The House of Lords — Life in the UK Test practice questions
These practice questions cover The House of Lords, 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
What are members of the House of Lords called?
- Councillors
- Judges
- Constituents
- ✓ Peers — Correct answer
Explanation
Members of the House of Lords are called peers.
Who appoints life peers?
- The local council, after consultation with constituents
- The House of Commons, by a simple vote
- The Speaker, after a secret ballot of MPs
- ✓ The monarch, on the advice of the Prime Minister — Correct answer
Explanation
Life peers are appointed by the monarch on the advice of the Prime Minister. Some are also nominated by the leaders of the main political parties or by an independent Appointments Commission.
What happened to hereditary peers in 1999?
- They became elected MPs
- They were moved to the House of Commons
- ✓ They lost the automatic right to attend the House of Lords — Correct answer
- They were made life peers automatically
Explanation
Since 1999, hereditary peers have not had the automatic right to attend the House of Lords.
What are life peers?
- ✓ Peers appointed for life only — Correct answer
- Members of the House of Commons who chair debates
- Peers who automatically sit in the House of Lords because of family title
- Peers elected by all voters in a general election
Explanation
Life peers are appointed for their own lifetime. They usually have had important careers in politics, business, law, or another profession.