Life in the UK test questions on the UK and international institutions

Practise the UK and international institutions

Questions and answers on the UK and international institutions

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. What is the Commonwealth?

   • An association of countries that support one another and work together — correct answer
   • A military alliance that defends Europe
   • A trading bloc with a single currency
   • A court that hears appeals from the UK

   The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of more than 50 countries. Most were once part of the British Empire, although some members never were. Handbook section 5.13.

2. 2. Select the TWO values that Commonwealth members agree to uphold.

   • Democracy — correct answer
   • The rule of law — correct answer
   • A single currency
   • A shared army

   Members sign up to shared principles including democracy, good government and the rule of law. The Commonwealth has no common currency or armed force. Handbook section 5.13.

3. 3. What do most Commonwealth countries have in common historically?

   • They were once part of the British Empire — correct answer
   • They all use the pound sterling
   • They were all founding members of NATO
   • They all share a land border with the UK

   Most members were once part of the British Empire, although membership is now open to other countries that share the Commonwealth's values. Handbook section 5.13.

4. 4. What is the UK's position on the United Nations Security Council?

   • It is one of the five permanent members — correct answer
   • It has no seat on the Security Council
   • It holds a seat that rotates each year
   • It chairs the Council permanently

   The Security Council has 15 members, five of them permanent. The UK is one of those five and helps decide how the UN responds to threats to peace. Handbook section 5.13.

5. 5. Can the Council of Europe make laws that bind the UK directly?

   • No, it agrees conventions and charters rather than passing binding law — correct answer
   • Yes, its decisions replace Acts of Parliament
   • Yes, but only about taxation
   • Yes, its rulings are enforced by the UK police

   The Council of Europe has no law-making power. Its influence comes through agreements such as the European Convention on Human Rights, which the UK has chosen to sign. Handbook section 5.13.