The British constitution: Life in the UK test revision
What the Life in the UK test can ask about this topic, explained in plain English.
We have 27 checked facts on this topic, and 1 of them is a Test Trap.
Here are the 5 that come up most.
The facts to know
Since 1958, what power has the Prime Minister had regarding the House of Lords?
The power to nominate peers just for their own lifetime.
Life peers usually have had a notable career in politics, business, law or another profession, and their title doesn't pass on to their children. It exists only for their own lifetime.
Test Trap. life peers (since 1958) hold their title only for their own lifetime — unlike hereditary peers, who pass their title to their children.
Why it matters: Pairs with the pre-1958 hereditary-peer fact as a clear before/after contrast.
Memory hook: 1958 onward: life peers, titled for a lifetime, not for their heirs.
Official handbook: Chapter 5, section 5.3, page 77
How is the UK's system of state commonly described?
A constitutional monarchy.
The UK has a king or queen, but they don't run the country day to day. Real decisions come from elected politicians in Parliament. This balance, a royal head of state with limited powers, plus an elected government. Is called a constitutional monarchy, unlike an absolute monarchy where the ruler has full control.
Why it matters: 'Absolute monarchy' is the wrong answer waiting for anyone who has not read this one.
Memory hook: Crown wears the hat, Parliament wears the trousers.
Official handbook: Chapter 5, section 5.1, page 72
What does the Speaker of the House of Commons do?
Chairs debates and maintains order.
Debates in the House of Commons can get loud, so someone has to keep order. That's the Speaker's job: chairing debates, deciding who gets to speak, and enforcing the rules fairly. Once elected Speaker, an MP gives up party politics completely to stay neutral between all sides.
Why it matters: The Speaker's neutrality is a detail examiners often test, since it's easy to assume they still back their party.
Memory hook: Speaker: the referee, not a player, once the whistle blows.
Official handbook: Chapter 5, section 5.6, page 86
How do most members enter the House of Lords?
They are appointed.
Unlike MPs, most members of the House of Lords are not elected by voters. They are appointed. A few also sit through Church roles or a small number of hereditary seats. Because nobody voted for them, the Lords mainly checks and revises laws rather than making the final decision.
Why it matters: It explains why the Lords can delay laws but the elected Commons usually has the final say.
Memory hook: Lords are picked, not ticked on a ballot paper.
Official handbook: Chapter 5, section 5.3, page 77
What is a constitution?
A set of principles by which a country is governed.
A constitution isn't just one document. It covers the whole system of institutions, laws and conventions that together determine how a country is actually run.
Why it matters: A foundational definition needed before the 'unwritten constitution' fact makes sense.
Memory hook: Constitution: the rulebook for how a country runs.
Official handbook: Chapter 5, section 5.3, page 74
22 more facts on The British constitution are in the Complete Study Guide.
Try 3 practice questions
Question 1
Before 1958, how did most peers hold their title in the House of Lords?
They were elected by the public
They were appointed for life only
They won their seats by ballot
They inherited it ('hereditary' peers)
Show the answer
Answer: They inherited it ('hereditary' peers)
Before 1958, the only way into the House of Lords was to inherit a title, hold a senior judicial post, or be a bishop. There was no way to be appointed just for personal achievement.
Official handbook: Chapter 5, section 5.3, page 77
Question 2
What changed for hereditary peers in 1999?
They were given seats in the House of Commons instead
They lost the automatic right to attend the House of Lords
They gained the right to vote in general elections
They were required to become life peers
Show the answer
Answer: They lost the automatic right to attend the House of Lords
1999 marked a major reform: rather than every hereditary peer automatically sitting in the Lords, only a small number, elected by their fellow hereditary peers, now take part.
Official handbook: Chapter 5, section 5.3, page 77
Question 3
How often must a UK General Election be held, at minimum?
Every year
Every two years
At least every five years
Every ten years
Show the answer
Answer: At least every five years
Five years is the maximum gap allowed between General Elections, though a government can call one earlier if it chooses to.
Official handbook: Chapter 5, section 5.3, page 78
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