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The British Constitution
The UK does not have a single written constitution. Instead, it's based on laws, court decisions, and conventions built up over centuries. This makes it flexible but also complex.
Key Points
Constitutional monarchy - monarch is head of state, but power is limited by law
Parliamentary democracy - government is elected by the people
The monarch must follow the law like everyone else
The Monarchy
The UK is a constitutional monarchy. King Charles III is the current monarch. The monarch has ceremonial duties but real power rests with elected politicians.
Key Points
The King or Queen is the head of state
Ceremonial duties: opening Parliament, approving laws, meeting foreign leaders
The monarch must remain politically neutral
All UK coins have the monarch's head on them
Must Know
Current monarch: King Charles III
The monarch is head of state but has limited powers
Parliament
Parliament is where laws are made. It consists of the House of Commons (elected) and the House of Lords (appointed). Together they debate, amend, and pass laws.
Key Points
House of Commons - 650 elected Members of Parliament (MPs)
House of Lords - appointed members, cannot be removed by voters
Prime Minister - leader of the party with most MPs in Commons
Elections must be held at least every 5 years
Must Know
Two houses: Commons (elected) and Lords (appointed)
650 MPs in House of Commons
Elections at least every 5 years