The system of government in the UK

   SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT IN THE UK

   The British system of government is the oldest parliamentary democracy in Europe. British parliament was formed in the eleventh century and, after the signing of the Magna Charta by King John in the year 1215, it came to power and became the main part in the system of government. In this way, England set up the base of democracy in the whole Europe.

   Dating back over ten centuries, the Monarchy plays an important role in the UK and Commonwealth.

   The Queen is supported in her work by members of the Royal Family, who carry out a huge range of public duties.

   The British monarch or Sovereign is the head of state of the United Kingdom and in the British overseas territories. The British monarch is also head of state of fifteen other countries these, together with the UK, are known as the Commonwealth Realms.

   The powers of the monarchy, known as the Royal Prerogative, are still very extensive. Most prerogative powers are exercised not by the monarch personally, but by ministers acting on his or her behalf; examples such as the power to regulate the civil service and the power to issue passports. Some major powers are exercised nominally by the monarch herself, acting on the advice of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, and according to constitutional convention. An example is the power to dissolve Parliament.

   It has long been established in the uncodified Constitution of the United Kingdom that political power is ultimately exercised by the Parliament of the United Kingdom, of which the Sovereign is a non-partisan component, along with the House of Lords and the House of Commons, and by the Prime Minister and Cabinet. Thus, as the modern British monarchy is a constitutional one, the Sovereign's role is in practice limited to non-partisan functions (such as being the fount of honour).

   The British constitution, unlike that of most of other countries, is not written as a single document. It is formed partly by statute law (Acts of Parliament) and important documents (such as Magna Carta), partly by common law (a series of laws dating back to the Middle Ages), and partly by customs and by convention. It can be altered by an Act of Parliament, or by general agreement to change convention.

   The UK is a parliamentary monarchy and the Queen is the head of the state. But in practice it is ruled by the government formed by the Parliament or, to be more exact, by the political party which is in power at this or that stage.  The Parliament of the United Kingdom consists of the Queen (hereditary monarch), the House of Lords (almost 1300 unelected members or peers) and the House of Commons (659 elected Members of Parliament). All three combine to carry out the work of Parliament. The Sovereign formally summons and dissolves Parliament and generally opens each new annual session with a speech from the throne.

   The House of Lords is still a hereditary body. It consists of the Lords Temporal and the Lords Spiritual. The House of Lords is presided over by the Lord Chancellor who is the chairman of the House.

   The center of parliamentary power is the House of Commons. The House of Commons is an elected and representative body. Members are paid a salary and an allowance. The Speaker of the House of Commons is elected by the members of the House immediately after each new Parliament is formed.

   The Government consists of approximately 100 members of the political party which has the majority of seats in the House of Commons.

   What does Parliament do?

   Making laws (legislations). The Queen, Lords and Commons all have to agree to any new law which is passed.

   Examining the work of Government. Both the Lords and the Commons examine the work of the Government on behalf of the public. They do this by asking the Government questions, by debate and through committees of inquiry.

   Controlling finance. Only the House of Commons can give permission for the Government to collect taxes. The House of Commons decides what taxes shall be collected and how the money shall be spent.

   Protecting the individual. Members of Parliament (Members of the House of Commons) protect the rights of the individual. Each Member of Parliament represents the people of a certain area. Britain is divided into 659 of these areas, known as constituencies.

   Hearing appeals. The House of Lords is a Court of Justice, the highest Court of Appeal in Britain.

   Law-making process

   Laws are rules that everyone in the country must obey. In a democracy, like the UK, nobody is above the law. About one hundred new laws are passed each year.

   Making legislation or creating laws is Parliament's main function and the most important job of MPs. Every year, Parliament passes about a hundred laws directly, by making Acts of Parliament.

   How does Parliament make new laws?

   A proposed new law is called a bill. Bills must be agreed by both Houses of Parliament and receive Royal Assent from the Queen before they can become Acts of Parliament which make our law.

   The Bill is introduced by a First Reading. This is simply an official notice that a Bill is going to be proposed and what it's about. It gives MPs time to prepare and discuss it.

   Shortly afterwards comes the Second Reading. At this point the principles are considered on the floor of the House. The Bill is then sent to be looked at by small groups of MPs who examine the Bill in detail. Also during the Second reading the Bill can be amended.

   At the Third Reading the Bill is debated and there is a vote. If the Government has a majority, the Bill is then passed to the House of Lords.

   Once a Bill has passed through both Houses, it is sent to the Queen for the Royal Assent. Once it has Royal Assent the Bill becomes an Act of Parliament. It is the law of the land.

   Since 1952, The Queen has given Royal Assent to 3135 Acts of Parliament.

     Interesting Fact:

    Up until the end of the 17th century, British monarchs were executive monarchs. This means they had the right to make and pass laws. Since the beginning of the eighteenth century, the monarch has become a constitutional monarch. 

   Government 

   A general election must be held every five years. Eighteen is the minimum voting age; candidates for election must be over 21. There are four main political parties: Conservative, Labour, Liberal and Social Democratic parties. The winning party forms the Government. Ministers are chosen by the Prime Minister (leader of winning party). The second party becomes official Opposition and forms the Shadow-Cabinet. MPs who are members of the Opposition are called back-benchers.

   The executive power of the Crown is exercised by the Cabinet, headed by the Prime Minister. The Prime minister is appointed directly by the Crown and is the leader of the political party which has a majority of seats in the House of Commons. The Prime Minister is the head of the Government; he is always a Member of the House of Commons. He consults and advises the Monarch on government business supervises and coordinates the work of the various ministers and departments in the House of Commons. He also makes recommendations to the Monarch on many important public appointments.

   The most senior members of the Government are known as the Cabinet. The Cabinet is the nucleus (center) of the Government. All major decisions of the Government are made by the Cabinet, and therefore it is the Cabinet which forms Government policy.

   Members of the Cabinet are chosen by the Prime Minister.

   Departments and ministers are run by civil servants, who are permanent officials. Even if the Government changes after an election, the same civil servants are employed.