Democracy and the monarchy
Democracy is a system of government where the whole adult population has a say. This may be directly or by electing representatives to make decisions for them.
The UK has a constitution, but it is not written down in a single document. It is made up of laws, conventions (practices) and court judgements. Some say this makes it more flexible.
The UK is a constitutional monarchy. The monarch is the head of state but does not rule. The monarch’s powers are mostly ceremonial: they open each new parliamentary session with a speech setting out the government’s policies, and they appoint the Prime Minister. The monarch has the right to be consulted, to encourage and to warn the Prime Minister.
The government is chosen by the people in elections. The national anthem is “God Save the King” (or Queen, when the monarch is a queen).
The handbook was written during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. Since September 2022 the monarch has been King Charles III, and the national anthem is “God Save the King”.
Key facts
- The UK constitution is not written in a single document.
- The UK is a constitutional monarchy: the monarch is head of state, but elected politicians govern.
- The monarch opens each parliamentary session with a speech written by the government.
- The monarch has the right to be consulted, to encourage and to warn.
- The monarch is also head of the Commonwealth and head of the Church of England.
Memory tips
- Monarch’s rights: “C-E-W” — Consulted, Encourage, Warn.
Practice questions
1. Is the following statement true or false? “The UK constitution is written down in a single document.”
- True
- False
Show answer
False. The UK constitution is not written down in a single document. It is made up of laws, conventions and court judgements.
2. What type of government does the UK have?
- An absolute monarchy
- A constitutional monarchy
- A presidential republic
- A one-party state
Show answer
The UK is a constitutional monarchy. The monarch is head of state but elected politicians govern.
3. Which TWO are rights the monarch has in relation to the Prime Minister?
- The right to be consulted
- The right to veto any law
- The right to warn
- The right to dissolve the courts
Show answer
The monarch has the right to be consulted, to encourage and to warn.
4. Who appoints the Prime Minister?
- The House of Lords
- The monarch
- The Speaker
- The Archbishop of Canterbury
Show answer
The monarch appoints the Prime Minister, normally the leader of the party that can command a majority in the House of Commons.
5. What does the monarch do at the start of each new parliamentary session?
- Votes in the House of Commons
- Gives a speech setting out the government’s policies
- Appoints new judges
- Writes new laws
Show answer
The monarch opens each new session of Parliament with a speech that sets out the government’s policies.
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