Chaptér9.docVIP

Chapter 7 Government and Administration The United Kingdom is a constitutional monarchy: the head of State is a king or a queen. In practice, the Sovereign reigns, but does not rule: the United Kingdom is governed, in the name of the Sovereign, by His or Her Majestys Government - a body of Ministers who are the leading members of whichever political party the electorate has voted into office, and who are responsible to Parliament. The system of parliamentary government is not based on a written constitution. There is no written constitution in the United Kingdom, that is , unlike the constiutions of most other countries, the British constitution is not set out in any single document., It is made up of statute law, common law and conventions (Conventions are rules and practices which are not legally enforceable but which are regarded as indispensable to the working of government). The Judiciary determines common law and interprets statutes. Chapter 9 Social Affairs I Health and Social Services II .Social Security III .Religion Every person in Britain has the right to religious freedom without interference from the community or the State. He may change his religion at will and may manifest his faith in teaching, worship and observance. Churches and religious societies of all kinds may own property, conduct schools, and propagate their beliefs in speech and writing. Except that the Lord Chancellor may not be a Roman Catholic, public offices are open without distinction to members of all churches or of none. 1. Established churches There are two established churches in Britain, that is, churches legally recognized as official churches of the State: in England the Church of England, and in Scotland the (Presbyterian) Church of Scotland. (1) Church of England Church of England is uniquely related to the Crown in that the Sovereign must be a member of that Church and, as Defender of the Faith, must promise on his or her accession to uphold it. Church of England archbishop