10.2: Structure of the UK Government
The UK is a parliamentary democracy. The country is divided into parliamentary constituencies, and voters in each elect a Member of Parliament (MP) to the House of Commons.
Parliament: The Two Houses
The House of Commons
The Commons is the more influential chamber because its members are democratically elected. Each MP represents a constituency and is responsible for creating laws, debating issues, and scrutinizing government actions.
The House of Lords
Members of the House of Lords (peers) are not elected.
- Life Peers: Appointed by the Monarch on the advice of the Prime Minister for their distinguished careers.
- Hereditary Peers: Since 1999, most lost their automatic right to sit in the Lords; only a small number remain.
- Bishops: Senior bishops of the Church of England also sit in the Lords.
The Lords serves as a check on legislation, proposing amendments and providing independent scrutiny.
The Speaker
The Speaker is the chief officer of the House of Commons.
- Elected by MPs via secret ballot.
- Must remain politically neutral (even though they are an MP).
- Maintains order during debates and ensures the opposition has time to speak.
The Executive (The Government)
The Prime Minister and Cabinet
The Prime Minister (PM) is the leader of the political party with a majority in the Commons. The PM lives at 10 Downing Street and has a country home called Chequers.
The Cabinet consists of about 20 senior MPs (Secretaries of State) who manage departments:
- Chancellor of the Exchequer: Responsible for the economy.
- Home Secretary: Responsible for crime, policing, and immigration.
- Foreign Secretary: Responsible for foreign affairs.
The Civil Service
Civil servants support the government in delivering public services. They are chosen on merit and must remain politically neutral. Their four core values are: Integrity, Honesty, Objectivity, and Impartiality.
Elections
- General Elections: Must be held at least every five years.
- First-past-the-post: The candidate with the most votes in a constituency wins.
- By-elections: Held if an MP dies or resigns.
Devolved Administrations
Since 1997, certain powers have been “devolved” to Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. While the UK Parliament retains control over defence, foreign affairs, and immigration, the devolved bodies manage education, health, and housing.
- Scottish Parliament (Edinburgh): 129 MSPs. Can pass laws on civil/criminal law and has limited tax-raising powers.
- Welsh Government (Cardiff): 60 Assembly Members (AMs). Operates in both Welsh and English.
- Northern Ireland Assembly (Stormont): 108 MLAs. Operates under a power-sharing agreement following the Belfast Agreement (1998).
Local Government and Media
Local Authorities manage services like waste management, education, and social care. They are funded by central government and local taxes (Council Tax).
The UK has a free press. While newspapers can be biased, radio and television are legally required to provide balanced political coverage. Parliamentary proceedings are recorded in an official report called Hansard.