The public can listen to debates in the Palace of Westminster from public galleries in
both the House of Commons and the House of Lords. You can either write to your local
MP in advance to ask for tickets or you can queue on the day at the public entrance.
Entrance is free. Sometimes there are long queues for the House of Commons and you
may have to wait for at least one or two hours. It is usually easier to get into the House of
Lords.

In Northern Ireland, elected members, known as MLAs, meet in the Northern Ireland
Assembly at Stormont, in Belfast. There are two ways to arrange a visit to Stormont. You
can either contact the Education Service or contact an MLA.

In Scotland, the elected members, called MSPs, meet in the Scottish Parliament at
Holyrood in Edinburgh. You can get information, book tickets or arrange tours through
the visitor services.

In Wales, the elected members, known as AMs, meet in the Welsh Assembly in the
Senedd in Cardiff Bay. You can book tours or seats in the public galleries for the Welsh
Assembly.

Check that you understand

The role of the monarchy

How Parliament works, and the difference between the House of Commons and the
House of Lords

How often general elections are held

Where the official residence of the Prime Minister is

The role of the Cabinet and who is in it

The nature of the UK Constitution

The job of the Opposition, the Leader of the Opposition and the Shadow cabinet

The difference between “first past the post” and proportional representation

The form of electoral systems in the devolved administrations in Northern Ireland,
Scotland and Wales

The rights and duties of British citizens, including naturalized citizens

How the judiciary, police and local authorities work

What non-departmental public bodies are

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