Chapter 2 – Test 2

Explanation: The Channel Islands are indeed closer to France than to the British mainland. Jersey, the largest of the Channel Islands, is only about 14 miles (22 km) from the coast of France, while it is approximately 100 miles (160 km) from the south coast of England. Despite their geographical proximity to France, the Channel Islands have been Crown Dependencies of the British Crown since the Norman Conquest.

Reference: Chapter 2 - What is the UK?

Explanation: Ireland is NOT one of the four countries of the UK. The United Kingdom consists of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The Republic of Ireland is an independent country. Northern Ireland (consisting of six counties in the north of the island of Ireland) is the part that remains in the UK, while the rest of the island forms the independent Republic of Ireland.

Reference: Chapter 2 - What is the UK?

Explanation: Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory located at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, on the Mediterranean Sea. It sits at the entrance to the Mediterranean, near the Strait of Gibraltar which separates Europe from Africa. Gibraltar has been under British sovereignty since 1713 under the Treaty of Utrecht and is famous for the Rock of Gibraltar.

Reference: Chapter 2 - What is the UK?

Explanation: The Scottish Parliament has devolved powers, meaning certain powers have been transferred from the UK Parliament in Westminster to Scotland. The Scottish Parliament can make laws on devolved matters including education, health, justice, and transport. Wales (through the Senedd) and Northern Ireland (through the Northern Ireland Assembly) also have devolved powers. England does not have its own parliament; English matters are handled by the UK Parliament.

Reference: Chapter 2 - What is the UK?

Explanation: Tynwald is the parliament of the Isle of Man and is one of the oldest continuous parliaments in the world, with origins dating back over 1,000 years. The Isle of Man is a self-governing Crown Dependency, and Tynwald has the power to make laws for the island on most domestic matters. The name "Tynwald" comes from the Old Norse word "Thingvollr," meaning "assembly field."

Reference: Chapter 2 - What is the UK?

Explanation: The Republic of Ireland is an independent, sovereign nation and is NOT part of the United Kingdom. Ireland became independent from the UK in 1922. Only Northern Ireland (the six northern counties) remains part of the UK. The Republic of Ireland has its own government, currency (the Euro), and is a member of the European Union.

Reference: Chapter 2 - What is the UK?

Explanation: The UK is separated from continental Europe by the English Channel to the south and the North Sea to the east. The English Channel is about 21 miles (34 km) wide at its narrowest point (the Strait of Dover). These bodies of water have historically played a significant role in British defense and trade, creating a natural barrier between Britain and mainland Europe.

Reference: Chapter 2 - What is the UK?

Explanation: Bermuda is a British Overseas Territory, not a Crown Dependency. There are only two Crown Dependencies: the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. British Overseas Territories like Bermuda, Gibraltar, the Falkland Islands, and others are under British sovereignty but have a different constitutional status than Crown Dependencies. Bermuda is located in the North Atlantic Ocean and has been a British territory since 1609.

Reference: Chapter 2 - What is the UK?

Explanation: Stormont, located in Belfast, is home to the Northern Ireland Assembly. This is the devolved legislature for Northern Ireland, established under the Good Friday Agreement (Belfast Agreement) of 1998. The Assembly makes decisions on matters that have been devolved to Northern Ireland, including health, education, and agriculture. The building is officially called Parliament Buildings.

Reference: Chapter 2 - What is the UK?

Explanation: While Crown Dependencies (Channel Islands and Isle of Man) are self-governing in most areas, the UK government remains responsible for their defense and international relations. The Crown Dependencies have their own laws, taxation systems, and governments for domestic matters, but they rely on the UK for military protection and diplomatic representation on the world stage.

Reference: Chapter 2 - What is the UK?

Explanation: Great Britain consists of three countries: England, Scotland, and Wales. This is purely a geographical designation referring to the largest island in the British Isles. The United Kingdom, by contrast, consists of four countries (adding Northern Ireland). It's important to distinguish between Great Britain (3 countries) and the United Kingdom (4 countries).

Reference: Chapter 2 - What is the UK?

Explanation: The Scottish Parliament sits at Holyrood in Edinburgh. The modern parliament building opened in 2004 at the foot of the Royal Mile, near the Palace of Holyroodhouse (the official residence of the monarch in Scotland). The Scottish Parliament was established in 1999 following devolution, giving Scotland control over many domestic policies including education, health, and justice.

Reference: Chapter 2 - What is the UK?

Explanation: The Falkland Islands are located in the South Atlantic Ocean, not the Caribbean Sea. They are situated approximately 300 miles (480 km) east of the coast of South America. The Falkland Islands are a British Overseas Territory with a population of about 3,000 people, primarily of British descent. The islands have been under British administration since 1833.

Reference: Chapter 2 - What is the UK?

Explanation: St David (Dewi Sant in Welsh) is the patron saint of Wales, celebrated on St David's Day, March 1st. He was a Welsh bishop who lived in the 6th century and became one of the most important figures in Welsh Christianity. St George is England's patron saint, St Andrew is Scotland's, and St Patrick is associated with Ireland.

Reference: Chapter 2 - What is the UK?

Explanation: The Senedd (Welsh Parliament building) is located in Cardiff Bay and houses the Welsh Parliament (also called Senedd Cymru). The building opened in 2006 and is known for its modern, sustainable architecture. Holyrood is in Edinburgh (Scotland), Westminster is in London (UK Parliament), and Stormont is in Belfast (Northern Ireland).

Reference: Chapter 2 - What is the UK?

Explanation: Jersey and Guernsey are the two largest and most well-known islands in the Channel Islands group. The Channel Islands also include several smaller islands such as Alderney, Sark, and Herm. All of these islands are Crown Dependencies located in the English Channel, closer to France than to Britain, but with strong historical ties to the UK.

Reference: Chapter 2 - What is the UK?

Explanation: England is by far the largest country in the UK by population, with over 56 million people (approximately 84% of the UK's total population). Scotland has about 5.5 million people, Wales around 3.1 million, and Northern Ireland approximately 1.9 million. England is also the largest by land area within the UK.

Reference: Chapter 2 - What is the UK?

Explanation: The Scottish flag features a white diagonal cross (St Andrew's Cross or Saltire) on a blue background. According to legend, St Andrew appeared in the sky as a white cross against blue clouds before a battle, leading to Scottish victory. This flag is one of the oldest national flags still in use and dates back to at least the 15th century.

Reference: Chapter 2 - What is the UK?

Explanation: The Union Jack (also called the Union Flag) combines three flags: St George's Cross (England - red cross on white), St Andrew's Cross (Scotland - white diagonal cross on blue), and St Patrick's Cross (Ireland - red diagonal cross on white). Wales is not represented because it was already united with England when the flag was created. The current design dates from 1801.

Reference: Chapter 2 - What is the UK?

Explanation: Northern Ireland is NOT part of Great Britain. Great Britain refers only to the island containing England, Scotland, and Wales. Northern Ireland is located on the island of Ireland and is part of the United Kingdom but not part of Great Britain. This is why the full official name is "The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland."

Reference: Chapter 2 - What is the UK?

Explanation: St Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland, and his cross (a white diagonal cross on a blue background) forms the Scottish flag. St George is the patron saint of England, St Patrick is associated with Ireland, and St David is the patron saint of Wales. Each patron saint is celebrated on their respective saint's day.

Reference: Chapter 2 - What is the UK?

Explanation: Wales is part of the island of Great Britain, along with England and Scotland. Great Britain is the largest island in the British Isles and the ninth-largest island in the world. The term "Great Britain" is purely geographical, referring to the physical landmass, while "United Kingdom" is a political designation.

Reference: Chapter 2 - What is the UK?

Explanation: Gibraltar is one of fourteen British Overseas Territories. These territories are under British sovereignty but are not part of the UK itself. Other examples include the Falkland Islands, Bermuda, and St Helena. The Channel Islands and Isle of Man are Crown Dependencies with a different constitutional status, while the Republic of Ireland is an independent nation.

Reference: Chapter 2 - What is the UK?

Explanation: The United Kingdom consists of four countries: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Each country has its own distinct identity, culture, and traditions, though they are united under one sovereign state with a shared monarch and central government in Westminster.

Reference: Chapter 2 - What is the UK?