UK Political System and Recent Developments

  • UK Political System

    • Majoritarian Democracy with unchecked power of parliamentary majority.
    • No single written constitution; several documents, rules, acts, and traditions shape the system.
    • Parliament is sovereign and final authority on law, including constitutional amendments by simple majority.
    • No official constitutional court exists.

  • Prime Minister's Role

    • Leader of His Majesty’s Government; responsible for policy and decisions.
    • Oversees Civil Service and government agencies; selects government members.
    • Must be a Member of Parliament (MP) and is chosen by Parliament, not directly elected.
    • Serves a 5-year renewable term.

  • Recent Political Changes

    • Boris Johnson resigned in July 2022 after political turmoil; Liz Truss succeeded him but resigned after 44 days due to economic mismanagement.
    • Rishi Sunak became PM on 25 October 2022; first British PM of Indian descent.
    • Sunak faces electoral challenges with significant losses in 2024 elections leading to Labour's Keir Starmer's rise to power.

  • Elections and Party System

    • UK has a parliamentary system; head of government is determined via legislative elections.
    • Notable for a two-plus party system; Conservatives and Labour are dominant, with smaller parties influencing policy.
    • Rising popularity of regional and single-issue parties alongside traditional parties indicates party system fracturing.

  • The Monarch's Role

    • The King appoints the Prime Minister, opens new parliament sessions, and provides royal assent to legislation.
    • Symbolizes national unity, continuity, and identity, while serving as head of state for Commonwealth realms.
    • Monarch's speech outlines government's legislative program at the start of each parliamentary session, reflecting tradition.

  • Political Symbols

    • MPs wear party-colored rosettes during campaigns and events, representing party affiliation.