1.
When was the Parliament Act introduced?
Correct Answer
B. 1911
Explanation
The Parliament Act was introduced in 1911. This act was passed by the British Parliament and it aimed to limit the power of the House of Lords, giving more authority to the House of Commons. The act reduced the power of the House of Lords to veto legislation and allowed the House of Commons to pass laws without the approval of the Lords, except in certain circumstances. This was a significant step in the process of democratic reform in the United Kingdom.
2.
When were 5 year Parliamentary terms introduced?
Correct Answer
D. 1911
Explanation
Parliamentary terms of 5 years were introduced in 1911. This means that members of parliament would serve for a period of 5 years before the next election. This change in the duration of parliamentary terms could have been influenced by various factors such as political stability, the need for longer-term planning and decision-making, or a desire to align with other countries' parliamentary systems. However, without further context, it is difficult to determine the exact reason for this change.
3.
How many times was Stanley Baldwin Prime Minister?
Correct Answer
C. 3
Explanation
Stanley Baldwin served as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom three times. He first took office in 1923 and served until 1924. He then became Prime Minister again from 1924 to 1929, and finally from 1935 to 1937. Baldwin was a prominent figure in British politics during the interwar period and is known for his conservative policies and leadership during challenging times, including the Great Depression and the abdication crisis of King Edward VIII.
4.
How many times was Winston Churchill Prime Minister?
Correct Answer
B. 2
Explanation
Winston Churchill served as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom twice. He first held the position from 1940 to 1945 during World War II, and then again from 1951 to 1955. Churchill is known for his strong leadership during the war and his influential speeches that rallied the nation. His leadership and determination played a crucial role in the eventual victory of the Allied forces.
5.
How long (in years) was Margaret Thatcher Prime Minister?
Correct Answer
C. 11
Explanation
Margaret Thatcher served as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom for a total of 11 years. She held this position from 1979 to 1990, making her the longest-serving British Prime Minister of the 20th century. Thatcher's tenure was marked by her conservative policies, including privatization and deregulation, as well as her strong stance against communism. Her leadership had a significant impact on British politics and society, earning her the nickname "Iron Lady."
6.
How long (in years) was John Major Prime Minister?
Correct Answer
D. 7
Explanation
John Major served as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom for a total of 7 years. He took office on November 28, 1990, following the resignation of Margaret Thatcher, and remained in power until May 2, 1997. During his tenure, Major faced significant challenges, such as the Gulf War and economic recessions, but also achieved notable accomplishments, including signing the Maastricht Treaty and negotiating the Northern Ireland peace process.
7.
In 2009, how many MPs are there in the House of Commons?
Correct Answer
B. 645
Explanation
In 2009, there were 645 Members of Parliament (MPs) in the House of Commons.
8.
In August 2009, how many women MPs are there in the House of Commons?
Correct Answer
D. 126
Explanation
In August 2009, there were 126 women MPs in the House of Commons. This indicates the number of female Members of Parliament during that specific time period.
9.
Who was the first woman MP?
Correct Answer
E. Constance Markievicz
Explanation
Countess Constance Markievicz was the first woman elected to the House of Commons, in 1918. However she did not take her seat, in protest against Britain's policy in Ireland. The first woman to be elected and take her seat was Viscountess Nancy Astor in 1919.
10.
Who was the first woman Minister?
Correct Answer
A. Margaret Bondfield
Explanation
Margaret Bondfield - appointed Under Secretary in the Ministry of Labour in 1924.
11.
Who is the Father of the House? ( the MP with the longest unbroken service (in 2009))
Correct Answer
D. Rt Hon Alan Williams MP.
Explanation
The correct answer is Rt Hon Alan Williams MP. In the context of the question, "Father of the House" refers to the Member of Parliament with the longest unbroken service. Therefore, Rt Hon Alan Williams MP is the correct answer as he has the longest unbroken service among the given options.
12.
In August 2009, who is the oldest MP?
Correct Answer
E. Rt Hon Ian Paisley
Explanation
The Rt Hon Ian Paisley, MP for North Antrim, born on 6 April 1926.
13.
Who followed William Hague as Leader of the Conservative Party?
Correct Answer
B. Iain Duncan Smith
Explanation
William Hague served as leader of the Conservative Party between 1997 and 2001.
14.
When was David William Donald Cameron born?
Correct Answer
D. 9 October 1966
Explanation
David William Donald Cameron was born on 9 October 1966.
15.
When did David Cameron become leader of the Conservative Party?
Correct Answer
A. December 2005
Explanation
David Cameron became the leader of the Conservative Party in December 2005.
16.
Which Oxford College did David Cameron attend?
Correct Answer
A. Brasenose
Explanation
David Cameron attended Brasenose College at Oxford.
17.
True or false?The KGB tried to recruit David Cameron
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
See the David Cameron Wikipedia page.
18.
What did David Cameron study at Oxford?
Correct Answer
D. pHilosopHy, Politics, and Economics
Explanation
David Cameron studied Philosophy, Politics, and Economics at Oxford. This combination of subjects is commonly known as PPE and is a popular course at the university. It provides students with a broad understanding of political, economic, and philosophical theories and concepts, preparing them for careers in various fields such as politics, government, and finance.
19.
David Cameron was born in London, brought up in Newbury in Berkshire and also in?
Correct Answer
E. Totley, Sheffield
Explanation
David Cameron was born in London and brought up in Newbury in Berkshire. The given answer, Totley, Sheffield, is incorrect and does not provide any relevant information about David Cameron's upbringing.
20.
David Cameron is a direct descendent of which King?
Correct Answer
B. William IV
Explanation
David Cameron is a direct descendant of King William IV (4th great-grandfather) and his mistress Dorothea Jordan (and thus 5th cousin, twice removed of Queen Elizabeth II)
21.
Which constituency does David Cameron represent?
Correct Answer
C. Witney
Explanation
David Cameron represents the constituency of Witney.
22.
What is the name of David Cameron's wife?
Correct Answer
E. Samantha
Explanation
Samantha is the correct answer because Samantha Cameron is the name of David Cameron's wife.
23.
Who is the Speaker of the House of Commons? (August 2009)
Correct Answer
C. John Bercow
Explanation
John Bercow is the correct answer because he was the Speaker of the House of Commons in August 2009. He served as the Speaker from June 2009 to November 2019, presiding over debates and maintaining order in the House of Commons.
24.
Who in August 2009 is the House of Commons' youngest MP?
Correct Answer
A. Chloe Smith
Explanation
Chloe Smith, MP for Norwich North, age 27.
25.
In the 2005 General Election, how many MPs came from an ethnic background?
Correct Answer
A. 15
Explanation
In the 2005 General Election, 15 MPs came from an ethnic background.
26.
Following the general election of 2005, what was the average age of an MP?
Correct Answer
D. 50.6
Explanation
The correct answer is 50.6. This suggests that the average age of an MP after the general election of 2005 was 50.6 years.
27.
When did MPs first get an annual salary?
Correct Answer
D. 1911
Explanation
1911. The first annual salary was £400.
28.
As of 1 April 2009, what is an MP's salary?
Correct Answer
A. £64,766
Explanation
The correct answer is £64,766. This is the salary of a Member of Parliament (MP) as of 1 April 2009.
29.
Including MP's salary, how much does the Prime Minister get paid? (as of August 2009)
Correct Answer
C. £197, 689
Explanation
The Prime Minister has been entitled to a salary of £197, 689 (including MP's salary of £64,766) from 1 April 2009. The current Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, has elected not to take the pay rise for 2009-10 either in his ministerial or parliamentary salary.
30.
How much do Cabinet Ministers get paid? (August 2009)
Correct Answer
D. £144,520
Explanation
Cabinet ministers have been entitled to a salary of £144,520 (including MP's salary of £64,766) from 1 April 2009. Current ministers have agreed not to take the pay rise for 2009-10, either in their ministerial or parliamentary salaries.
31.
How much do Select Committee Chairmen get paid? (August 2009)
Correct Answer
A. £79,132
Explanation
£79,132 (including MP's salary of £64,766) from 1 April 2009.
32.
How much does the Speaker of the House of Commons get paid?
Correct Answer
D. £141, 647
Explanation
The Speaker is paid at exactly the rate of a cabinet minister, namely £141, 647 (including MP's salary of £63,291).
33.
What is the financial help received from Parliament for opposition parties known as?
Correct Answer
B. Short money
Explanation
Opposition parties get extra money to help them carry out their parliamentary business. This is known as 'Short Money'.
34.
What year did the Falklands War start?
Correct Answer
C. 1982
Explanation
The Falklands War started in 1982.
35.
Which PM would take ‘fallen women’ back to 10 Downing Street?
Correct Answer
A. Gladstone
Explanation
Mrs Gladstone was not happy.
36.
True or false. MPs pay congestion charge?
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
MPs, or Members of Parliament, are not exempt from paying the congestion charge. The congestion charge is a fee imposed on vehicles driving within the congestion charging zone in certain cities, such as London. It is designed to reduce traffic congestion and encourage the use of public transport. Therefore, as ordinary citizens, MPs are required to pay the congestion charge like any other vehicle owner or driver.
37.
True or False. MPs pay tax and insurance at the same rates as private citizens?
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
True. MPs pay the same rates of taxation and National Insurance as any other employed person.
38.
Who said, "This will not affect the pound in your pocket" ?
Correct Answer
B. Harold Wilson
Explanation
Harold Wilson said, "This will not affect the pound in your pocket."
39.
What year was the Gun Powder Plot?
Correct Answer
E. 1605
Explanation
The Gun Powder Plot occurred in 1605. It was a failed attempt by a group of English Catholics to assassinate King James I of England and his government by blowing up the House of Lords during the State Opening of Parliament. The plot was discovered on November 5, 1605, when Guy Fawkes, one of the conspirators, was found guarding the gunpowder that was intended for the explosion. This event is still commemorated in the UK every year on November 5th with fireworks and bonfires.
40.
What is a House of Commons prayer card?
Correct Answer
C. A marker that reserves a seat for an MP in the Commons chamber
Explanation
There are 646 MPs and not enough seats for all members to be seated.
41.
Which Oxford College did George Osborne attend?
Correct Answer
A. Magdalen
Explanation
George Osborne attended Magdalen College, as stated in the answer.
42.
Which constituency does George Osborne represent?
Correct Answer
B. Tatton
Explanation
George Osborne represents the constituency of Tatton.
43.
Which is the name of George Osborne's wife?
Correct Answer
C. Frances
Explanation
He is married to The Hon. Frances Howell, now The Hon. Frances Osborne, an author (and elder daughter of former Conservative Cabinet Minister The Lord Howell). The couple have two young children, Luke and Liberty.
44.
What is the Bullingdon club?
Correct Answer
E. A notorious Oxford University dining club
Explanation
It was revealed in The Daily Mail on 7 April 2007 that whilst at Oxford, George Osborne had been a member of the Bullingdon Club, a notorious Oxford University dining club. This had become a significant political issue after it was revealed that David Cameron had been a member of the club and that it was 'infamous for "trashing" restaurants and other riotous behaviour' and 'is open only to sons of aristocratic families and the super-rich'. The Conservative Party have sought to distance themselves from the antics of the Bullingdon Club's members, particularly because it included many Conservative MPs and various photos in circulation are considered extremely damaging to the new party image.
45.
When was George Osborne born?
Correct Answer
E. 23 May 1971
Explanation
The correct answer is 23 May 1971. This means that George Osborne was born on 23 May 1971.
46.
Where was George Osborne born?
Correct Answer
C. Paddington
Explanation
George Osborne was born in Paddington.