The Monarchy and Parliament in Great Britain

MONARCHY

Queen Elizabeth II's full title is "Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland". She is also "Head of the Commonwealth", a group of independent countries, such as Australia, Pakistan, India and Canada. These countries were once part of the British Empire.

The Queen is Head of State, but her power is limited. She makes a speech at the beginning of each year when Parliament begins a new session, announcing what the government will do. However, she does not write this speech.

PARLIAMENT

The government in Britain sits in the Houses of Parliament in London. There are two parts to the British Parliament: the House of Commons and the House of Lords. There are 650 members of the House of Commons. They are called MPs (Members of Parliament). The British people elect them every five years. The political party with the largest number of MPs forms the government and its leader becomes prime minister.

The House of Lords has got approximately 500 members. Unlike the MPs, they have inherited their titles (Baron or Baroness) for their lifetime.

In a few years' time, the House of Lords might not exist. Some people in Britain believe the monarchy should be abolished and only elected representatives should govern the country.

Level: Beginner

Book: Changes for ESO 4

Year: 2002