LIFE IN THE UK CHAPTER TEST SERIES EXAM 5.1

The United Kingdom prides itself on a legal system founded on principles of fairness, equality, and the rule of law. This means that, theoretically, all individuals, regardless of their background, should receive equal treatment under the law. However, achieving perfect equality in practice is complex and multifaceted.

1 / 24

Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are elected on the basis of:

Personal achievements

Instant run-off

First past the post system (the candidate who gets the most votes)

Proportional representation

2 / 24

The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation is a group of European and North American countries that was created with which TWO purposes:

Protect and promote human rights in those countries

Maintain peace between all its members

Help each other if they come under attack

Promote free trade amongst those countries

3 / 24

The small claims procedure is used in England and Wales for minor disputes for:

Claims of less than £3,000

Claims of less than £4,000

Claims of less than £3,500

Claims of less than £10,000

4 / 24

Which of the following is the responsibility of the Chancellor of the Exchequer?

Education

Agriculture

Economy

Defence

5 / 24

The leader of the opposition leads his or her party in pointing out what they see as the government’s (choose TWO options):

Failures

Achievements

Strengths

Weaknesses

6 / 24

Which Court deals with the most serious criminal cases, such as murder, in Scotland?

The High Court

The Sheriff Court

The Court of Session

The Crown Court

7 / 24

Which of the following organisations has no power to make laws but draws up conventions and charters, including the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms?

The UN Security Council

The Council of Europe

The United Nations

The European Union

8 / 24

The public can listen to debates in the Palace of Westminster from public galleries in the House of Commons but not in the House of Lords:

True

False

9 / 24

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Proceedings in Parliament are broadcast on television and published in official reports

True

False

10 / 24

What can living people donate that may help other people with injuries or illnesses (choose TWO options)?

Blood

Saliva

A kidney

Their liver

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In which city is the Northern Ireland Assembly building, also known as Stormont, located?

London

Belfast

Cardiff

Dublin

12 / 24

What is donated blood used for?

To help people with a wide range of injuries and illnesses

Blood cannot be donated in the UK

To carry out research with your DNA

To be stored in the hospital in case you need it in the future

13 / 24

How many countries formed the European Economic Community (EEC) when it was first created in 1957?

14 / 24

What is the minimum age requirement to drive a mopped in the UK?

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How can MPs be contacted (choose TWO options)?

By letter

By going to your local council and asking for an appointment

By phoning their constituency office

Through facebook

16 / 24

In Northern Ireland members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) are elected on the basis of:

Proportional representation

First past the post system

Personal achievements

Instant run-off

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The House of Commons is normally more independent of the government than the House of Lords:

True

False

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Which TWO of the following statements is TRUE with regards to Magistrates and Justices of the Peace (JPs) in England, Wales and Scotland?

They usually work unpaid

They do not need legal qualifications

They are legally qualified

They are paid

19 / 24

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Where is the office of the MPs located?

10 Downing Street

The House of Commons

The House of Lords

Buckingham Palace

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How many senior MPs are appointed by the Prime Minister?

Almost 30

About 20

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Which court normally deals with cases of children aged 10 to 17 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland?

The High Court

The Youth Court

The Magistrates’ Court

The Sheriff Court

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Where can you find copies of the ‘Hansard’?

In the Guardian newspaper

In large libraries and at www.parliament.uk

In the bookshop

In any library

23 / 24

When were the United Nations set up?

Before the Second World War

Before the Second World War

After the Second World War

Before the First World War

Before the War of the Roses

24 / 24

Does Britain have a written constitution?

yes

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The Principle of Equality

The notion of equality under the law is a cornerstone of British legal tradition and forms the bedrock of the justice system. This principle asserts that everyone, regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or socioeconomic status, should be treated impartially by the law.

The Human Rights Act 1998 reinforced this principle by embedding the European Convention on Human Rights into national legislation. This act guarantees essential rights and freedoms, including the right to life, liberty, and personal security; the right to freedom of speech; and protection from discrimination.

Challenges to Equality

Although equality is legally established, its practical enforcement faces several challenges:

Socioeconomic Disadvantage: People from less privileged backgrounds may encounter obstacles in accessing justice, such as financial constraints preventing them from securing legal representation or difficulties in navigating complex legal processes.
Discrimination: Despite existing anti-discrimination laws, biases related to race, gender, disability, and other protected characteristics still persist, resulting in uneven treatment in employment, housing, and the criminal justice system.
Overrepresentation: Certain groups, notably ethnic minorities, are disproportionately represented in the criminal justice system, raising concerns about potential bias and unfair practices.
Geographic Disparities: Access to legal services can differ by location, with rural areas often experiencing greater challenges.

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Efforts to Promote Equality

The UK government has taken several steps to advance equality and address disparities:

Equality Legislation: The Equality Act 2010 offers a thorough framework for safeguarding individuals against discrimination.
Legal Aid: The legal aid system is designed to ensure that individuals who cannot afford legal representation still have access to justice.
Diversity and Inclusion: Initiatives to enhance diversity and inclusion within the legal profession are in progress to improve representation and understanding of diverse communities.
Data Collection and Analysis: Collecting and analyzing data on different groups’ outcomes helps identify disparities and guides policymaking.

The Role of the Judiciary

The judiciary plays an essential role in maintaining the principle of equality. Judges have the power to interpret and apply the law in ways that foster fairness and justice. They can also address discriminatory practices and policies.

Conclusion

While the UK has made notable progress in advancing equality under the law, challenges persist. Realizing true equality requires continuous efforts to tackle systemic inequalities and ensure the legal system is accessible and fair to everyone. By adhering to principles of fairness and justice, the UK can work towards a society where everyone has equal opportunities to succeed.

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