Chapter 5 — The UK Government, the Law and Your Role
The Government
The Prime Minister and Cabinet
- The Prime Minister (PM) is the leader of the party with the most seats in the House of Commons
- The PM appoints members of the Cabinet — about 20 senior ministers
- Cabinet ministers are responsible for running government departments (e.g. health, education, defence)
- The PM lives and works at 10 Downing Street, London
The Opposition
- The second-largest party is the official opposition
- Their leader is the Leader of the Opposition
- The opposition holds the government to account and scrutinises its work
Devolved Administrations
| Body | Location | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Scottish Parliament | Holyrood, Edinburgh | Scotland |
| Welsh Parliament (Senedd) | Cardiff Bay, Cardiff | Wales |
| Northern Ireland Assembly | Stormont, Belfast | Northern Ireland |
Powers of Devolved Administrations
- Do control: education, health, transport, environment, agriculture
- Do NOT control: defence, foreign policy, immigration, currency, constitutional matters
Local Government
- The UK is divided into local authorities (councils)
- Councils are responsible for local services: schools, roads, housing, refuse collection, libraries
- Councillors are elected by local residents
- Council tax funds local services
Civil Service
- Civil servants support the government in implementing its policies
- They are expected to be politically neutral — they serve whichever government is in power
Test yourself
Check your understanding with these quick questions.
1.The Prime Minister is:
2.What is the Cabinet?
3.The Scottish Parliament is located in:
4.What is the opposition?
5.Devolved administrations have powers over: