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How the UK is governed

Study note

The United Kingdom is governed by its Parliament, which sits at Westminster in London. This is the central body that makes laws and decisions affecting the whole of the UK, and London is the capital from which the country is run.

As well as this central Parliament, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland each have their own devolved government or assembly. Devolution means that some powers have been passed down from Westminster so that these nations can make certain decisions for themselves, in areas such as education and health within their own borders.

For the test, remember two things together. The UK Parliament sits at Westminster in London, and Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland each have a devolved body with powers over certain matters in their own nation. Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast are where those devolved bodies are based, not where the UK Parliament sits.

Memory tip: Westminster governs the UK; Scotland, Wales and NI also have devolved bodies.

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Question 1 of 2

Where does the UK Parliament sit?

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How the UK is governed: questions, answers and explanations

  1. 1. Where does the UK Parliament sit?

    • Edinburgh
    • Belfast
    • Westminster, in London
    • Cardiff

    Correct answer: Westminster, in London

    The UK Parliament sits at Westminster in London.

  2. 2. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland each have their own devolved government or assembly.

    • True
    • False

    Correct answer: True

    True. Each has a devolved body with powers over certain matters in its own nation.

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