The development of British democracy — Life in the UK Test practice questions
These practice questions cover The development of British democracy, part of the The UK government, the law and your role chapter of the official handbook, Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents. The correct answer and a clear explanation sit under every question.
Practice questions
At the turn of the 19th century, who could vote?
- Only people who paid taxes
- ✓ Men over 21 who owned a certain amount of property — Correct answer
- All adults
- Only women over 30
At that time, only a small group could vote: men over 21 who owned a certain amount of property. Britain was not a democracy as it is understood today.
What is democracy?
- A system where the monarch makes all decisions
- ✓ A system in which all adults have a voice in choosing leaders or making decisions — Correct answer
- A system where only MPs have the right to vote
- A system where no one is allowed to vote
Democracy is a system of government where all adults have a voice in choosing leaders or making decisions. People may vote directly, or they may elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.
What voting age was set in 1969 for men and women?
- ✓ 18 — Correct answer
- 21
- 30
- 16
In 1969, the voting age was set at 18 for men and women. Before that, the vote had already been extended to women over 30 in 1918 and to men and women over 21 in 1928.
What did the Chartists want about voting?
- For votes to be secret but not open to all men
- For only property owners to vote
- ✓ For all men to have the vote — Correct answer
- For voting to stop in the countryside
The Chartists campaigned for reform in the 1830s and 1840s. One of their main aims was for all men to have the vote.
What did the Chartists want about voting?
- ✓ For every man to have the vote — Correct answer
- For voting to be limited to MPs
- For women only to vote
- For only property owners to vote
One of the Chartists’ main demands was for every man to have the vote. They also wanted secret ballots, MPs to be paid, and other reforms.
In 1969, what change was made to the voting age?
- It was extended to women over 30
- It was reduced to 21 for men and women
- It was kept at 30
- ✓ It was reduced to 18 for men and women — Correct answer
The voting age was reduced to 18 for both men and women in 1969. Before that, the vote had already been extended in stages.