United Kingdom Government and the Commonwealth.pptVIP

United Kingdom Government and the Commonwealth What kind of government does the UK have? Parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy The monarch is central figure in the UK. However, the monarchy is symbolic and has no political power. The Parliament has all the political power and runs the country. Queen Elizabeth II Fulfills ceremonial and formal duties in the government Must remain strictly neutral on political matters. Has been Queen since 1952 (59 years) Windsor Castle The Queen lives and works in Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace She meets with the Prime Minister once a week The Queen spends her summers at Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire, Scotland What is a democracy? The term comes from the Greek word “democratia” meaning “rule of the people” Generally it means: A political system for choosing and replacing the government through free and fair elections The participation of citizens in politics and civic life Parliamentary Democracy The UK is called a “Parliamentary democracy” because the lawmakers in the Parliament are elected by the citizens of the UK. Photo of House of Commons from www.parliament.uk Three Branches of Government Prime Minister David Cameron Most powerful political leader in the UK Leader of the Executive Branch of Government Leader of the majority party in Parliament Elected in May 2010 10 Downing Street The Prime Minister lives and works at 10 Downing Street Known in the UK as “Number 10” This is one of the most famous addresses in the Western world Parliament – the Legislative Branch House of Commons “The Lower House” All Members of Parliament or “MPs” are democratically elected Makes all the laws and is the center of parliamentary power Consists of 650 MPs House of Lords “The Upper House” Historically made up of leaders of the Church of England and important land owners (not democratic) Being reformed Right now, the House of Lords has very little power Palace of Westminster Parliament meets here Notice the River Tha