The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is a parliamentary democracy with a constit

1
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern
Ireland is a parliamentary democracy with a
constitutional monarch.
2
Queen.

• Queen Elizabeth II is the head of state, but she
  has no real power. In law the queen is the head
  of the executive branch and a part of the
  legislative branch but in fact her role is mostly
  ceremonial. She acts on the advice of her
  ministers.

3
Monarch One person who does have to take part in
Parliament - whether they want to or not - is the
reigning Monarch or Sovereign. This is because
the institution we call Parliament has three
elements - the Commons, the Lords and the
Monarch. The Palace of Westminster is a Royal
palace and everything that is done there is done
in the Crown's name. It is a long time since a
King or Queen actually had a direct say in law
making, but the Monarch is the Head of State and
gives the Royal Assent to all new legislation.
The Monarch appoints Life Peers (on the Prime
Ministers advice), opens Parliament
and dissolves it, and appoints the Prime Minister
- though by convention the Monarch always
appoints the leader of the party that won most
seats in a General Election.
4
from the Internet www.parliament.uk
5
Parliament's role

• Parliament is an essential part of UK politics.
• Its main roles are
• Examining and challenging the work of the
• Government (scrutiny)
• Debating and passing all laws (legislation)
• Enabling the government to raise taxes

6
MPs and Lords
MPs and Lords work in and outside of
Parliament - this section explains their
different roles and responsibilities to the
public.
7
(No Transcript)
8
(No Transcript)
9
(No Transcript)
10
(No Transcript)
11
House of Commons Chamber virtual tour
12
The largest party in the Commons forms the
government and its leader becomes the Prime
Minister. Officially the Queen appoints the
Prime Minister.
13
Prime Minister The Prime Minister is the leader
of the Government. He or she is the leader of the
party that wins the most seats at a General
Election. After a General Election, the Queen
calls upon the leader of the largest party to
form the Government. The Prime Minister chooses
the other members of the Government and has a
residence and offices at 10 Downing Street. In
Parliament, the Prime Minister sits on the
Government Front Bench near the Despatch Box in
the House of Commons. He or she is also an MP.
The Prime Minister has powers to appoint judges,
propose the creation of  Life Peers and make
appointments to senior positions in the Church of
England. The title of Prime Minister does not
constitutionally exist - the Prime Minister's
actual title is First Lord of the Treasury.
14
(No Transcript)