The government and political parties
The Prime Minister (PM) is the leader of the political party in power. The PM appoints the members of the cabinet and has control over many important public appointments. The PM’s official home is 10 Downing Street, in central London. The PM also has a country house outside London called Chequers.
The cabinet is a small committee of about 20 senior ministers. They include the Chancellor of the Exchequer (responsible for the economy), the Home Secretary (crime, policing and immigration), the Foreign Secretary (relations with foreign countries) and ministers for subjects such as education, health and defence.
The second-largest party in the House of Commons is called the opposition. The Leader of the Opposition leads a shadow cabinet. Each week, while Parliament is sitting, there is Prime Minister’s Questions.
Anyone aged 18 or over can stand for election as an MP, but they are unlikely to win without the support of a political party. The main parties are the Conservative Party, the Labour Party and the Liberal Democrats; there are also parties that represent Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish interests. MPs who do not belong to a party are called independents.
Civil servants support the government in developing and implementing its policies. They are chosen on merit and are politically neutral — they do not change when the government changes.
Pressure and lobby groups try to influence government policy.
Key facts
- PM lives at 10 Downing Street; country house: Chequers.
- Chancellor of the Exchequer — economy. Home Secretary — crime, policing, immigration. Foreign Secretary — foreign relations.
- The opposition is the second-largest party; its leader leads the shadow cabinet.
- Civil servants are politically neutral.
- You must be 18 or over to stand for election as an MP.
Memory tips
- Chancellor = Cash; Home Secretary = Home safety; Foreign Secretary = Foreign affairs.
Practice questions
1. What is the address of the Prime Minister’s official home?
- Buckingham Palace
- 10 Downing Street
- 11 Downing Street
- Chequers
Show answer
The Prime Minister’s official home is 10 Downing Street. The PM also has a country house called Chequers.
2. What is the name of the Prime Minister’s country house?
- Balmoral
- Chequers
- Sandringham
- Windsor
Show answer
Chequers is the Prime Minister’s country house outside London.
3. Which cabinet minister is responsible for the economy?
- The Home Secretary
- The Chancellor of the Exchequer
- The Foreign Secretary
- The Lord Chancellor
Show answer
The Chancellor of the Exchequer is responsible for the economy.
4. Which cabinet minister is responsible for crime, policing and immigration?
- The Home Secretary
- The Foreign Secretary
- The Chancellor
- The Justice Secretary
Show answer
The Home Secretary is responsible for crime, policing and immigration.
5. What is the second-largest party in the House of Commons called?
- The cabinet
- The opposition
- The coalition
- The House of Lords
Show answer
The second-largest party is the opposition. Its leader leads the shadow cabinet.
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