The Government of the U.K main contents: Two systems and their evolution : The monarchy The parliamentary democracy Three organs and their roles : The monarch The parliament The cabinet

Introduction The oldest representative democracy An evolution rather than a revolution

The monarchy Its history The divine rights of kings Restriction of kings’ power(the Great Charter) The revolution of 1640 Bill of rights in 1689

Its present role Symbolic (belongs to everyone ) chief of state(head of the executive) A part of legislature Commander in chief of the armed forces Supreme governor of “the church of England” Popular role Represent the country at home and abroad Example of good citizenship and family life Underlying role A confidante of the Prime minister

Criticism of the monarchy improper behavior of her children financial dispute

The Parliament Its history Its origin the “Great Council” House of lords and house of commons The commons acquired more and more power Parliament in and after the civil war Its functions: passing laws voting for taxation scrutinise the government debate upon major issues

The House of Lords Lords Spiritual and Lords Temporal Inherited peers and appointed peers They represent the interests of themselves rather than those of common citizens

The House of Commons 650 MPs Each represents a part of the population Their term is limited Their salaries

The cabinet and the PM Their origins(history) their functions:the executive

The Constitution No written constitution Its makeup The Statute Laws The Common Laws conventions