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

Life in the UK test questions on the House of Commons

The House of Commons is the elected part of Parliament. Each MP represents one constituency, and there are 650 of them. The Speaker chairs debates, keeps order, is politically neutral once chosen, and is elected by other MPs in a secret ballot. The Commons is the more important of the two Houses because its members are elected.

Below are 6 free questions on the House of Commons, taken from handbook section 5.4. 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 House of Commons

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Questions and answers on the House of Commons

The same 6 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. How do people become members of the House of Commons?

    • They are elected by voters in a constituency — correct answer
    • They are appointed by the Prime Minister
    • They inherit the seat from a parent
    • They are chosen by the House of Lords

    Members of Parliament are elected. Each MP is chosen by the voters of one constituency, which is what makes the Commons the more powerful of the two Houses. Handbook section 5.4.

  2. 2. How often must a general election be held at the latest?

    • At least every five years — correct answer
    • Every two years
    • Every seven years
    • Every ten years

    A general election must be held at least once every five years, so no House of Commons can sit for longer than that without facing the voters. Handbook section 5.4.

  3. 3. An MP represents which people in their constituency?

    • Everyone who lives there, whether or not they voted for the MP — correct answer
    • Only the people who voted for them
    • Only members of the MP's own party
    • Only people who own property there

    An MP represents every constituent. You can ask your MP for help even if you voted for someone else, or could not vote at all. Handbook section 5.4.

  4. 4. How can you arrange in advance to sit in the public gallery of the House of Commons?

    • By asking your MP for tickets — correct answer
    • By writing to the monarch
    • By applying to the Supreme Court
    • By paying a fee at the door

    Your MP can supply tickets for the public gallery. You can also queue on the day, and there is no charge for either route. Handbook section 5.4.

  5. 5. How is the Speaker of the House of Commons chosen?

    • MPs elect the Speaker in a secret ballot — correct answer
    • The monarch appoints the Speaker
    • The Prime Minister appoints the Speaker
    • The House of Lords chooses the Speaker

    The Speaker is an MP chosen by fellow MPs in a secret ballot. Voting in secret means colleagues can choose freely without party pressure. Handbook section 5.4.

  6. 6. What is the job of the party whips in Parliament?

    • To organise their party's MPs and make sure they attend and vote — correct answer
    • To count the ballot papers at an election
    • To advise the monarch on new laws
    • To chair debates in the chamber

    Whips are MPs appointed by their party to keep members informed of business and to make sure they turn up for important votes. Each party has a chief whip. Handbook section 5.4.

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