Free practice
Institutions — practice questions
Institutions is the heaviest subject in the exam: the Chamber of Deputies, the Government, the Constitution and the communes. The questions below follow the official format.
In the official exam this subject accounts for 20 of the 40 questions.
What is the political system of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg?
- A parliamentary republic
- A constitutional monarchy — Correct answer
- An absolute monarchy
Why · Luxembourg is a parliamentary democracy in the form of a constitutional monarchy. The Grand Duke is head of state, but his powers are framed by the Constitution and the Government answers for its actions before the Chamber of Deputies.
How many deputies sit in the Chamber of Deputies?
- 40
- 60 — Correct answer
- 80
Why · The Chamber of Deputies has 60 members, elected for five years across four constituencies: South, Centre, North and East. It is the body that votes laws and scrutinises the Government.
Who appoints and dismisses the members of the Government?
- The Grand Duke — Correct answer
- The Chamber of Deputies
- The Council of State
Why · The Grand Duke appoints and dismisses members of the Government. That power is exercised within a parliamentary system: the Government must hold the confidence of the Chamber of Deputies, to which it is accountable.
Which body gives an opinion on draft laws before they are voted on?
- The Court of Auditors
- The Council of State — Correct answer
- The Economic and Social Council
Why · The Council of State, made up of 21 members, examines government and parliamentary bills and issues a reasoned opinion before the vote. It acts as a technical and legal second reading, without being a second parliamentary chamber.
How often are legislative elections held?
- Every four years
- Every five years — Correct answer
- Every six years
Why · Legislative elections, which return the 60 deputies, take place every five years. Do not confuse them with municipal elections, which are held every six years.
Who runs the administration of a Luxembourg commune?
- The college of the mayor and aldermen — Correct answer
- A prefect appointed by the Government
- The municipal council of state
Why · The college of the mayor and aldermen is the municipal executive: it implements the decisions of the municipal council and runs day-to-day administration. The municipal council itself is the deliberative body elected by residents.
How often are municipal elections held?
- Every five years
- Every six years — Correct answer
- Every seven years
Why · Municipal elections take place every six years. Foreign residents entered on the electoral roll may take part, subject to conditions — an important difference from legislative elections.
Which court has the final say in disputes with the administration?
- The Superior Court of Justice
- The Administrative Court — Correct answer
- The Constitutional Court
Why · The administrative branch comprises the Administrative Tribunal at first instance and the Administrative Court on appeal. The judicial branch, headed by the Superior Court of Justice, handles civil, commercial and criminal matters instead.
What are the three administrative languages of Luxembourg?
- Luxembourgish, French and German — Correct answer
- French, German and English
- Luxembourgish, French and Portuguese
Why · The law of 24 February 1984 makes Luxembourgish the national language and recognises Luxembourgish, French and German as administrative and judicial languages. Legislation itself is drafted in French.
To which body is the Government politically accountable?
- To the Grand Duke
- To the Chamber of Deputies — Correct answer
- To the Council of State
Why · This is the defining principle of a parliamentary system: the Government must account for its actions before the Chamber of Deputies, which can withdraw its confidence. The Council of State has an advisory role, not a political oversight role.