Functions and powers of the monarch

The monarch in law is the head of the executive, an integral part of the legislature, the head of the judiciary, the commander-in-chief of all the armed forces of the Crown and the temporal head of the established Church of England. But the Crown is only sovereign by the will of Parliament, and the Queen acts on the advice of her ministers which she cannot constitutionally ignore. And in most matters of state the refusal of the Queen to exercise her power according to the direction of her Prime Minister would risk a serious constitutional crisis. That's why it is often said that the monarch reigns but does not rule.

Nevertheless, the functions of the monarch are politically important. The powers of the monarch are to summon, prorogue and dissolve Parliament; to give royal assent to legislation passed by Parliament. The Queen is the "fountain of justice" and as such can, on the advice of the Home Secretary, pardon or show mercy to convicted criminals. As the "fountain of honor" the Queen confers peerages, knighthoods and other honors. She makes appointments to many important state offices. She appoints or dismisses government ministers, judges, governors, members of diplomatic corps. As the Commander-in-Chief of the armed services (the Royal Navy, the Army and the Royal Air Force) she appoints officers, and as temporal head of the established Church of England she makes appointments to the leading positions in the Church.

In international affairs as Head of the State the Queen has the power to conclude treaties, to declare war and to make peace, to recognize foreign states and governments, and to annexe and cede territories.

(1600)

The british royal family

The British Royal Family is the group of close relatives of the monarch of the United Kingdom. Members of the royal family belong to, or are married into, the House of Windsor, since 1917, when George V changed the name of the royal house from Saxe-Coburg and Gotha.

Members and relatives of the British Royal Family historically represented the monarch in various places throughout the British Empire, sometimes for extended periods as viceroys, or for specific ceremonies or events. Today, they often perform ceremonial and social duties throughout the United Kingdom and abroad on behalf of the UK, but, aside from the monarch, have no constitutional role in the affairs of government. This is the same for the other realms of the Commonwealth, in personal union with the United Kingdom, though the family there acts on behalf of, is funded by, and represents the sovereign of that particular state, and not Britain.

(900)

History and structure of the british parliament

Like the Monarchy, Parliament in Britain is an ancient institution dating from the beginning of the 13th century, though officially it was established in 1265 by Simon de Montfort. It is the third oldest parliament in the world.

Parliament is the supreme legislative body of the United Kingdom. The main function of Parliament is legislating bills, making bills lawful. But Parliament is not only law-making body, it is also a law-enforcing body, i.e. it has judicial functions. British Parliament is free to make any laws it wishes. It could even prolong its own life if it chose to do so. The only guarantee against parliamentary tyranny is the sense of tradition and reasonableness of its members.

Other functions of Parliament are to raise money through taxation so as to enable the government to function, to question and examine government policy and administration, particularly its financial program, and to debate important political issues.

History knew Short and Long Parliament (Short lasted 2 weeks, Long – 12 years) but since 1911 every parliament is limited to a 5-year term of work. The work of Parliament is divided into sessions. Every session starts at the end of October or the beginning of November and lasts 36 weeks up to late August. Annual Opening of Parliament by the Queen is a traditional ceremony, very beautiful and pompous.

(1300)