Independent study & practice
Democracy
28 questions · Trace a vote from registration to representation. Study the notes, then practise without the clock.
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Study notes: make the connections
Trace a vote from registration to representation
An eligible voter registers, votes for a candidate and is represented by an MP. First past the post determines the winner in a constituency; it is not a national direct election for Prime Minister.
After an election, a government needs support in the Commons. The opposition scrutinises it, while the Speaker chairs debates impartially.
| Remember the link | Key fact |
|---|---|
| an election to replace an MP who has died or resigned | By-election A by-election fills a vacancy in a constituency. |
| the UK system where the candidate with most constituency votes wins | First past the post The candidate with the most votes wins the constituency seat. |
| a government formed jointly by more than one party | Coalition Parties can work together to form a coalition government. |
| an MP’s local meeting to hear constituents’ concerns | Surgery Constituents can raise problems with their MP at a surgery. |
| the area represented by a single MP | Constituency Each MP represents a parliamentary constituency. |
| the largest party outside government in the Commons | Official opposition The opposition challenges government policy and proposes alternatives. |
| the senior opposition team mirroring ministers | Shadow cabinet Shadow ministers scrutinise their government counterparts. |
| the official record of parliamentary proceedings | Hansard Hansard records what is said in parliamentary debates. |
| the list on which eligible voters register | Electoral register Eligible people must register before voting. |
| transferring certain powers to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland | Devolution Devolved institutions decide specified matters within their areas. |
Handbook reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role — The British constitution; Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role — The government; Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role — Respecting the law; Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role — Your role in the community; Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role — The UK and international institutions. These are original revision notes, not a reproduction of the handbook.
Three quick study checks
Which term describes an election to replace an MP who has died or resigned?
By-election
A by-election fills a vacancy in a constituency.
Which description explains By-election?
an election to replace an MP who has died or resigned
A by-election fills a vacancy in a constituency.
Which term describes the UK system where the candidate with most constituency votes wins?
First past the post
The candidate with the most votes wins the constituency seat.