Fast Stream Public Service Knowledge 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The Salisbury Convention (also known as the Salisbury-Addison Convention) establishes which principle?
- The House of Lords will not vote against legislation implementing a manifesto commitment at Second Reading (Correct answer)
- The Prime Minister must hold a general election every five years
- The monarch must give Royal Assent to all Bills passed by Parliament
- Select committees must have members from all parties
Correct answer: The House of Lords will not vote against legislation implementing a manifesto commitment at Second Reading
The Salisbury Convention (1945) holds that the House of Lords should not reject at Second Reading any government legislation that fulfils a manifesto commitment. This convention recognises the democratic mandate of an elected government, though as a convention it is not legally binding.
Question 2: Which body is responsible for regulating the standards and conduct of civil servants in the UK?
- The Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO)
- The Civil Service Commission (Correct answer)
- The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
- The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS)
Correct answer: The Civil Service Commission
The Civil Service Commission is the independent body that regulates Civil Service appointments to uphold the merit principle. It also hears complaints under the Civil Service Code and provides assurance that recruitment is fair and open. It was established on a statutory basis by the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010.
Question 3: What does the term 'purdah' (now officially called the 'pre-election period') mean in the context of UK government?
- The period when Parliament is dissolved for summer recess
- A period before elections during which government activity and communications are restricted to avoid influencing the outcome (Correct answer)
- The time allocated for Prime Minister's Questions
- The period after an election before a new government is formed
Correct answer: A period before elections during which government activity and communications are restricted to avoid influencing the outcome
The pre-election period (traditionally called 'purdah') begins when Parliament is dissolved or an election is announced. During this time, government departments must restrict their communications and avoid making major policy announcements or decisions that could be seen as influencing the election. Civil servants must be particularly cautious about impartiality.
Question 4: The Sewel Convention (now referenced in legislation) concerns the relationship between Westminster and the devolved legislatures. What does it state?
- Westminster will not normally legislate on devolved matters without the consent of the relevant devolved legislature (Correct answer)
- Devolved parliaments can override UK-wide legislation at any time
- Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland must hold referendums before passing any legislation
- The Prime Minister must consult the First Ministers before calling a general election
Correct answer: Westminster will not normally legislate on devolved matters without the consent of the relevant devolved legislature
The Sewel Convention (1998) establishes that Westminster will 'not normally' legislate on devolved matters without the consent of the relevant devolved parliament or assembly, expressed through a Legislative Consent Motion. While referenced in the Scotland Act 2016, the Supreme Court ruled in the Miller case that it remains a political convention, not a legally enforceable rule.
Question 5: Which of the following correctly describes the role of the Privy Council in modern UK governance?
- It is the primary legislative body of the United Kingdom
- It is a formal body that advises the sovereign, and in practice its Judicial Committee formerly served as the final court of appeal for some Commonwealth countries (Correct answer)
- It manages the day-to-day operations of government departments
- It is responsible for conducting the national census
Correct answer: It is a formal body that advises the sovereign, and in practice its Judicial Committee formerly served as the final court of appeal for some Commonwealth countries
The Privy Council is a formal advisory body to the sovereign. While largely ceremonial today, it has practical functions including approving Orders in Council. Its Judicial Committee historically served as the final court of appeal for Commonwealth nations. Senior politicians are appointed as Privy Counsellors, granting them the title 'Right Honourable.'
Question 6: The Constitutional Reform Act 2005 brought about significant changes to the UK judiciary. Which of the following was NOT a change introduced by this Act?
- Creation of the UK Supreme Court to replace the Law Lords
- Establishment of the Judicial Appointments Commission
- Abolition of the monarchy's role in the judicial system (Correct answer)
- Reform of the role of the Lord Chancellor to separate judicial and political functions
Correct answer: Abolition of the monarchy's role in the judicial system
The Act created the Supreme Court (replacing the Appellate Committee of the House of Lords), established the independent Judicial Appointments Commission, and reformed the Lord Chancellor's role to ensure greater separation of powers. It did not abolish the monarchy's role — the sovereign remains the formal source of judicial authority.
Fast Stream Public Service Knowledge 2
The Salisbury Convention (also known as the Salisbury-Addison Convention) establishes which principle?