1. Constitutional monarchy
How does it work?

2. The monarch

3. Queen
Elizabeth II

4. The monarch
is the official head of state and an integral part of Parliament in her constitutional role;
has representative functions;
gives the royal assent to the bills;
is the head of the Commonwealth of Nations;
officially appoints the Prime Minister;
officially appoints life peers.

5. The monarch

6. David Cameron

7. The Prime Minister is the head of government;
is the leader of the party with the majority seats in the House of Commons;
chooses the Cabinet;
chooses Non-Cabinet Ministers;
is responsible to the House of Commons.

8. The monarch

9. The cabinet about 20 ministers; determines government policies;
coordinates government departments.

10. The monarch

11. The House of Commons about 650 elected members of Parliament;
makes laws;
discusses political problems;
elected by people.

12. The monarch

13. The Official Opposition
the largest opposition party;
forms the Shadow Cabinet.

14. The monarch

15. The house of Lords
over 1,100 permanent, non-elected members (peers and life peers);
examines and revises bills from the House of Commons;
can delay bills for one year.