British Institutions: Parliament, Government, Political Parties, and the Crown

Introduction and Justification

TEMA 63
LAS INSTITUCIONES BRITÁNICAS. LAS CÁMARAS PARLAMENTARIAS. EL GOBIERNO. LOS
PARTIDOS POLÍTICOS Y EL SISTEMA ELECTORAL. LA CORONA
BRITISH INSTITUTIONS. THE PARLIAMENTARY CHAMBERS. THE GOVERNMENT. POLITICAL
PARTIES AND THE ELECTORAL SYSTEM. THE CROWN

Index

1. INTRODUCTION AND JUSTIFICATION
2. CONSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK AND HISTORICAL FOUNDATIONS
3. THE BRITISH CROWN AND THE HEAD OF STATE

Constitutional Functions

1. CONSTITUTIONAL FUNCTIONS

Symbolic and Representative Functions

1. SYMBOLIC AND REPRESENTATIVE FUNCTIONS

Legislative Power

1. LEGISLATIVE POWER

The Parliamentary Chambers

1. THE PARLIAMENTARY CHAMBERS

House of Commons

1. HOUSE OF COMMONS

House of Lords

1. HOUSE OF LORDS

Executive Power

1. EXECUTIVE POWER

The Prime Minister

1. THE PRIME MINISTER

The Cabinet

1. THE CABINET

Ministers and Secretaries of State

1. MINISTERS AND SECRETARIES OF STATE

The Civil Service

1. THE CIVIL SERVICE

Political Parties

1. POLITICAL PARTIES

Labour Party

1. LABOUR PARTY

Conservative Party

1. CONSERVATIVE PARTY

Other Parties

1. OTHER PARTIES

The Electoral System

1. THE ELECTORAL SYSTEM

Conclusion and Teaching Application

1. CONCLUSION AND TEACHING APPLICATION

Bibliography

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Legal References

1. Legal references

Bibliographical References

1. Bibliographical references

Internet Links

1. Internet links

11. INTRODUCTION AND JUSTIFICATION
Like a mirror reflecting the core values and structures of a society, the political and
institutional framework of the United Kingdom offers us key insights into its historical and
cultural identity.
The examination of this topic aligns with Spain's current educational framework, the
Organic Law 3/2020, of 29 December, which modifies LOE 2/2006, of 3 May, on Education
(LOMLOE), and particularly the Law 17/2007, of 10 December, on Education in Andalusia
(LEA). These laws emphasise the development of key competences, such as linguistic and
plurilingual competences, as a foundation for interdisciplinary learning across diverse
subjects. Royal Decrees 217/2022, of 29 March, and 243/2022, of 5 April, also set out
national guidelines that integrate foreign language comprehension and expression into the
core learning objectives of CSE and NCSE. Additionally, Decrees 102/2023 and 103/2023, of
9 May, and the Order of 30 May 2023 further refine this framework, establishing the
organisation and the curriculum for CSE and NCSE in Andalusia.
The study of British political institutions and their historical development is addressed within
the realm of specific competences and basic knowledge items in the Foreign Language
subject. For example, this topic could be directly linked to specific competence 6, as it
promotes the critical reflection on the cultural and institutional differences, fostering
empathy and appreciation of diversity.
Throughout this topic, the following sections will be explained:

Constitutional Framework and Historical Foundations

2. CONSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK AND HISTORICAL FOUNDATIONS
The United Kingdom is a constitutional monarchy based on a parliamentary democracy. It
comprises four constituent countries: England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. It is a
unitary state with partial devolution of powers to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The UK is one of the few countries in the world without a written constitution: it simply has
what is known as an 'uncodified constitution' (Judge, 2005).
Thus, the only 'British Constitution' that exists is a set of rules and regulations constituted
by case law and legislation (English and Scottish law), and by various international treaties
2and agreements signed by the United Kingdom. This uncodified constitution has developed
largely from historical English law, as many of its founding principles and essential laws
date back to charters and bills that were drafted by the English parliament long before the
creation of the United Kingdom.
Although the Parliament of England, often called 'the mother of parliaments', has existed
for more than seven centuries, the founding document of England's 'constitution' is
generally considered to be the Magna Carta, or Great Charter of the Liberties of England,ที่
which was drafted by the barons in 1215 and which they forced King John I to sign. As noted
by Morgan (2021), the spirit of this document has guided the evolution of English law
throughout the centuries, as well as inspiring numerous constitutional documents drafted
by other countries, most notably the Constitution of the United States of America and the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The British Crown and the Head of State

3. THE BRITISH CROWN AND THE HEAD OF STATE
The key motto is: 'The monarch reigns but does not rule.' The United Kingdom is a
constitutional monarchy where the reigning monarch (king or queen as head of state) does
not make political decisions.
The current monarch is King Charles III, son of Queen Elizabeth II, from whom he inherited
the throne in 2022 after her death.

Constitutional Functions of the Crown

3.1. CONSTITUTIONAL FUNCTIONS
These functions are defined by custom, common law and some written laws. Although they
are ceremonial in practice, they constitute the legal framework for many governments.
These functions are as follows:

• Enactment of laws (Royal Assent): The monarch must formally approve all laws
  passed by Parliament for them to come into effect. In practice, Royal Assent has
  never refused (since 1707).
• Appointment of the Prime Minister: Appoints as Prime Minister the leader of the
  party with a majority in the House of Commons. If there is no clear majority, the
  monarch may play a moderating role in the formation of government.
  3- Summoning and dissolution of Parliament: Although technically it is the Crown that
  dissolves Parliament and calls elections, in practice this is done on the
  recommendation of the Prime Minister.
• Formal approval of international treaties: International agreements are signed in
  the name of the Crown.
• Executive functions on behalf of the State: The Crown is the formal head of the
  Armed Forces, the Church of England and the Diplomatic Service.
• Official appointments: The monarch appoints judges, bishops, ambassadors and
  other official positions, always following the advice of the Government.

Symbolic and Representative Functions of the Crown

3.2. SYMBOLIC AND REPRESENTATIVE FUNCTIONS
These functions reinforce the national unity, historical continuity and identity of the United
Kingdom, both internally and externally:

• Symbol of national unity: The monarch represents the entire nation, above political
  parties, government or regions.
• State ceremonies and official visits: Presides over the opening of Parliament,
  commemorative events and receives foreign heads of states.
• Patronage of charities and cultural events: Supports hundreds of NGOs,
  educational, scientific and sporting institutions.
• Media and international presence: The monarchy is a key element of British soft
  power and maintains global interest in the United Kingdom.

Legislative Power in the UK

4. LEGISLATIVE POWER

The Parliamentary Chambers

4.1. THE PARLIAMENTARY CHAMBERS
The Parliament of the United Kingdom is a bicameral institution composed of two
chambers: the House of Commons and the House of Lords. Both chambers meet in the
Palace of Westminster in London and perform complementary functions in the legislative
process and in government oversight (Judge, 2005).
The origins of the British parliament go back to the Middle Ages, when the Anglo-Saxon and
later Normal kings consulted nobles and clerics in a 'King's Council' (Curia Regis).
4In 1215, the barons forced King John I to sign a Magna Carta, by which the king could not
impose taxes without consulting his council.
A few years later, Simon de Montfort (a nobleman who advocated limiting the king's
powers) convened what historians have called the 'first parliament'. By the mid-14th
century, the Parliament was formally divided into:

• House of Lords: nobles, bishops and judges.
• House of Commons: elected representatives of counties and cities.

This separation responded to differences in interests and social status.

House of Commons

4.2. HOUSE OF COMMONS
It consists of 650 Members of Parliament (MPs), each representing an electoral
constituency. They are elected by direct suffrage under the first-past-the-post system. Its
functions are as follows:

• Legislative initiative: Most laws originate in this chamber.
• Control of public expenditure: It has exclusive authority over financial and
  budgetary laws.
• Government oversight: Through debates, questions and committees, it supervises
  and questions the actions of the Executive.

The House of Commons is the predominant chamber in the British parliamentary system.
Most ministers, including the Prime Minister, are members of this chamber.

House of Lords

4.3. HOUSE OF LORDS
It is made up of non-elected members, including:

• Life peers: Appointed for their experience or outstanding contributions.
• Hereditary peers: Since 1999, Labour's Blair managed to reduce their presence to
  only 92 seats.
• Bishops: 26 Anglican bishops.

Its functions are the following:

• Legislative review: It examines and proposes amendments to laws passed by the
  House of Commons.
• Government oversight: Through committees and debates, it evaluates government
  policies and decisions.

5Nevertheless, the House of Lords cannot veto financial bills or permanently block
legislation; it can only delay their approval.
In 2024, Keir Starmer's government managed to pass a law by which Lords lose their
hereditary rights in Parliament. Lords over 80 years of age will also be forced to retire.
Although the House of Commons has greater legislative power, the House of Lords plays a
crucial role in reviewing and improving legislation. This bicameral system seeks to balance
democratic representation with experience and detailed analysis in the legislative process.

Executive Power

5. EXECUTIVE POWER

The Prime Minister

5.1. THE PRIME MINISTER
As explained by Judge (2005), The Prime Minister is the head of Government and leader of
the political party that has the majority in the House of Commons. The Government needs
the support of that majority to remain in power. If it loses a vote of confidence, general
elections may be called. The Prime Minister is the most powerful figure in British politics.
Currently, the Government of the United Kingdom is led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer,
following the Labour Party's victory in the July 2024 general election.
The main functions of the Prime Minister are the following:

• Appoints Cabinet ministers,
• Directs the general policy of the government,
• Represents the United Kingdom nationally and internationally,
• Has weekly meetings with the monarch to report on state affairs.

The Cabinet

5.2. THE CABINET
It is a group of approximately 20 ministers selected by the Prime Minister. They are usually
in charge of the most important ministries (e.g., Economy, Education, Defence or Health).
All important decisions, such as the approval of budgets, must have Cabinet consensus,
although the Prime Minister exerts great influence.
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