Government and politics: Powers of State and state institutions

Government Systems

• The United Kingdom is a parliamentary democracy with a constitutional monarch.
• King or Queen is the head of state while Prime Minister leads the government with the Cabinet and ministers.
  • The Government is responsible for deciding how the country is run and for managing it. To make new laws or raise new taxes the Government needs Parliament’s agreement.
  • The Cabinet meets to discuss the most important issues for the government and consists of senior members of the government. It is the most important decision-maker in the government.
  • Ministers come from House of Commons and House of Lords. They are being chosen by the Prime Minister. They are responsible for their departments.
• Parliament is the highest legislative authority in the UK.
  • It monitors the work of government and also checks and approves new laws.
  • It is also known as the “Legislature”.
  • The headquarters of parliament are located at Houses of Parliament in London.
• The United Kingdom has a unitary system of government but some powers have been given to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
• Only the United Kingdom´’s Government can represent it abroad.
• National Governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland: The government runs the country. It is responsible for developing and executing policy and for planning laws. It is also known as the ‘Executive’.
• The United Kingdom has a civil service that acts impartially. It doesn’t change when the government changes.
  • It does the practical and administrative work of government.
• The British constitution is uncodified; it is flexible.

Symbols of the State’s Powers and the Institutions

• Flags: Each country has its flag.
  • The Union Jack is the national flag of the whole United Kingdom. It is the combination of English, Scottish, Northern Ireland’s and Welsh flags.

• • Saint George’s Cross is the national flag of England.

• • The Saint Andrew’s Cross is the national flag of Scotland.

• • The Baner Cymru or Y Ddraig Goch is the national flag of Wales.

• National Anthems:
  • The British National Anthem is God Save the Queen. It represents the whole of the United Kingdom.
  • At most international sporting events Scotland uses “Flower of Scotland” as its national anthem.
  • Anthem of Wales is Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau (Old Land of My Fathers).
  • Northern Ireland does not have anthem but songs Londonderry Air and Ireland’s Call are used at some events to represent it.