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What you need to know

 

How the United Kingdom is governed

  • What is proportional representation and where is it used?
  • What services are provided by local authorities?
  • How do judges apply the law? How are the police organised?
  • What are quangos and non-departmental public bodies?
  • How is political debate reported? Are newspapers free to publish opinions or do they have to remain impartial?
  • Who has the right to vote and at what age? How and when do you register to vote?
  • Who can stand for public office? How can you contact an elected member? How can you visit Parliament?
  • What are the roles and powers of the main institutions of Europe? How is European law organised?
  • What rights do citizens of European Union states have to travel and work?
  • What is the Commonwealth? What is the United Nations and what is Britain's role within it?

Remember, you can find the answers to all these questions in the handbook.