The Political system of the
United Kingdom.
The United Kingdom
of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is a parliamentary monarchy. Formally the
Queen is the head of the state but in reality the Prime minister has more
power. Usually the Queen appoints the Prim minister that is the head of the
state.
Parliament in Great
Britain consists of two houses: the House of Lords and the House of Commons.
The House of Lords is the upper House. The house of Commons is the lower House.
Seats in the House of Lords are inherited. Members of the House of Commons are elected
for a period of 5 years.
There are several
political parties in the UK: the Conservative, Liberal and Social - Democratic
parties.
The Houses of
Parliament of Westminster Palace is the place where members of Parliament
gather to make laws. Sessions usually begin at the end of October and last
about 160 days. All the time the Parliament on session a flag can be seen over
the building. Visitors may sit at the Strangers’ Gallery and listen to the
debates.
The speaker is the
chairperson in the House of Commons and Lord Chancellor is the chairperson in
the House of Lords.
The residence of
the Queen Elizabeth II is Buckingham Palace. The residence of the Prime
Minister is Downing Street, 10 in London.
Tony Blair is the
Prime Minister today.
The popular name of
the UK is Union Jack (according to the flag). Union - because it consists of
several flags: English, Scottish, Welsh and Irish. Jack is an old word for
sailor.