Revision Notes: The Government

Role of the Prime Minister: The PM is the leader of the ruling party (or a coalition) and appoints cabinet members, with the official residence at 10 Downing Street 🔗.
Changing the Prime Minister: The PM can be replaced by a decision from his or her party's MPs or by resigning, especially after losing a General Election 🔗.

Cabinet Appointment: The PM appoints around 20 senior MPs as ministers to head departments like the economy, immigration, and foreign relations 🔗.
Function of the Cabinet: The cabinet makes key policy decisions which often require Parliament's debate and approval 🔗.

Role of the Opposition: The opposition party critiques government actions and proposes alternative policies, especially during Prime Minister's Questions 🔗.
Shadow Cabinet: The opposition assigns shadow ministers to parallel government ministers and challenge their policies 🔗.

Major Political Parties: Candidates usually need to represent major parties like the Conservative Party, Labour Party, or Liberal Democrats to be elected 🔗.
Role of Independents: Some MPs are independents representing specific regional issues 🔗.

Local Government: Local authorities, sometimes called councils, govern regions and are funded by government and local taxes 🔗.
Free Press: Newspapers are free from government control but must balance political content on radio and television 🔗.
The Civil Service: Supports government policy implementation while staying politically neutral 🔗.

Powers Delegation: Since 1997, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland have gained control over localized issues like education and healthcare 🔗.
Welsh Government: The Welsh Assembly can legislate on a variety of issues independently since 2011 🔗.
Scottish Parliament: Established in 1999, it can pass laws on numerous non-reserved matters 🔗.
Northern Ireland Assembly: Resumed post-Good Friday Agreement, it controls issues such as education and environment 🔗.

Voting and Political Participation

Eligibility to Vote: UK, Commonwealth, and Irish Republic residents aged 18 and over can vote in public elections 🔗.
Electoral Register: To vote, one must be on the electoral register, updated annually 🔗.
Where to vote: Designated places where individuals cast votes, with an option for postal ballots 🔗.
Standing for Office (Eligibility): Most UK citizens 18+ can run for public office, barring specific exceptions like armed forces members 🔗.
Visiting Parliament and Assemblies: The public can attend parliamentary debates and visit devolved administrations with some planning 🔗.

What is the official residence of the Prime Minister located?
a) 20 Downing Street
b) 30 Downing Street
c) 10 Downing Street
d) Buckingham Palace
What role does the opposition leader play?
a) Supporting government policies
b) Critiquing the government's actions
c) Overseeing the UK's defence
d) Handling UK foreign relations
Who appoints the cabinet ministers?
a) Members of Parliament (MPs)
b) The Opposition Leader
c) The Prime Minister
d) The House of Lords
What area does the civil service not involve itself with?
a) Developing policies
b) Politically supporting a party
c) Delivering public services
d) Implementing policies
How often is the electoral register updated?
a) Monthly
b) Every two years
c) Annually
d) Every five years

Answers: