1. By Ann S. Michaelsen Source. Textbooks for use in English Social studies vg3 Norway«Societies in Focus» Skifjeld, Rdgers, Markussen, Løken , Sandor, Huseby «Access» Anthony, Burgess, Mikkelsen, Sørhus Elections and Politics in the UK

2. The full name of the UK is the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (1927) One of the oldest democracies in the world Constitutional monarchy No written constitution, no day of independence Constitution based on different statutes, common law and practices which have evolved over time Background

3. The legislative, executive and judicial branches are a mixture of old and new Two important adaptions securing the powers of Parliament: Magna Carta (1215) marked the formalization of a balance between nobles and the king Bill of Rights (1689)It enumerates certain rights to which subjects and permanent residents of a constitutional monarchy were thought to be entitled in the late 17th century, asserting subjects' right to petition the monarch, as well as to have arms in defense. It also sets out—or, in the view of its drafters, restates—certain constitutional requirements of the Crown to seek the consent of the people, as represented in parliament. 1700 – the UK already had political groups and a parliamentary system of government Constitutional monarchy

4. The Queen the source of power Acknowledges the Prime Ministers Calls elections Head of the armed forces and Anglican Church Opens the sessions of Parliament But: not real power Follows the advice of the Prime Minister Last time veto used 1707/08 The monarch and her duties

5. The British Parliament is bicameral The House of Commons (646) – real power The House of Lords (618) – can veto bills Parliamentary system of government The Prime Minister and his government must have the support of a majority in the House of Commons Checks and balances – bills need to pas through both chambers The British Parliament - legislature

6. Are held at least every five years in the UK Two types of elections: One for the British Parliament in London – general election Local and national elections for England, Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland England has not national assembly Supreme court is final court of Appeal General elections

7. 646 Members of Parliament (MPs) Each represents one constituency (vary in size) The Prime Minister goes to the Queen and asks here to dissolve parliament – a new general election Elections to the House of Commons

8. 3 weeks of campaign ( at least) Local party in every constituency has a candidate Independent candidates too Important debates on TV (not always) An MP is expected to maintain very close links with his or her constituency all through a parliament’s life Election day

9. Only one can win in every constituency An unfair system? What is a system of proportional representation? Strong governments) First to past the post system

10. Wigs and Tories (terms dates back to the 1600) In 1920s Labour replaced the Liberals Conservatives and Labour have taken turns at forming the British government 1980s the Liberals made a comeback, joining forces with the Social Democratic Party to form the Liberal Democrats. Political parties

11. One-man constituencies makes it difficult to get elected in the Parliament in London Smaller parties like: the Scottish national party biggest party in the Scottish Election The Green Party of England and Wales has seats in the Eu Parliament Hundreds of parties

12. Their role is to: Pass bills Scrutinice the goverment policies Decide on taxes and public spending Members of Parliament