The Speaker — Life in the UK Test practice questions
These practice questions cover The Speaker, 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
Who chairs debates in the House of Commons?
- The Lord Chancellor
- The Prime Minister
- The monarch
- ✓ The Speaker — Correct answer
Debates in the House of Commons are chaired by the Speaker. The Speaker is the chief officer of the House of Commons and is neutral.
What is one job of the Speaker?
- ✓ Keeping order during debates — Correct answer
- Writing the national anthem
- Leading the Cabinet
- Commanding the police
The Speaker keeps order during debates in the House of Commons. The Speaker also makes sure the rules are followed and helps the debate run properly.
How is the Speaker chosen?
- By the monarch alone
- By the House of Lords
- ✓ By other MPs in a secret ballot — Correct answer
- By the public in a referendum
The Speaker is chosen by other MPs in a secret ballot. The Speaker must be neutral and does not represent a political party.
Which statement about the Speaker is correct?
- The Speaker can only be an MP from the governing party
- The Speaker is chosen by the public at a general election
- ✓ The Speaker is neutral and does not represent a political party — Correct answer
- The Speaker leads the government
The Speaker is neutral and does not represent a political party, even though the Speaker is an MP and represents a constituency.
Who chairs debates in the House of Commons?
- The Prime Minister
- The leader of the opposition
- ✓ The Speaker — Correct answer
- The monarch
Debates in the House of Commons are chaired by the Speaker. The Speaker is the chief officer of the House of Commons and stays neutral.
How is the Speaker chosen?
- By judges in the courts
- By the public in a referendum
- ✓ By other MPs in a secret ballot — Correct answer
- By the monarch without a vote
The Speaker is chosen by other MPs in a secret ballot.
How is the Speaker chosen?
- By the monarch without any vote
- By local councillors
- ✓ By other MPs in a secret ballot — Correct answer
- By the House of Lords
Other MPs choose the Speaker in a secret ballot. The Speaker is neutral and does not represent a political party.
Who chairs debates in the House of Commons?
- The leader of the opposition
- ✓ The Speaker — Correct answer
- The monarch
- The Prime Minister
The Speaker chairs debates in the House of Commons. The Speaker is the chief officer of the House of Commons.