Life in the UK Test Vocabulary

A system of government where the people have the power to choose their leaders through free and fair elections.

The principle that no one is above the law, including the government and the monarch. Everyone must obey the law.

The right to freedom of thought, speech, and expression, as long as it does not break the law or harm others.

Accepting that other people may have different views, beliefs, and ways of life, and treating them with respect.

A civic duty where citizens are called to serve on a jury in a court of law to help decide whether someone is guilty or not guilty.

The country made up of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

The island made up of England, Scotland, and Wales. It does not include Northern Ireland.

The Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. They are not part of the UK but have a special relationship with the Crown.

A saint who is regarded as the special guardian or protector of a country, place, or group. Each UK nation has its own patron saint.

The Scottish New Year celebration, held on 31 December. It is one of the biggest celebrations in Scotland.

The official currency of the United Kingdom, abbreviated as GBP and symbolised by £.

Celebrated on 5 November with bonfires and fireworks, commemorating the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605.

A day on 11 November to remember those who died in wars. People wear red poppies as a symbol of remembrance.

A prehistoric monument in Wiltshire, southern England. It was built in several stages over about 1,500 years and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A wall built by the Romans on the orders of Emperor Hadrian to mark the northern frontier of the Roman Empire in Britain.

Peoples from northern Europe (modern-day Denmark and Germany) who settled in England after the Romans left around AD 410.

Seafaring warriors from Denmark and Norway who raided and later settled in parts of Britain from the 8th century.

The invasion of England by William, Duke of Normandy, in 1066, following his victory at the Battle of Hastings.

A charter signed in 1215 by King John that established the principle that the king was subject to the law.

A comprehensive survey of land and property in England, ordered by William the Conqueror in 1086.

A devastating plague that reached England in 1348 and killed approximately a third of the population.

Civil wars (1455–1485) between the House of Lancaster (red rose) and the House of York (white rose) for the English throne.

The established church of England, created when Henry VIII broke with Rome. The monarch is the head of the Church.

A large fleet of Spanish ships defeated by the English navy in 1588, during the reign of Elizabeth I.

The largely peaceful overthrow of King James II in 1688, when William of Orange was invited to become king.

A law passed in 1689 that confirmed the rights of Parliament and limited the powers of the monarch.

A period of rapid industrial growth that began in Britain in the 18th century, transforming society from agricultural to industrial.

Women who campaigned for the right to vote, led by Emmeline Pankhurst. Women over 30 gained the vote in 1918.

National Health Service. Established in 1948 to provide free healthcare at the point of use for all UK residents.

A voluntary association of 54 countries, many of which were once part of the British Empire.

A system where the government provides services like healthcare, pensions, and unemployment benefits. Proposed by the Beveridge Report in 1942.

The most famous tennis tournament in the world, held at the All England Lawn Tennis Club in London.

An annual series of classical music concerts held at the Royal Albert Hall in London, organized by the BBC.

A prestigious contemporary art prize named after the British painter JMW Turner.

A celebration on 25 January honouring the Scottish poet Robert Burns, featuring haggis and poetry recitation.

The first effective antibiotic, discovered by Alexander Fleming in 1928.

The UK's legislature, consisting of the House of Commons (elected) and the House of Lords (appointed/hereditary).

The elected lower house of the UK Parliament. MPs represent constituencies and debate/vote on laws.

The upper house of the UK Parliament. Members are not elected but are appointed (life peers) or inherit their position (hereditary peers).

The head of the UK government, usually the leader of the party that wins the most seats in a general election.

A group of about 20 senior ministers chosen by the Prime Minister to run major government departments.

A geographical area represented by one Member of Parliament (MP) in the House of Commons.

The electoral system used for UK general elections, where the candidate with the most votes in each constituency wins.

The transfer of some powers from central government at Westminster to regional governments in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

A system of government where the monarch is the head of state but their powers are limited by a constitution and Parliament.

The system of courts and judges that interprets and applies the law. It is independent of the government.

A 1998 Act that incorporated the European Convention on Human Rights into UK law.

A 2010 Act that protects people from discrimination based on 9 protected characteristics.

The highest court in the UK, established in 2009. It is the final court of appeal for all civil and criminal cases.

The person who chairs debates and maintains order in the House of Commons. The Speaker must be politically impartial.