Government Structure and Powers
– The Government of the United Kingdom is the central executive authority, led by the prime minister.
– The Cabinet is the supreme decision-making committee.
– Ministers of the Crown are responsible to the House in which they sit.
– The monarch appoints the prime minister and other ministers.
– The government has domestic powers, such as appointing and dismissing ministers and giving royal assent to enact laws.
– The government also has foreign powers, such as making and ratifying treaties and deploying the Armed Forces overseas.
Relationship between Government and the Crown
– The British monarch is the head of state, but not the head of government.
– The Crown is the source of executive power and possesses powers known as the royal prerogative.
– These powers are delegated to ministers without the consent of Parliament.
– The monarch expresses views on government matters in confidential meetings.
Government in Parliament
– The government must maintain the confidence of the House of Commons for practical reasons.
– It requires the support of the House of Commons to pass primary legislation.
– If a government loses the confidence of the House of Commons, it must either resign or a general election is held.
– The support of the House of Lords is not vital for a government to remain in power.
– The House of Commons is the responsible house.
Devolved and Local Governments
– Certain areas of central government have been devolved to accountable governments in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
– Devolved governments are directly accountable to their own institutions and have their own authority under the Crown.
– There is no devolved government in England.
– Up to three layers of elected local authorities exist throughout the United Kingdom, including county, district, and parish councils.
– Local authorities have limited local tax-raising powers and are supported by the central government.
Constitutional Reform and Other Aspects
– Constitutional reform is an ongoing process in the UK, aiming to enhance democracy, accountability, and the protection of individual rights.
– The UK government has implemented various reforms, such as the creation of the Supreme Court and devolution of powers.
– The UK government is structured into various departments responsible for specific policy areas.
– The monarchy plays a symbolic and ceremonial role in the UK government.
– The civil service is a politically impartial and independent component of the UK government.
– Parliamentary Private Secretaries assist government ministers and serve as a stepping stone for MPs aspiring to become government ministers.Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Government_of_the_United_Kingdom
