1. Government of the British Isles and Northern Europe North Carolina Geographic Alliance PowerPoint Presentations 2007

2. Definitions Monarchy – rule by a monarch, usually a king or a queen. Absolute Monarchy – a monarchy in which the king or queen has almost total control. Constitutional Monarchy – a monarchy in which the power of the monarch is limited by law and custom.

3. Definitions Democracy – meaning “rule by the people”. A system of government, such as a representative democracy, where people choose their leaders. Republic – A system of government is which representatives are elected by the people to govern and make laws.

4. Absolute Monarchy For centuries England was ruled by absolute monarchs such as Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. Both ruled with almost total control. Henry VIII ruled England from 1509-1547 Elizabeth I ruled England from 1558- 1603

5. Constitutional Monarchy Queen Elizabeth II rules the United Kingdom as a constitutional monarch. While she has little ruling power, she serves as a symbol of the country’s traditions and carries out many ceremonial powers.

6. Constitutional Monarchy Queen Elizabeth speaks at the opening of Parliament each year. This is a ceremonial duty of the monarch of the United Kingdom.

7. Constitutional Monarchy In London, the royal family lives at Buckingham Palace.

8. British Parliament Parliament is the legislative branch of the government of the United Kingdom. Laws are made by Parliament. Parliament consists of two branches House of LordsHouse of Commons

9. House of Lords The House of Lords, with about 1200 members, is made up of the bishops of the Church of England and the hereditary and life peers, all of whom are appointed by the Crown. The House of Lords has little political power.

10. House of Commons The House of Commons has 659 members, elected from equal-size districts by British subjects at least 18 years old. Members of Parliament serve a five year term.

11. House of Commons The House of Commons holds the political power in the United Kingdom. It is the ruling legislative (law making) part of government. The political leader of the United Kingdom, the prime minister, comes from the House of Commons.

12. House of Commons The political party with the majority of the seats in the House of Commons becomes the majority party. The leader of the majority party becomes the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. The Prime Minister selects members of his or her party to serve on the Cabinet. The Prime Minister and the Cabinet form the ruling government of the United Kingdom.

13. House of Commons Conservative Party Labour Party 367 seats 292 seats Majority partyMinority Party The leader of the party becomes the Prime Minister, appoints the Cabinet and forms the government. The leader of the party leads the Opposition in the House of Commons.

14. House of Commons Conservative Party Labour Party 249 seats 410 seats Majority party Minority Party The leader of the party becomes the Prime Minister, appoints the Cabinet and forms the government. The leader of the party leads the Opposition in the House of Commons.

15. Monarchies in Norden and the British Isles United Kingdom-Queen Elizabeth II (1952 ) Norway - King Harald V (1991) Sweden – King Carl XVI Gustav (1973) Denmark - Queen Margarethe II (1972)

16. Republics in Norden and the British Isles Ireland Iceland Finland These republics have an elected parliament and a prime minister that serves as the head of government. They also have an elected president who performs ceremonial duties.

17. House of Windsor Succession 1 2 3 HRH Queen Elizabeth II M HRH Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh Prince Charles, Prince of Wales Prince Harry Prince William