Chapter13 System of Government 当代 英国 概况课件.ppt

Chapter 13 System of Government Chapter 13 System of Government What is the basic structure of the central government of the United Kingdom? What is the role of the Sovereign? What are the major responsibilities of Prime Minister and Cabinet in Britain? How do you understand the British Civil Service system: its past and present? How are the Members of Parliament in the House of Commons elected? How are those in the House of Lords selected? A 1 Basic Structure of UK Central Government The Monarch Constitutional Head of State Bound by statute: not be a Roman Catholic or marry a Roman Catholic on the death of a monarch, the oldest male heir The Monarch Queen Elizabeth II Real name: Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor Birth: 21 April 1926 in London Children: 3 sons, 1 daughter The Monarch Q1 If there were a referendum on the issue, would you favour Britain becoming a republic or remaining a monarchy? Republic 19% Monarchy 70% Would not vote 3% Dont know 8% The System of Government Representative Democracy AKA Parliamentary Democracy Elected representatives: P216 Rights (civil liberties) The separation of powers Parliamentary Sovereignty Parliamentary Sovereignty – Parliamentary Supremacy :absolute ultimate power within the British system Can pass, repeal and alter any of Britain’s laws A law passed by Parliament– cannot be declared as unconstitutional (the European Court) Parliamentary Elections Parliament ‘dissolved’—general elections 659 constituencies—659 MPs, the House of Commons The relative majority method: the ‘first past the post’ (FPTP) principle -- the candidate with more votes than any other is elected To form a government: to win most seats (although not necessarily most votes) or to have the support of a majority of members in the House of Commons Legislature Parliament: highest legislative authority–making and repealing UK law Three constituent parts (the two-chamber system): House of Commons House of Lords Crown (ceremonial) House of Lords