1. United Kingdom 101 A brief introduction to the governmental intricacies of the UK and the royal family Danielle Moist Hort4000 100’s of free ppt’s from www.pptpoint.com library 100’s of free ppt’s from www.pptpoint.com library www.pptpoint.com

2. A brief review: Absolute monarchy ended with the end of the 17 th century “Glorious Revolution” & William and Mary Monarchs lost executive power Became subject to parliament Balance between monarchy and parliament

3. The Queen’s role: United Kingdom’s Head of State A focus for national unity Britain’s representative around the world Queen of Australia, New Zealand & Canada Head of British Commonwealth 53 independent countries Fosters international cooperation/trade

4. HM Queen Elizabeth II Queen since 1953 Celebrates 79 th birthday Thursday (4/21) HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh Married to Queen Elizabeth since Nov. 1947

5. Windsor Castle Buckingham Palace

6. Parliament’s Role: members from England, N. Ireland, Scotland and Wales 2-chamber system: House of Lords & House of Commons Main Functions: Make all UK law Provide mans of carrying on work of gov’t (taxes) Protect the public Protect the rights of individuals Hear appeals (House of Lords) Debate major issues

7. Prime Minister’s Role: Tony Blair Head of majority party in House of Commons Oversees operation of civil service/gov’t agencies Principle figure in House of Commons Appoints members to cabinet

8. House of Commons: “centre of parliamentary power” directly responsible to electorate 659 MP gov’t can remain in office with majority main arena for political battle Next General Election to be held 5 May 2005 State Opening of Parliament Tuesday 17 May

9. House of Lords: Similar to House of Commons in function Spends 2/3 of its time revising legislation Are NOT representatives of the people Lords Spiritual and Lords Temporal Retain seats for life

10. Westminster Palace (Houses of Parliament)

11. the many faces of the royal family… Prince Charles, Prince of Wales & Camilla Parker Bowles, Duchess of Cornwall Prince Harry Prince William HRH Andrew, Duke of York The Princess Royal, Princess Anne

12. Sources: www.royal.gov.uk www.parliament.uk