The Prime Minister

• •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.

The Cabinet

• •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.

The Opposition

• •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.

The Party System

• •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.

Other Systems

• •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.

Devolved Administrations

• •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 legislature 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.

Multiple Choice Questions