The political system of United Kingdom

What is the British form of democracy like?

Accessibility icon The political system of United Kingdom

The political system
of the UK

The United Kingdom (UK) has a parliamentary democracy, meaning that the government is elected by the Members of Parliament.

British union jack flag and Big Ben Clock Tower and Parliament house at city of Westminster in the background
British union jack flag and Big Ben Clock Tower and Parliament house at city of Westminster in the background

The United Kingdom

The UK is made up of four countries: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The government has two Houses: the House of Commons and the House of Lords.

United Kingdom map. England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland. Vector Great Britain map wit UK flag isolated on white background.
United Kingdom map. England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland. Vector Great Britain map wit UK flag isolated on white background.

The House of Commons

The House of Commons has 650 members elected by the public in general elections.  Usually the leader of the party with the most seats in the House of Commons becomes Prime Minister, the head of the government.

📷 Chamber of the House of Commons in the Houses of Parliament, London.
Chamber of the House of Commons in the Houses of Parliament, London.
Chamber of the House of Commons in the Houses of Parliament, London.

The House of Lords

The House of Lords consists of appointed, hereditary and bishop members. The monarch is the head of state but has a largely ceremonial role. The government is responsible for proposing and implementing legislation, which must be approved by both houses and receive Royal Assent from the monarch before becoming law.

House of Lords, UK
House of Lords, UK

Sources:

Media rights:

    1. Getty Images
    2. Getty Images
    3. Civil Service Local—Cabinet Office/© Crown copyright (Open Government License 3.0)
    4. UK government (Open Government License 3.0)