United Kingdom Gov System

Test knowledge and overall understanding of the executive, legislative, and judicial branch of the U.K

Who is the head of State?

Monarch

List four duties of the HoS

• appoints the head of Supreme Court with advice from the Prime Minister

• appoints the house of Lords with advice from Prime Minister

• is Commander in Chief of military

• Ascends legislation

Who is the Head of Government?

The Prime Minister 

Who appoints the HoG?

The majority party in the House of Commons appoints/chooses the HoG. The House of Commons also has the ability to remove the HoG through a Vote of No Confidence 

List four duties of the HoG

• must pass legislation that supports their party

• run day to day operations of the government

• runs civil services/bureau

• Has the ability to deploy the military

Name the term limits for both head executives

Neither the Monarch nor Prime Minister have term limits. However, the Prime Minister can be removed but the Monarch cannot

Name the Upper House and Lower House of the Legislative branch

• Upper House: House of Lords

• Lower House: House of Commons

Describe/list the powers of the House of Lords 

• Have the ability to delay legislation for a short period of time and debate its wording 

• Can amend bills but it doesn’t matter since the HoC can change it back anyway

Describe/list the powers of the House of Commons

• Is the house that makes/passes legislation

• sees day to day operations, since the executive branch is fused

• Appoints the Prime Minister and can remove them

• creates budget for the country

• Not many checks and balances on the legislative branch 

How are the voters involved in this system?

Only vote for the members in the House of Commons. They are DIRECTLY ELECTED.

What is the structure of the Judiciary?

Supreme Court

What is the Function of the Judiciary branch?

To rule of devolution disputes and protecting human/civil rights

Is the Judiciary branch independent?

Yes. Even though they don’t have the power to check any other branches, if they were not independent the U.K. would not be a democracy.

Does the Supreme Court of Judicial Review? Explain.

There is no judicial review because since they have no constitution, nothing can be ruled as unconstitutional. Acts of Parliament are not able to be overturned.

What legal system does their Judiciary branch follow? Explain what this legal system means

The U.K Supreme Court follows Common Law. This legal system means that parliament is able to interpret laws as they see fit.