Politics of the United Kingdom

The politics of the United Kingdom are based upon a unitary state and a constitutional monarchy. Its system of government (often known as the Westminster system) has been adopted by other countries, such as Canada, India, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Jamaica.

Head of state

The head of state and theoretical source of executive, judicial and legislative power in the UK is the British monarch, currently Queen Elizabeth II. By convention, the monarch chooses the leader of the largest party in the House of Commons to become the Prime Minister, even though in theory the monarch possesses the right to choose any British citizen to be her Prime Minister, even if they are not an MP or a peer of the House of Lords. The monarch grants Royal Assent to a Bill from Parliament, albeit theoretically (s)he possesses the ability to refrain from doing so. The Royal Assent is almost never refused, in accordance with contemporary constitutional conventions--the last occasion it was declined was 11 March 1708 by Queen Anne. The monarch dissolves Parliament at the time suggested by the Prime Minister, though in theory the Sovereign holds the right to dissolve parliament whenever s/he wishes. Other royal powers called royal prerogative, such as patronage to appoint ministers and the ability to declare war, are exercised by the Prime Minister and the Cabinet.

Related Topics:
Head of state - British monarch - Elizabeth II - Citizen - MP - House of Lords - Royal Assent - Bill - Constitutional convention - 11 March - 1708 - Queen Anne - Royal prerogative - Cabinet

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Today the Sovereign has an essentially ceremonial role restricted in exercise of power by convention and public opinion, though the monarch (in accordance with the writings of 19th century British constitutional writer Walter Bagehot) does exercise three essential rights: the right to be consulted, the right to advise and the right to warn. Prime ministers have weekly confidential meetings with the monarch. The longer the monarch reigns the greater the degree of his or her experience and knowledge becomes, and so the meetings become more and more useful. In practical terms, the political head of the UK is the Prime Minister (Tony Blair since May 2, 1997), who must have the support of a majority of Members of Parliament (MPs) in the House of Commons. In formal terms, the Crown in Parliament is sovereign.

Related Topics:
Walter Bagehot - Prime Minister - Tony Blair - May 2 - 1997 - Members of Parliament - House of Commons

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