United Kingdom: Government and Economy

Government The government in the U.K. is a constitutional monarchy. There is a monarch, a Prime Minister, and Parliament. The power of the monarch is mostly ceremonial; the everyday running of the government is left up to the Prime Minister and Parliament.

Heads of Government Prime Minister Gordon Brown-The Head of Government Queen Elizabeth II- The Head of State Heads of Government

Members of Royal Family Members of Parliament Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Prince Harry

Parliament The United Kingdom’s legislature is called Parliament. Parliament is where the laws are made and carried out. Parliament is divided into two houses: the House of Lords and the House of Commons.

Elected officials make the laws 1. House of Commons Elected officials make the laws The leader of the party with the most seats will become prime minister!!! 2. House of Lords Members are appointed; little real power Parliament Parliament Debate

Regional Governments Includes all 4 regions of United Kingdom– England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland This is called devolution, which means shifting power from national level to regional levels.

The Powerful Economy Manufacturing formed Great Britain’s economy. Economy fueled by natural resources Iron ore, coal, and oil When resources dropped Britain needed to get creative. How did they save their resources? Answer: wind farms—windmills that generate electricity

¾ of Britain’s labor is now in services such as banking and insurance. London’s banks and stock exchange have made it a top business center NY Times: London is World's Top Financial Center

Participating in a Global Economy United Kingdom is closely linked to Europe How? Answer: European Union, Trade Technology: United Kingdom and French worked closely to build 31-mile under sea Channel Tunnel Channel Tunnel

Economics Great Britain has a Market Economy. What is the name for E.U. Currency? Answer: Euro, except in Britain. In Britain, they use the Pound Euro Pound