UK Government The Monarchy No real power Technically “names” new prime minister Opens each session of Parliament with “Queen’s Speech.” – Written by majority party.

Parliament Parliamentary Sovereignty – Parliament’s decisions are final. Parliamentary System – Head of Government chosen by legislature Fusion of Power – Authority concentrated in one body. – No “separation of powers” b/n executive and legislative

Parliament House of Commons “Lower House” Holds supreme power – Since Members of Parliament (MPs) Prime Minister House of Lords “Upper House” Very little power – Can only delay legislation Currently 825 members of House of Lords. Lord Speaker

House of Lords Pre-1999 – Most Lords were hereditary peers. Post-1999 – Most Lords are life peers (Approx. 700 of 825). Appointed to nonhereditary positions by queen on advice from Prime Minister. – About 25 Anglican Bishops are Lords.

Prime Minister MP from majority party, or coalition party. Traditionally, a more senior member of the party. Head of executive branch. Residence: 10 Downing Street

Prime Minister & Cabinet “First Among Equals” Chooses cabinet members Cabinet members: usually senior party members – Not necessarily experts in their field Partial List of Cabinet Prime Minister Deputy Prime Minister Chancellor of Exchequer Home Secretary Defense Secretary Justice Secretary Health Secretary Education Secretary Business Secretary Work and Pensions Secretary

Prime Minister & Cabinet “First Among Equals” Prime Minister makes policy decisions in cabinet, with agreement of ministers. Collective Responsibility: – Cabinet, leaders of party, do not dissent from Prime Minister in public. “Cabinet Government” – Power of Cabinet in shaping/controlling policy

Question Time Debate occurs once a week Prime Minister and Cabinet must defend their policies. One of the few opportunities for opposition to “check” the majority.

Key Components of House of Commons Speaker of the House – Chief Officer – Keeps order during debates – Remains impartial – Renounces party affiliation – Doesn’t vote

Prime Minister and Cabinet – Sit to the right of the Speaker Leader of Opposition and “Shadow Cabinet” – Appointed by head of opposition – Monitor and criticize the actions of their equivalents in govt. Width of center aisle=distance of two drawn swords

Backbenchers Rank-and-file Members of Parliament (MP) who are not part of the Cabinet or Shadow Cabinet.

Serjeant at Arms with Mace Symbolizes authority of the House of Commons.

The Bar of the House Only MPs are allowed beyond the Bar.