V9: Political System

Question 1

Does the UK have a consitution?

Answer 1

UK does not have a constitution in common sense (a document setting out structure of government)

• only in an abstract sense (containg diversive laws and conventions) -> unwritten constitution (comparative perspective)
• Constitution is always in a state of change, because each act of parliament is part

The constitution consists of:

• statute law (all acts of parliament that have been passed)
• common law (court decisions)
• conventions
• certain ancient documents (magna carta, bill of rights)
• before Brexit: EU law

Question 2

What role does the monarchy play?

Answer 2

King = King in parliament (constitutional title) -> no royal executive power

King / Queen is head of:

• church of England, the armed forces,
• the executive, legislative, judiciary
• state

Duties of King:

• opening/dissolving parliament
• appointing ministers (e.g. PM)
• granting honours
• international duties

Question 3

What does the UK parliament consist of?

Answer 3

House of Commons:

• 650 members (MP)
• meets every weekday afternoon
• chief officer: the Speaker
• Function: Creating new laws
• First past the post

-> Party which wins most seats usually forms governemt

House of Lords:

• Lords Spiritual (represent Church of England)
• Lords Temporal
• Function: amending bills originated in the house of commons

Monarch

Question 4

What does the UK Governement consist of?

Answer 4

• Prime Minister
• 95 Ministers (chosen from both Houses of Parliament and appointed by King)
• Cabinet (small executive Body in Governemt)