Britain Government and Politics

Britain government and politics function within the framework of a constitutional monarchy. In this system the 'Monarch' is the Head of the nations of United Kingdom and the Prime Minister is the Head of Government. The two chambers of the Parliament are the House of Commons and the House of Lords. The executive power is exercised by the Government, whereas the legislative powers lie with the two chambers of Parliament. The judiciary of Britain functions independently.

The British monarchy plays a significant role in Britain government and politics. Queen Elizabeth II is the current monarch of Britain and plays an important role in British politics. Though the monarch is still known as the Sovereign, the introduction of the English Bill of Rights in 1689 established Parliamentary sovereignty. In modern Britain, the British monarchy plays a ceremonial role while the Prime Minister is the leader of the largest house in the Parliament, The House of Commons.

Several British intelligence agencies have helped the country combat many wars. The two main British Intelligent Agencies are the Secret Intelligence Service and the Security Service. The Secret Intelligence Service is also known as M-16. It is basically a civilian organization. These intelligence agencies are important organs of British politics and government.

A few of the major political parties in Britain include Labor Party, Conservative Party, Democratic Unionist Party and Liberal Democrats. Traditionally, Conservative Party has supported the free market economy, whereas the Labor Party has mainly professed the ideals of Socialism. Though, in the recent times, the Labor Party has adopted the policy of free market economy.

The British law is based on common law principles. The House of Lords is the highest court in the land for all criminal and civil cases in Britain. The British law has its own distinct legal doctrines.

Foreign relations of Britain with other countries especially USA is significant. The USA and Britain are military allies and they share common research and intelligence facilities. As one of the members of European Union, Britain has good relation with other countries in Europe. The numerous British consulates and British embassies located in all the major countries of the world strengthen its diplomatic presence. These embassies act as overseas British delegations. They also provide consular services on different kinds of British visas and also process them.

The British flag is the Union flag and is popularly referred to as the 'Union Jack. The Red Cross of Saint George, considered the patron saint of England, is edged with white on a blue backdrop. The Red Cross is superimposed on the diagonal Red Cross of Saint Patrick, which in turn is superimposed on the diagonal white cross of Saint Andrew, representing Scotland and Wales respectively.

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