bill?

   • AA bill that affects only one private company
   • BA bill introduced by an MP or peer who is not a government minister
   • CA bill introduced by the official opposition front bench
   • DA bill drafted by the monarch's private secretary
   Show the answer

   B: A bill introduced by an MP or peer who is not a government minister

   Private Members' Bills are introduced by backbench MPs or peers. Few become law, but some have made major changes, such as the Abortion Act 1967.

3. True or false

   3. Is the statement below TRUE or FALSE?

   The handbook says anyone who can read English at ESOL Entry Level 3 or above should have no difficulty with its language.

   • ATrue
   • BFalse
   Show the answer

   A: True

   The handbook was written so that anyone reading English at ESOL Entry Level 3 or above can follow it.

4. One answer

   4. Which of these is part of the monarch's role in representing the UK to the rest of the world?

   • ANegotiating international treaties in person with other leaders
   • BDeciding the UK's foreign policy and its overseas aid budget
   • CReceiving foreign ambassadors and making state visits overseas
   • DCommanding British troops in combat during overseas operations
   Show the answer

   C: Receiving foreign ambassadors and making state visits overseas

   The monarch receives foreign ambassadors and high commissioners, entertains visiting heads of state and makes state visits to support diplomatic and economic relationships.

5. Choose TWO answers

   5. Which TWO changes were made by the Reform Act of 1832?

   • APocket and rotten boroughs were abolished
   • BWorking class men were all given the vote
   • CWomen over 30 were given the vote
   • DMore seats were given to towns and cities
   Show the answer

   A: Pocket and rotten boroughs were abolished
   D: More seats were given to towns and cities

   The 1832 Reform Act greatly increased the number of voters, abolished pocket and rotten boroughs and gave more seats to towns and cities. Voting still depended on property.

6. One answer

   6. What is the law on female genital mutilation (FGM) in the UK?

   • AIt is legal as long as a parent or guardian gives their agreement
   • BIt is only illegal when it is carried out inside the UK itself
   • CIt is illegal, and so is taking a girl or woman abroad for FGM
   • DIt is legal for adult women over 18 but illegal for girls
   Show the answer

   C: It is illegal, and so is taking a girl or woman abroad for FGM

   FGM, also known as cutting or female circumcision, is illegal. Taking a girl or woman abroad for it is also a criminal offence.

7. Which statement is correct

   7. Which of these statements is correct?

   • ATo apply for permanent residence you must speak and read English and have lived in the UK for at least ten years.
   • BTo apply for permanent residence you must speak and read English and have a good understanding of life in the UK.
   Show the answer

   B: To apply for permanent residence you must speak and read English and have a good understanding of life in the UK.

   The two requirements in the handbook are being able to speak and read English and having a good understanding of life in the UK.

8. One answer

   8. Where are MPs' local surgeries often advertised?

   • AIn Hansard
   • BIn the local newspaper
   • COn the national news
   • DIn the Phone Book
   Show the answer

   B: In the local newspaper

   Many MPs hold regular local surgeries, which are often advertised in the local newspaper.

9. True or false

   9. Is the statement below TRUE or FALSE?

   You can vote in a parliamentary or local election even if your name is not on the electoral register.

   • ATrue
   • BFalse
   Show the answer

   B: False

   Your name must be on the electoral register before you can vote in a parliamentary, local or European election.

10. One answer

    10. Which of these is NOT an example of a civil law case?

    • ASelling drugs such as heroin
    • BA dispute with a landlord over eviction
    • CA claim for unpaid wages
    • DA complaint about faulty goods
    Show the answer

    A: Selling drugs such as heroin

    Selling drugs is a crime. Landlord disputes over eviction, unpaid wages and faulty goods are all civil law matters.

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