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Chapter 5 · The UK government, the law and your role

Life in the UK test questions on political parties

The main parties are the Conservatives, Labour and the Liberal Democrats, and there are others, including parties that stand only in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. Anyone may join a party, campaign for one, or stand for election as an independent. Pressure groups try to influence policy without seeking to form a government.

Below are 5 free questions on political parties, taken from handbook section 5.7. Every one is written out in full with its answer and a plain-English explanation — no account, no sign-up and nothing hidden.

Practise political parties

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Questions and answers on political parties

The same 5 questions again, this time with the answers shown. Read the explanation even where you were right — the test asks the same facts several ways.

  1. 1. Which of these is one of the main political parties in the UK?

    • The Labour Party — correct answer
    • The National Trust
    • The Confederation of British Industry
    • Liberty

    The main UK-wide parties are the Conservatives, Labour and the Liberal Democrats. The other organisations listed are a charity and campaigning bodies, not parties. Handbook section 5.7.

  2. 2. Who may join a UK political party?

    • Anyone who supports its aims may apply to join — correct answer
    • Only Members of Parliament
    • Only people born in the UK
    • Only people who own property

    Political parties are open to supporters, and members help by campaigning, raising money and choosing candidates. Handbook section 5.7.

  3. 3. Why are political parties important in a democracy?

    • They give voters organised choices between different programmes for government — correct answer
    • They decide court cases between citizens
    • They collect council tax
    • They appoint the monarch

    Parties gather people with similar ideas, put forward candidates and set out programmes, so that voters have a real and understandable choice. Handbook section 5.7.

  4. 4. How old must you be to stand for election as an MP?

    • 18 or over — correct answer
    • 16 or over
    • 21 or over
    • 25 or over

    The minimum age to stand for election to the House of Commons is 18, the same age at which you can vote. Handbook section 5.7.

  5. 5. Who normally chooses which candidate will stand for a party in a constituency?

    • The local members of that party — correct answer
    • The monarch
    • The Electoral Commission
    • The sitting MP for the neighbouring seat

    Local party members select their candidate. It is one of the main reasons people join a party. Handbook section 5.7.

8 more questions on political parties

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