Podcast
Questions and Answers
In the United Kingdom's constitutional monarchy, how are legislative, executive, and judicial powers primarily exercised?
In the United Kingdom's constitutional monarchy, how are legislative, executive, and judicial powers primarily exercised?
- Exclusively by the Prime Minister and the House of Commons.
- Directly by the monarch, ensuring their political impartiality.
- By the monarch on the advice of party politics.
- By elected officials and other members of the Queen's court in the monarch's name. (correct)
Which of the following best describes the role of the monarch in the modern British parliamentary system?
Which of the following best describes the role of the monarch in the modern British parliamentary system?
- The monarch reigns in a symbolic capacity, with powers limited and mostly carried out by elected officials. (correct)
- The monarch directly governs the United Kingdom, making laws and setting policy.
- The monarch has complete power over the legislative, executive, and judicial branches which are appointed by them.
- The monarch rules with absolute executive power, as the executive powers are not limited.
What is the significance of the Glorious Revolution of 1688 in the context of the British monarchy?
What is the significance of the Glorious Revolution of 1688 in the context of the British monarchy?
- It established the hereditary line of monarchs with no limitations.
- It led to a constitutional shift where the monarch's powers were limited and subject to Parliament. (correct)
- It expanded the monarch's ability to declare war and peace without Parliament's consent.
- It solidified the absolute power of the monarchy.
Which of the following statements best describes the British Constitution?
Which of the following statements best describes the British Constitution?
How does the British constitution differ from many other countries' constitutions?
How does the British constitution differ from many other countries' constitutions?
Which of the following is an accurate description of how the monarch functions as the Head of the Armed Forces?
Which of the following is an accurate description of how the monarch functions as the Head of the Armed Forces?
In the British political system, what is the significance of the monarch's role as 'Head of the State'?
In the British political system, what is the significance of the monarch's role as 'Head of the State'?
Which of the following statements most accurately describes the monarch's involvement in legislation?
Which of the following statements most accurately describes the monarch's involvement in legislation?
Before a general election is held and after a major defeat of a government in the House of Commons, what specific action must the monarch take regarding Parliament?
Before a general election is held and after a major defeat of a government in the House of Commons, what specific action must the monarch take regarding Parliament?
Which option describes the monarch's role regarding the Prime Minister after a general election?
Which option describes the monarch's role regarding the Prime Minister after a general election?
Flashcards
Constitutional Monarchy
Constitutional Monarchy
A system where the monarch's power is limited by a constitution, with power divided into legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
Unwritten Constitution
Unwritten Constitution
The UK's constitution is not written in a single document but consists of statute laws, common law, customs, and conventions.
Head of State Role
Head of State Role
The monarch acts as a symbol of national unity, performing ceremonial duties, and representing the UK internationally.
Head of Armed Forces
Head of Armed Forces
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Head of Church of England
Head of Church of England
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Opening Parliament
Opening Parliament
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Dissolution of Parliament
Dissolution of Parliament
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Royal Assent
Royal Assent
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Appointments and Dismissals
Appointments and Dismissals
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Liaison or Contact with PM
Liaison or Contact with PM
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Study Notes
The Rise of Democracy: The British Constitution
- The monarchy is the oldest governmental institution in the United Kingdom.
- Since the Glorious Revolution of 1688, the powers of the sovereign have been limited by parliament.
- The monarch governs according to a constitution that defines their powers.
- Today's system is a Constitutional Monarchy, also called parliamentary government.
- Power is divided into legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
- The sovereign "reigns but does not rule," indicating limited executive powers.
- The monarch is politically impartial and cannot vote.
- The Queen is above party politics and acts on the government's advice.
- Legislative, executive, and judicial powers are carried out by others in the Queen's name.
- After general elections, the Prime Minister, leader of the party with the majority in the House of Commons, heads the government.
- Parliamentary government is divided into legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
- The UK does not have a single, written constitution.
- The constitution is "unwritten" or "uncodified" and can be readily modified by acts of parliament or general agreement.
- Sources of the constitution include Statute laws, Common Law, Case Law, Customs and Conventions, and European Union Law.
Roles and Duties of the Monarch
- The sovereign is the Head of State, Head of the Church of England, Head of the Commonwealth, and Head of the Armed Forces.
- As Head of State, the monarch unites the nation, participates in ceremonial events, visits local communities, and represents the UK globally.
- The monarch is also the head of state of Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
- As Head of the Armed Forces, the monarch declares war and peace and signs international treaties, ratifying government decisions.
- As Head of the Church of England and Scotland, there is no separation between church and state; the monarch heads the established church, upholds Protestant succession, and appoints bishops and archbishops.
- As Head of the Executive, the monarch serves as the source of executive power; however, the government, cabinet, and Prime Minister carry out executive functions in the name of the crown.
- As Head of the Commonwealth, the monarch has a symbolic role, representing the nation and unity, remaining above party politics while meeting with the PM.
- Each autumn, the monarch opens the new parliamentary session at Westminster Palace.
- During the State Opening of Parliament in the House of Lords, the monarch delivers the government's speech, written by the PM.
- Before a general election or after a major defeat, the monarch permits parliament dissolution at the PM's request.
- The monarch gives Royal Assent to parliamentary bills passed by the House of Commons and the House of Lords, making them laws.
- The monarch appoints and dismisses ministers, including the Prime Minister, and decides whom to call to form a government after general elections, usually the leader of the party with the most seats.
- The monarch meets the Prime Minister weekly (Tuesdays) at Buckingham Palace to discuss current issues.
- The monarch approves the attribution of honors on the advice of the PM and grants royal pardons.
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