3 Goverment of the UK.pptVIP

CONTENT 2.1.1 Parliament Parliament the law-making body of Britain one of the oldest representative assemblies in the world Strictly speaking, the parliament consists of the King or Queen, the House of Lords the House of Commons Queen Elizabeth II Born: April 21, 1926 Queen since June 2, 1953 Queen Elizabeth II is a “constitutional monarch” Although she is officially the head of state, the country is actually run by the government and led by the Prime Minister. She reigns but does not rule! Theoretically, she is the source of all government powers: an integral (important) part of the legislature head of the executive, executive and judiciary branches the commander-in-chief of all armed forces of the Crown “supreme governor” of the Church of England 2.2.1 The Prime Minister—powerful leader head of the government the leader of the majority party in Parliament controls the Parliament 2.2.2 The Cabinet supreme decision-making body in the British government Cabinet members are chosen by the Prime Minister from members of his own party in Parliament. The Cabinet works on the principle of collective responsibility and individual ministerial responsibility Ministers responsible for their particular department (most senior members are the Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary, Chancellor of the Exchequer and Home Secretary) Collective responsibility or resignation 2.2.2 Privy Council a body of advisors (450 members) current and former Cabinet members and important public figures Its main duty is to give advice 2.3 The Judiciary Proceedings All criminal trials are held in open court because the criminal law presumes the innocence of the accused until he has been approved guilty beyond reasonable doubt In criminal trials by jury, the judge passes sentence but the jury decides the issue of guilt and innocence. 2.3 The Judiciary * Chapter 3 The Government Of The United Kingdom The United Kingdom of Grea