Life in the UK Test Glossary

Quick definitions of key terms you'll encounter in the handbook and on the test.

B

Bank Holiday

A public holiday in the UK when most businesses, banks, and schools are closed.

C

Constituency

A geographical area represented by a single Member of Parliament (MP) in the House of Commons.

Constitutional Monarchy

A system of government where a monarch (king or queen) is the head of state, but their powers are limited by a constitution and laws.

D

Devolution

The transfer of certain powers from the UK Parliament to the governments of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

F

First Past the Post

The voting system used in UK general elections where the candidate with the most votes in a constituency wins, regardless of whether they have a majority.

G

General Election

A nationwide election in which voters choose Members of Parliament (MPs) for all 650 constituencies in the UK.

P

Patron Saint

A saint regarded as the special protector or guardian of a country, place, or group of people.

R

Royal Assent

The formal approval given by the monarch to a bill passed by Parliament, making it an Act of Parliament (a law).

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