The Political SystemThe Political System

England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland make up the United Kingdom and therefore the British political system However, Scotland, like Cataluña, wants

independence

ParliamentParliament

Prime Minister – the leader of the party

Members of Parliament (MP) – representatives of the different constituencies in Britain

The main British parliamentary building is called the Houses of Parliament and is in London

A Democratic CountryA Democratic Country

Democracy: rule by the people

Britain has a multi-party system

There are 650 different constituencies A constituency is an electoral area – they elect a

representative – this person is known as an MP who represents their views

The leader of the party with the most MPs in the House of Commons is the Prime Minister

There are General Elections at least every 5 years – called by the Prime Minister

The House of Commons The House of Commons and the House of Lordsand the House of Lords

House of Commons

Where the MPs who have been elected sit

A political forum – where debate takes place

This house has the most political power nowadays

House of Lords

The people in this House are not elected

They consist of: Hereditary Peers

(ancestors were peers) Life Peers Members of the church

The power of the Lords has been reduced significantly in the last century

There are two Houses of Parliament in Britain that form the government and parliament of the UK

The Main 3 Political The Main 3 Political PartiesParties

Conservative Party

Labour Party

Liberal Democratic Party

Today’s LeadersToday’s Leaders

There is currently a coalition government This means that the Conservative and the

Liberal Democratic Parties are working together to govern the country

Prime Minister = David Cameron (Conservative)

Deputy Prime Minister = Nick Clegg (Liberal Democrat)

ConstitutionConstitution

The Constitution of Britain is the laws and principles that direct the governance of the country

However, Britain has no written constitution

MonarchyMonarchy

Britain has a Royal Family. However they have no real political power

Most people in Britain like the Royal Family – especially Prince William, Kate and their new baby George!

QuestionsQuestions

1. Which countries are included in the British Political System?

2. What are the representatives of the constituencies called?

3. What type of party system does Britain have?

4. What are the names of the British Houses of Parliament? Which is more powerful nowadays?

5. Which House therefore would be the equivalent of the Spanish Congreso? Why?

6. What are the names of the 3 main Political Parties? Which parties are in power now?

7. Who is the Prime Minister?

8. Do the British people like the Royal Family?