The British Monarchy
INDEX
1. Introduction
2. Who has more power, the PM or the Queen? The appearance and the reality
3. The roles of the monarch
4. The value of the monarchy
5. The Royal Family
6. Important ceremonies
7. Anti-monarchy groups
8. Curiosities
1. Introduction
Over the 20th and 21st centuries, monarchy has become an increasingly irrelevant institution in many parts of the world. The deep respect the public had for it has turned into indifference. Most people consider monarchy to be an anachronism, totally out of step with the times, and they think they would be better off without that institution whose roles are simply ceremonial now. British monarchy is the exception, though. It is notable for its continued relevance in Britain and for its high profile both in the national and in the international communities. Given the general decline in power and importance of the institution of monarchy, the prominence of British royalty is, therefore, an exceptional case that demands closer examination.
2. Who has more power, the PM or the Queen? The appearance and the reality
Elizabeth II is a constitutional monarch. She is Britain's Head of State, but her executive powers are limited by constitutional rules. Her role is mostly symbolic. She represents Britain on state visits and on ceremonial occasions. According to the website of the British Monarchy, her primary role is as a "focus of national unity". As the Head of Stats and Head of the Church, she can do all the ceremonial duties but the PM is who actually runs the country and the Parliament reduces the Queen’s power.
The Queen gives a weekly audience to the Prime Minister at which she has a right and a duty to express her views on Government matters.
The monarch has the power to:
1. Choose the Prime Minister.
2. Dismiss ministers and governments.
3. Dissolve Parliament.
4. Refuse to agree to legislation passed by Parliament.
5. Dismiss the governments of other countries of which she is monarch.
6. Pardon convicted criminals.
1. Introduction
2. Who has more power, the PM or the Queen? The appearance and the reality
3. The roles of the monarch
4. The value of the monarchy
5. The Royal Family
6. Important ceremonies
7. Anti-monarchy groups
8. Curiosities
1. Introduction
Over the 20th and 21st centuries, monarchy has become an increasingly irrelevant institution in many parts of the world. The deep respect the public had for it has turned into indifference. Most people consider monarchy to be an anachronism, totally out of step with the times, and they think they would be better off without that institution whose roles are simply ceremonial now. British monarchy is the exception, though. It is notable for its continued relevance in Britain and for its high profile both in the national and in the international communities. Given the general decline in power and importance of the institution of monarchy, the prominence of British royalty is, therefore, an exceptional case that demands closer examination.
2. Who has more power, the PM or the Queen? The appearance and the reality
Elizabeth II is a constitutional monarch. She is Britain's Head of State, but her executive powers are limited by constitutional rules. Her role is mostly symbolic. She represents Britain on state visits and on ceremonial occasions. According to the website of the British Monarchy, her primary role is as a "focus of national unity". As the Head of Stats and Head of the Church, she can do all the ceremonial duties but the PM is who actually runs the country and the Parliament reduces the Queen’s power.
The Queen gives a weekly audience to the Prime Minister at which she has a right and a duty to express her views on Government matters.
The monarch has the power to:
1. Choose the Prime Minister.
2. Dismiss ministers and governments.
3. Dissolve Parliament.
4. Refuse to agree to legislation passed by Parliament.
5. Dismiss the governments of other countries of which she is monarch.
6. Pardon convicted criminals.