UK Parliament: Constitution, MP Role, and Elections
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following scenarios best exemplifies the primary goal of a trade union?

  • Negotiating with employers for improved healthcare benefits and workplace safety standards. (correct)
  • Organizing a public demonstration to raise awareness about environmental issues.
  • Lobbying government officials to enact stricter regulations on product safety.
  • Launching a social media campaign to promote ethical consumerism.

A group of employees decides to stage a walkout, ceasing their work to protest what they believe are unfair wage cuts and a lack of safety equipment. What is this action known as?

  • Collective bargaining
  • A strike (correct)
  • Arbitration
  • Lobbying

How did trade unions impact labor laws and workers' rights in the UK?

  • They had no impact as unions were deemed illegal.
  • They were only involved in negotiating executive salaries.
  • They played a significant role in shaping labor laws and advocating for workers' rights. (correct)
  • They diminished workers rights due to employer pushback.

Which of the following actions would a pressure group be most likely to undertake?

<p>Lobbying politicians to support legislation that reduces carbon emissions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A tech company is experiencing conflict between its software engineers and management and the engineers want better pay, benefits, and remote work options. Which course of action would most likely lead to a resolution that addresses both parties' concerns effectively?

<p>The software engineers should form a trade union to collectively bargain with the management. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the UK's legal system, what is the primary distinction between criminal and civil law?

<p>Criminal law involves actions considered crimes, with the goal of punishment, while civil law resolves disputes with the goal of compensation. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately reflects the role of the House of Lords in the UK's legislative process?

<p>The House of Lords reviews and suggests amendments to legislation proposed by the House of Commons. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Rule of Law in a society?

<p>It establishes that everyone, including the government, is subject to and accountable under the law, promoting fairness and order. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the MOST LIKELY outcome for a petition submitted to the UK Parliament that gets 100,000 signatures?

<p>The petition <em>can</em> be considered for debate in Parliament. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does a general election typically influence the formation of the UK government?

<p>The political party with the most MPs elected in the House of Commons usually forms the government, with their leader becoming the Prime Minister. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of a Member of Parliament (MP) in the UK?

<p>To represent their local area (constituency) in the House of Commons, debating, voting on laws, and raising constituents' issues. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the potential range of actions that can be taken against a 14-year-old in the UK who commits a crime, according to the youth justice system?

<p>A warning, a youth court appearance, or a sentence like community service or detention, depending on the severity of the crime. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The age of criminal responsibility in the UK is a debated issue. What are the opposing views?

<p>Some people believe it should be raised to reflect children’s understanding and development, while others believe it helps tackle crime early. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What is a strike?

Workers stopping work to protest pay, hours or safety.

What is a pressure group?

An organization influencing government and public opinion on issues.

What is a trade union?

Workers uniting to protect rights and negotiate with employers.

History of UK trade unions?

Emerged in the 19th century to fight for better pay/conditions. Gained legal rights and influence.

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Trade union purpose

Negotiate better wages, working conditions, and job security for members.

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What is a Constitution?

A set of rules and principles outlining how a country is governed.

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What does an MP do?

Represents local people in Parliament, debates laws, and holds the government accountable.

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How does a general election work?

Citizens vote for their local MP; the party with the most MPs usually forms the government.

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What does the House of Commons do?

The main law-making body in the UK where MPs debate, vote on laws, and scrutinize the government.

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What does the House of Lords do?

Reviews laws from the Commons, suggesting changes; made up of appointed members.

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What is the Rule of Law?

Everyone, including the government, must follow the law; laws should be clear, fair, and equally applied.

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Criminal vs. Civil Law?

Criminal law punishes crimes; civil law settles disputes for compensation.

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What is a petition?

A formal request signed by people to support a cause, which can be debated in Parliament if it gets 100,000 signatures.

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Study Notes

  • The Constitution provides the rules and principles for governing a country.
  • The UK's Constitution is not in a single document; it comprises laws, court decisions, and conventions.

Role of a Member of Parliament (MP)

  • An MP represents their local area (constituency) in the House of Commons.
  • MPs debate and vote on laws.
  • MPs raise issues on behalf of their constituents.
  • MPs hold the government accountable.

General Elections

  • General elections involve citizens voting for their local MP.
  • The party that wins the most seats in the election usually forms the government.
  • The leader of the winning party becomes the Prime Minister.

House of Commons

  • The House of Commons is the primary law-making body in the UK.
  • MPs discuss, debate, and vote on proposed laws and national issues.
  • Actions and decisions of the government are scrutinized by the House of Commons.

House of Lords

  • The House of Lords reviews laws proposed by the House of Commons and suggests amendments.
  • Appointed members include life peers, bishops, and hereditary peers.

Rule of Law

  • Mandates that everyone, including the government, must follow the laws.
  • Laws should be clear, fair, and applied equally to all individuals.

Criminal Law

  • Criminal law addresses actions considered crimes, such as theft or assault.
  • Its objective is to protect society and impose consequences on offenders.

Civil Law

  • Civil law resolves disputes among individuals or groups, like contract issues or family matters.
  • Its goal is to provide compensation rather than punishment.

Young Offenders

  • Young people aged 10-17 are managed by the youth justice system in the UK.
  • Consequences may range from warnings to youth court appearances.
  • Sentences may include community service or detention, depending on the severity of the crime.

Importance of the Rule of Law

  • It protects people's rights.
  • It ensures fairness.
  • It maintains order in society.
  • Its absence would lead to chaos and abuse of power.

Age of Criminal Responsibility

  • The age of criminal responsibility in the UK is currently 10, which is among the lowest in Europe.
  • It is debated whether this age should be raised to align with children’s understanding and development.
  • Others maintain that a lower age helps address crime early.

Petitions

  • A petition is a documented request, with signatures, demonstrating support for a cause.
  • In the UK, a petition with 100,000 signatures may be considered for debate in Parliament.

Strikes

  • Strikes occur when workers stop working to protest conditions like pay or safety.
  • Trade unions usually organize strikes.
  • Strikes aims to pressure employers into negotiations.

Pressure Groups

  • A pressure group aims to sway government decisions and public opinion on specific issues.
  • Examples include climate change or human rights.

Trade Unions

  • Trade unions are groups of workers who unite to protect their rights and interests.
  • They negotiate with employers for improved wages, working conditions, and job security.

History of Trade Unions

  • Trade unions in the UK originated in the 19th century.
  • They fought for improved pay and working conditions during the Industrial Revolution.
  • Trade unions gained legal rights over time.
  • They became influential in shaping labor laws and workers' rights.

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Explore the UK's Constitution, the role of a Member of Parliament (MP), and the process of general elections. Learn about the functions of the House of Commons and the House of Lords in the UK's legislative system. Understand how laws are made and how the government is held accountable.

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