Lesson 3.1.1.4

3.1.1.4 The judiciary Quiz: AQA Politics, Unit 1

20 questions

Written by Revision Ninja · Last reviewed 11 October 2026

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Lesson 3.1.1.4, The judiciary: 20 multiple choice questions for the AQA Politics (7152), Unit 1: Government and politics of the UK, written with Revision Ninja.

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The 20 questions

  1. Which court replaced the Law Lords as the UK's highest court of appeal in 2009?

    • Court of Appeal
    • The Supreme Court
    • High Court
    • Crown Court

  2. Which principle ensures judges decide cases free from government or parliamentary pressure?

    • Parliamentary sovereignty
    • Judicial neutrality
    • Judicial independence
    • Judicial review

  3. What does the legal term 'ultra vires' mean regarding public authority actions?

    • Within constitutional limits
    • Approved by Parliament
    • Beyond legal powers
    • Subject to referendum

  4. Which process enables courts to check whether executive actions are legally lawful?

    • Statutory interpretation
    • Judicial review
    • Parliamentary scrutiny
    • Subordinate legislation

  5. Which constitutional principle keeps the judiciary distinct from executive and legislature?

    • Separation of powers
    • Parliamentary sovereignty
    • Unitary state
    • Rule of law

  6. Which body selects candidates for judicial appointment in England and Wales?

    • Lord Chancellor Office
    • Bar Standards Board
    • Judicial Appointments Commission
    • Supreme Court Committee

  7. From which sector are senior UK judges primarily recruited?

    • Qualified legal practice
    • Civil service management
    • Academic political science
    • Local elected government

  8. How does the Supreme Court primarily exercise judicial influence over government?

    • Vetoing cabinet appointments
    • Amending primary statutes
    • Reviewing executive legality
    • Drafting parliamentary bills

  9. How can judicial review rulings directly affect executive policy implementation?

    • Forcing policy revisions
    • Overturning general elections
    • Dissolving parliament
    • Striking down statutes

  10. Which legal principle allows courts to invalidate acts exceeding statutory authority?

    • Habeas corpus
    • Ratio decidendi
    • Ultra vires
    • Obiter dicta

  11. If a minister creates a regulation without statutory power, what is its legal status?

    • Declaratory statute
    • Prerogative order
    • Primary legislation
    • Ultra vires

  12. What power does the Supreme Court lack regarding primary legislation passed by Parliament?

    • Interpreting statute meaning
    • Declaring incompatibility
    • Reviewing executive decisions
    • Striking down Acts

  13. What process allows UK courts to challenge the lawfulness of public body decisions?

    • Executive veto
    • Parliamentary privilege
    • Judicial review
    • Royal prerogative

  14. What action can UK courts not take against primary legislation passed by Parliament?

    • Review delegated rules
    • Strike it down
    • Interpret its meaning
    • Declare incompatibility

  15. Which term describes judges deciding cases without personal bias or political prejudice?

    • Parliamentary sovereignty
    • Ultra vires
    • Judicial independence
    • Impartiality

  16. Which 2005 Act established the UK Supreme Court, separating judiciary from Parliament?

    • Constitutional Reform Act
    • Fixed-term Parliaments Act
    • Human Rights Act
    • Parliament Act

  17. Which independent body was created in 2006 to select judges in England?

    • Judicial Conduct Office
    • Supreme Court Board
    • Law Officers Council
    • Judicial Appointments Commission

  18. Which Latin term describes a public body acting beyond its legal powers?

    • Ratio decidendi
    • Ultra vires
    • Habeas corpus
    • Obiter dicta

  19. In judicial review cases, what are UK courts assessing rather than political merits?

    • Moral justification
    • Political popularity
    • Policy wisdom
    • Legality of decisions

  20. How can the Supreme Court directly impact government policy implementation?

    • Overturning parliamentary votes
    • Drafting new bills
    • Passing primary legislation
    • Declaring actions unlawful

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