Monarchy | Terms

Constitutional monarchy

A system in which the monarch is Head of State, but real political power lies with elected institutions, especially Parliament.

Uncodified constitution

A constitution that is not contained in a single written document but consists of laws, conventions, and authoritative texts.

Flexible constitution

A constitution that can be amended relatively easily through ordinary legislative procedures.

Statute law

Law created by Parliament and written in Acts of Parliament.

Common law

Law developed by judges through court decisions and legal precedents.

Royal prerogative

Traditional powers of the Crown exercised in practice by the Prime Minister and government ministers.

Constitutional conventions

Non-legal but binding political practices guiding how institutions behave.

Authoritative works

Influential constitutional texts that help interpret the British constitution, such as those by Dicey or Bagehot.

Head of State

The formal representative of the country performing constitutional and diplomatic functions.

Head of the Nation

A symbolic role representing unity, identity, and national continuity.

Reigns but does not rule

An expression indicating that the monarch holds symbolic authority but does not govern.

Political neutrality

The principle that the monarch must not support or oppose any political party.

Royal Assent

Formal approval by the monarch that allows a bill passed by Parliament to become law.

Parliament

The supreme legislative authority in the UK, consisting of the House of Commons, the House of Lords, and the monarch.

Sovereignty of Parliament

The principle that Parliament is the highest legal authority and can make or repeal any law.

His/Her Majesty’s Government

The official name of the UK government, reflecting that it governs in the monarch’s name.

Constitutional limitations

Legal and conventional restrictions that prevent the monarch from exercising real political power.

Ceremonial headship

The monarch’s role focused on representation, ritual, and symbolism rather than decision-making

Legitimacy

Public acceptance of political authority, often reinforced by tradition and continuity.

Monarchical impartiality

The requirement that the monarch remains neutral and detached from party politics.

Succession to the Crown Act (2013)

An Act that ended male-preference succession and allowed heirs to marry Catholics without losing succession rights.

Male-preference primogeniture

A succession system giving sons priority over daughters.

Hereditary succession

The transfer of the monarchy through birth rather than election.

Ceremonial duties

Formal public roles such as opening Parliament or attending state events.

Symbolic power

Influence based on meaning, tradition, and representation rather than real authority.

Constitutional duties

Formal responsibilities required by the constitutional system, such as appointing a Prime Minister or granting Royal Assent.

Appearance vs reality of power

The contrast between the monarch’s impressive formal authority and limited practical power.

National identity

A shared sense of belonging and cultural unity within a nation.

Reserved powers

Powers that remain under the exclusive authority of Westminster and apply uniformly across the UK, such as defense, foreign policy, immigration, and national economic policy. (Simplified: These are areas where only the UK Parliament can make decisions.)

Separation of powers

The principle that the executive, legislature, and judiciary should be independent and distinct to prevent abuse of power.