British political system

a constitutional monarchy and a parliamentary democracy. Its constitution is partly unwritten and is flexible. It is also based on customs and traditions. The constitution's basic sources are legislative acts of Parliament and decisions made by courts of law. The head of state is a reigning monarch. But he/she can act only on the advice of his/her ministers. At present, the head of the United Kingdom is Queen Elizabeth II. She was born on April 21st 1926, but the official birthday celebration takes place during June. She got married on November 20th 1947 and assessed to the throne on February 6th 1952. The coronation took place on June 2nd 1953

consists of the monarch, the House of Commons and the House of Lords. British parliamentary system is one of the oldest in the world, it developed slowly during 13th century after King John's signature of Magna Carta in 1215. The House of Commons has 651 elected and paid Members of Parliament (MPs) - 524 from England, 72 from Scotland, 38 from Wales and 17 from Northern Ireland. They are elected for 5 years but the Prime Minister can call general elections at any time. The House of Lords is made up of the hereditary and appointed peers (Lords Temporal), 2 archbishops and 24 bishops of the Church of England (Lords Spiritual). The major part of Parliament's work is revising the Government's work. On the first day when the Parliament session is opened the Queen reads a speech that outlines the Government's policy. This opening ceremony takes place in the House of Lords. From Monday to Thursday all ministers must answer MPs' questions for one hour (questioning time). Two days a week the Prime Minister must answer MPs' questions. Another important parliamentary task is law-making. A proposal of a new law - a bill - must pass through both Houses and then is sent to the Queen for Royal Assent. The royal right of veto has not been exercised since the 18th century, and the legislative power of the House of Lords was reduced in 1911. The main function of the House of Lords is to revise legislation but it has just the right to delay legislation.

the age of 18. Citizens vote in parliamentary and local elections and also in elections to the European Parliament. Each member of the House of Commons represents one parliamentary constituency. Registration of electors is compulsory but voting itself isn't. Candidates for election to Parliament or a council are normally chosen by the local parties. The House of Commons is elected for a maximum term of five years, reduced in 1911 from seven. At any time during these five years, the Prime Minister has the right to request the monarch to dissolve Parliament and call a general election.

by the party which has the majority in the House of Commons. The Queen appoints its leader as the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister appoints his/her Cabinet (a group of main ministers) and also about 25 ministers outside the cabinet, as well as 50 junior ministers. The Cabinet takes decisions on major policy, plans and lays before Parliament all important bills. The second largest party forms the official Opposition with its leader and a "shadow cabinet"- an alternative government, ready to take office at any time. The leader of the Opposition is paid an official salary.