The political System in the United Kingdom

The Political System in the United Kingdom of GB (and Northern Irland)

= a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy

Wales

Scotland

England

Head of State

Head of Government

Cabinet

Executive Power

Legislative Power

Main political parties

The electoral system

The Queen "reigns but does not rule"

She has mainly a ceremonial role in politics

Prime Minister, leader of the majority party

PM + other ministers from Parliament

Government, responsible to the House of Commons

Parliament consists of two chambers:

House of Commons and House of Lords

The Parliament controls the Prime Minister and Cabinet

Labour Party

Conservative Party

Liberal Democrats

the PM can call a general election at any time

British Members of Parliament are elected by majority vote

- clear winners

- stable majority (no coalition)

- clear opposition

-discrepancy between number of votes and seats

advantages

disadvantages