Unit 3 - The Monarchy Flashcards
Briefly indicate what is meant by a constitutional monarchy.
In a constitutional monarchy, a monarch reigns but does not rule, ministers rule in her name.
Outline the conventions that the monarch must adhere to when exercising her powers.
The monarch must:
- abide by the party system
- show absolute impartiality in choosing ministers
- take advice from the relevant minister before acting.
Identify the powers of the monarchy under the royal prerogative. In practice are any of the powers significant?
- Appointment of the prime minister
- Appointment of ministers
- Dissolution and prorogation of parliament
- Dismissal of the government
- Queen’s Speech
- Declaration of war and international treaties
- Approve legislation
- Royal pardon
- Granting of peerages
- Granting of honours
- Granting of patronage.
With the exception of appointing the prime minister after an inconclusive election, in practice these powers mean nothing as ministers tell the monarch what to do.
What powers, other than prerogative powers does the monarch have? Are any of these significant?
- Power to advise, encourage, and warn
- Moral leader
- Ceremonial and other roles
- Head of state
- Head of the Commonwealth
With regard to the power to advise, encourage, and warn, we do not know and much of this is conjecture.
Identify the main sources of funding for the monarchy.
The Sovereign Grant, the Privy Purse, and personal wealth and investments.
Sovereign Grant - income from government, renewed every five years
Privy Purse - income from the Duchy of Lancaster
List FIVE local contacts you would approach to get quotes on a story on the monarchy.
Any of the following:
- Lord Lieutenant of the County (Queen’s representative in each county)
- somebody who has recently been to the Palace (to receive an honour; attend a garden party)
- somebody who has recently met a member of the royal family on one of their visits
- ex-member of the armed services/Royal British Legion (fought for queen/king and country)
- vox pop (pensioner groups)
- vox pop (youth groups)
- representative of a charity for which a member of the monarchy is a patron
- local member of a republican movement (wish to replace monarchy with a president)
- a representative of a religious movement (questions on the moral leader)
- constitutional academic.
Outline some issues regarding the monarchy.
- Hereditary nature – how in the 21st century can one justify a system based on inheritance?
- Royalty perpetuates class division.
- Perpetuates anti Roman Catholic sentiments (Act of Settlement).
- The cost of the monarchy in days of austerity – yet it earns millions in tourism.
- Monarchy has no real power and has to remain above politics – yet Prince Charles has a record of making his views known (especially on modern architecture – use of the Chelsea Barracks site). In addition, it is known that he has lobbied ministers – the so-called spider letters (so called because of his distinctive handwriting). Is this a danger to the monarchy?
- Unites the nation – particularly in times of crisis.
- Possibly a control over the PM (power to advise, encourage and warn) this may be a vital check.
- Ceremonial role – somebody has to do it, monarchy may be better than a president who is likely to be a politician.
- Represents the nation and its traditions – attracts tourism.
- Popularity of the monarchy has peaked again over the last 12 months. It fell dramatically in the late 1990s/early 2000s - particularly after the death of Princess Diana – but events such as the Diamond Jubilee, the emergence of a more modern monarchy (the young princes playing their part), and the marriages of Prince William and Prince Harry all contributed to a renewed interest in the monarchy
