Great Britain

How Power is divided:

Although technically a monarchy, the power of the monarch are mostly ceremonial. Based on Montesquieu's concept of separation of power, the actual British government is divided into 3 branches. Like the United States, it is separated into an executive branch, a legislative branch, and a judiciary branch. However, the power is not divided as specifically as seen in the United States. The executive branch is made up of Ministers. All Ministers must be in Parliament, the bicameral legislative branch. Parliament is made up of the House of Commons and the House of Lords. The House of Commons holds the most power and is made up of elected members. The House of Lords holds less power and is made up of officials either appointed by the Queen or who gained the position through their family. Although this seems undemocratic, the House of Lords holds few responsibilities in relation to the House of Commons. The judiciary system consists of the courts but is complicated due to the fact that Great Britain contains 3 separate countries, each with their own set of laws. As previously mentioned, the lines the divide power are blurred. All Ministers are in Parliament, some senior judges are members of the House of Lords, and all Ministers are head of specific government departments.

How One Gains Power:


Consisting of both the executive and legislative branches, Parliament is where the power lies in the British government. In the past, members of the House of Lords were mostly granted their power through heredity but it is becoming more common for the Queen to appoint members. The House of Commons are elected by the people. Britain uses a "first past the post" system of voting. All members of the House of Commons gain their position through these elections, which take place at most 5 years apart. The Queen is born into royalty. However, her position is more symbolic than functional making her a simply a cultural icon.

Political System:

Great Britain is has no written constitution, making it part of a group that includes only itself, Israel, and New Zealand. There are several documents and events that lead to an accepted structure and separation of government. The Prime Minister is has become more powerful in the last century. Acting similar to a President when dealing with foreign nations, appointing a cabinet, and assigning the head of departments. As the legislative branch, Parliament creates and passes laws. The judiciary system is complex in comparison to other nations'. The complications of having no written constitution (or bill of rights) and incorporating three countries separate laws, all with their own subtleties. The House of Commons is the only representative, yet most powerful part of the government. The elections are open to all citizens of 18 years or older, and have improved the participation percentage from the previous election.