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

Life in the UK test questions on the civil service

Civil servants carry out the work of government and support ministers, whichever party is in power. They are chosen on merit and must be politically neutral, professional and honest. A change of government does not mean a change of civil servants, which is what keeps the machinery of government running through an election.

Below are 4 free questions on the civil service, taken from handbook section 5.11. Every one is written out in full with its answer and a plain-English explanation — no account, no sign-up and nothing hidden.

Practise the civil service

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Questions and answers on the civil service

The same 4 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. What do civil servants do?

    • Support ministers in developing policies and deliver public services — correct answer
    • Vote on new laws in Parliament
    • Decide criminal trials
    • Lead political parties

    Civil servants advise ministers, turn government policy into practice and run public services. They are managers and officials, not politicians. Handbook section 5.11.

  2. 2. Who carries government policy into practice once ministers have decided it?

    • The civil service — correct answer
    • The House of Lords
    • The judiciary
    • Political party members

    Ministers set the direction and the civil service puts it into effect, running the departments and services that deliver it. Handbook section 5.11.

  3. 3. Select the TWO values that the Civil Service Code requires of civil servants.

    • Integrity — correct answer
    • Impartiality — correct answer
    • Loyalty to one political party
    • Personal profit

    The Civil Service Code sets out four core values: integrity, honesty, objectivity and impartiality. Party loyalty and private gain are the opposite of what is expected. Handbook section 5.11.

  4. 4. Can a serving civil servant stand for election as an MP?

    • No, civil servants may not stand while they remain in the civil service — correct answer
    • Yes, without any restriction
    • Yes, but only in local elections
    • Yes, if their minister agrees

    Standing for Parliament would conflict with the political neutrality the job requires, so civil servants are barred from doing so while in post. Handbook section 5.11.

7 more questions on the civil service

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