Welsh assembly election 2011: Quick quiz

Are you an assembly expert?

The next Welsh assembly election takes place on Thursday, 5 May but do you know your Senedd from your presiding officer? Make sure you are fully prepared for the big day by testing yourself in our quick quiz.

1.) Multiple Choice Question

What is the Senedd?

1. The building containing the assembly's debating chamber
   
2. An alternative name for the assembly
   
3. The red-brick building where assembly members have their offices
   

2.) Multiple Choice Question

Why do you have two votes in an assembly election?

1. One for your AM, one for your MP
   
2. Because council elections are held on the same day as assembly elections
   
3. Because there are two types of AM
   

3.) Multiple Choice Question

How many assembly members are there?

1. 60
   
2. 80
   
3. 100
   

4.) Multiple Choice Question

Does the assembly have powers over the welfare system?

1. Yes
   
2. No
   

5.) Multiple Choice Question

How many first ministers have there been in the first 12 years of the assembly?

1. Two
   
2. Three
   
3. Four
   

6.) Multiple Choice Question

How many coalitions have been in power in Cardiff Bay since 1999?

1. None
   
2. Two
   
3. One
   

7.) Multiple Choice Question

What does the assembly's presiding officer do?

1. Takes notes of assembly meetings
   
2. Chairs plenary meetings of the assembly
   
3. Runs the assembly government's civil service
   

8.) Multiple Choice Question

In how many policy areas can the assembly pass laws?

1. 10
   
2. 20
   
3. 100
   

9.) Multiple Choice Question

How does the assembly government get its money?

1. It borrows it from the UK government
   
2. It raises it through taxes
   
3. It receives a grant from the Treasury every year
   

10.) Multiple Choice Question

When is the next assembly election due to be held after 5 May?

1. 2012
   
2. 2015
   
3. 2016
   

Answers

1. Opened in 2006, the Senedd is the assembly's main public building and contains the debating chamber - the Siambr
2. One is for your local constituency AM, the other is to elect regional members
3. 60 - that's 40 representing first-past-the-post constituencies and four from each of the five electoral regions
4. No. The assembly government has introduced benefits such as free breakfasts at primary schools and free prescriptions, but welfare is reserved for the UK government
5. Three - Alun Michael, Rhodri Morgan and Carwyn Jones. However, the job was called first secretary when Mr Michael did it
6. Two - one between Labour and the Liberal Democrats and another between Labour and Plaid Cymru. Labour has also run minority and majority administrations
7. Chairs plenary meetings and more besides. The presiding officer is not part of the government. It is a similar role to the speaker of the House of Commons
8. The assembly can pass legislation in 20 areas, including health, education and transport
9. The Treasury provides a block grant to pay for devolved services. The assembly has no powers to borrow or raise money through taxation
10. Although the assembly has four-year terms, AMs have voted to hold the next election in 2016 to avoid a clash with the parliamentary general election in 2015

Your Score

0 - 3 : Unelectable

4 - 8 : Assembly member

9 - 10 : First Minister