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Houses of Parliament Quiz

Q: What is the official name of the London building that houses the UK Parliament?

The Palace of Westminster — The Palace of Westminster, on the north bank of the River Thames, is the official name for the building housing both Houses of Parliament.

Q: What is the name commonly (if technically incorrectly) given to the Great Bell in the Elizabeth Tower?

Big Ben — 'Big Ben' is strictly the nickname of the Great Bell inside the Elizabeth Tower, though the name is popularly used for the tower and clock as a whole.

Q: How many Houses make up the UK Parliament?

Two — The UK Parliament is bicameral, comprising the House of Commons and the House of Lords.

Q: Unlike MPs in the House of Commons, most members of the House of Lords are generally not what?

Elected — Most members of the House of Lords are appointed rather than elected, including life peers, bishops and a small number of hereditary peers.

Q: What is the ceremonial role of 'Black Rod' associated with?

Summoning MPs to the Lords for the State Opening of Parliament — Black Rod summons MPs to the House of Lords for the State Opening of Parliament, traditionally having the door of the Commons chamber symbolically shut in their face first.

Q: At the annual State Opening of Parliament, the monarch reads a speech setting out the government's plans. What is this event commonly called?

The King's/Queen's Speech — At the State Opening of Parliament, the monarch reads the 'King's/Queen's Speech' in the House of Lords, outlining the government's proposed laws for the coming session.

Q: What is the title of the presiding officer who chairs debates in the House of Commons and enforces order?

The Speaker — The Speaker of the House of Commons chairs debates, maintains order, and by convention remains politically impartial while in the role.

Q: What colour are the benches in the House of Commons chamber?

Green — The House of Commons chamber is furnished with green benches, while the House of Lords uses red.

Q: The current Palace of Westminster was largely rebuilt after a devastating fire in which year destroyed the earlier building?

1834 — A fire in October 1834 destroyed most of the old Palace of Westminster; the current Gothic Revival building, designed by Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin, was completed over subsequent decades.

The Palace of Westminster, its history and how the UK's Parliament works.

9 questions · ~5 mins ·

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Question 1 of 9

1. What is the official name of the London building that houses the UK Parliament?

2. What is the name commonly (if technically incorrectly) given to the Great Bell in the Elizabeth Tower?

3. How many Houses make up the UK Parliament?

4. Unlike MPs in the House of Commons, most members of the House of Lords are generally not what?

5. What is the ceremonial role of 'Black Rod' associated with?

6. At the annual State Opening of Parliament, the monarch reads a speech setting out the government's plans. What is this event commonly called?

7. What is the title of the presiding officer who chairs debates in the House of Commons and enforces order?

8. What colour are the benches in the House of Commons chamber?

9. The current Palace of Westminster was largely rebuilt after a devastating fire in which year destroyed the earlier building?

Houses of Parliament Quiz

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