United KingdomGovernment and law 7 · Government, law and your role
How is an MP elected in a general election?
- aSeats are shared out between parties by their share of the national vote.
- bThe candidate with the most votes in the constituency wins, even without more than half of them.Correct answer
- cThe candidate must win more than half of all votes, or the election is held again.
- dThe party leader chooses who will represent each constituency.
Why?
General elections use the 'first past the post' system: the candidate with the most votes in a constituency wins. They do not need more than half of the votes.
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Take a free mock examGovernment and law 8
What normally happens when an MP dies or resigns?Correct answer:A by-election is held in that constituency.
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What is the longest a Parliament can last before a general election must be held?Correct answer:Five years
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What is the main job of party whips in Parliament?Correct answer:To make sure their party's MPs attend and vote as the party wants
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How do most members of the House of Lords get their seats today?Correct answer:They are appointed for life by the monarch, on the advice of the Prime Minister.
Source
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