Chapter 5: Government, Law & Your Role — Set 4

The Convention absolutely prohibits torture and inhuman or degrading treatment, alongside rights such as a fair trial and freedom of assembly.

The Convention protects civil and political rights such as liberty, religion and peaceful assembly — it does not guarantee anyone a free house.

When a petition reaches 10,000 signatures the government must provide a formal response, and at 100,000 signatures the Petitions Committee considers it for a debate in Parliament. A petition never becomes law automatically, and there is no debate in the same week at 10,000 signatures.

Petitions passing 10,000 signatures receive a formal government response; 100,000 is the threshold for being considered for a debate.

The Budget is the Chancellor of the Exchequer's annual statement to Parliament about taxation and public spending.

The Bank of England, which is independent of the government, sets the official interest rate through its Monetary Policy Committee.

VAT — Value Added Tax — is a tax added to the price of many goods and services bought in the UK.

Cars over three years old need an MOT test every year to check that they are safe and roadworthy.

Motor insurance is compulsory in the UK; driving uninsured is an offence and the vehicle can be seized.

Using a hand-held phone while driving is illegal — even while stopped at traffic lights — and carries a fine and penalty points.

Giving blood is one of the practical ways people can help others; it supports hospitals and patients across the UK.

School governors are volunteers who help make sure a school is well run and that its pupils are doing well.

National Citizen Service is a voluntary programme for 16 and 17 year olds, combining challenges, skills and a community project.

People can record an organ donation decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register, and are encouraged to discuss their wishes with their family.

Members of the public can watch Commons and Lords debates from the public galleries, and follow proceedings through Hansard and online.

The UK Supreme Court is the final court of appeal in the UK for civil cases, and for criminal cases from England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The Supreme Court opened in October 2009, taking over the appeal role previously carried out by the Law Lords in the House of Lords.

The Supreme Court sits in the Middlesex Guildhall on Parliament Square in London, across the square from the Houses of Parliament.

Until 2009, the highest court was the Appellate Committee of the House of Lords, whose judges were known as the Law Lords.

Barristers are specialist advocates: they are usually instructed by solicitors to present and argue cases, particularly in the higher courts.

A solicitor is usually a client's first point of contact: they give legal advice, handle paperwork and prepare the case, calling in a barrister for advocacy if needed.

Citizens Advice is a charity that gives free, confidential and independent advice on people's rights and problems, including benefits, debt, housing and employment.

Citizens Advice is an independent, free service run largely by trained volunteers; it is not part of the local council, and nobody is charged for its advice.

The Metropolitan Police was founded in 1829 by the Home Secretary, Sir Robert Peel, creating the first modern police force in Britain.