A parliamentary democracy
Study note
The United Kingdom is best described as a parliamentary democracy. This means the country is run by representatives whom the people elect, rather than by an absolute monarch, a military dictatorship or a single ruling party. The capital of this democracy is London.
The UK is governed by its Parliament, which sits at Westminster in London. Parliament is the central body that makes the laws for the whole of the UK. Because members of the House of Commons are elected by the public, the people have a real say in how the country is governed.
For the test, hold on to three linked facts: the UK is a parliamentary democracy, its capital is London, and its law-making Parliament sits at Westminster in London. Descriptions such as an absolute monarchy or a military dictatorship are wrong answers.
Memory tip: Parliamentary democracy, capital London, Parliament at Westminster.
Practise this topic
Question 1 of 3
The UK is best described as which kind of country?
Show all questions and answers for A parliamentary democracy(3 questions with explanations)
A parliamentary democracy: questions, answers and explanations
1. The UK is best described as which kind of country?
- A military dictatorship
- An absolute monarchy
- A parliamentary democracy
- A federal republic
Correct answer: A parliamentary democracy
The UK is a parliamentary democracy with its capital in London.
2. The UK is a parliamentary democracy with its capital in which city?
- Belfast
- London
- Edinburgh
- Cardiff
Correct answer: London
London is the capital of the UK, which is a parliamentary democracy.
3. The UK Parliament that makes laws for the whole country sits at Westminster in London.
- True
- False
Correct answer: True
True. The UK is governed by the Parliament that sits at Westminster in London.
Back to What is the UK?, or try a mock test or timed exam.