1. United Kingdom, Germany, & Russia

2.  Parliament is an essential part of UK politics.  Its main roles are: ◦ Examining and challenging the work of the government ◦ Debating and passing all laws (legislation) ◦ Enabling the government to raise taxes

3.  The business of Parliament takes place in two Houses: ◦ 1. House of Commons (citizens elect members) ◦ 2. House of Lords (nobles who have inherited their power)

4.  The political party in the House of Commons with the most votes chooses the Prime Minister.  The House of Commons is responsible for making laws for the country.

6. The House of Lords is the second Chamber of the United Kingdom’s Parliament. The House of Lords has little power. It plays an important part in revising legislation and keeping a check on government by scrutinizing its activities. Most members of the House of Lords are nobles who have inherited their titles.

7.  1. Prime Minister ◦ This role is the real Head of Government. He or she has the most power and is the leader of the Parliament. Also the PM is the chief executive of the country.  2. Head of State (King or Queen) ◦ This role is only symbolic; the Head of State holds very little political power. Although, the Queen is an important symbol of national unity.

8.  It is the role of the citizens in the UK to vote & elect Parliament members (House of Commons).

10.  Like the United States, Germany is a “federal republic” ◦ a national government and state governments share powers.  Technically, it’s government is a Federal Parliamentary Representative Democratic Republic…whew!

11.  1. Bundestag (Lower House) ◦ Citizens elects its members. ◦ Has most power. ◦ Members elect the Chancellor.  2. Bundesrat (Upper House) ◦ Mainly an advisory council, but must approve laws and amendments ◦ Holds little political power ◦ Representatives are members of the German state governments and are not elected directly by the people

12.  1. Chancellor: ◦ Has real power and head of government, similar to the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. ◦ He or she is chosen by Parliament, and is the chief executive of the country.  2. President: Head of state - has very little power, and mainly carries out ceremonial duties.

13. President Obama welcomes German Chancellor Angela Merkel She is the 1 st woman (and the first East German) to hold this position

14.  Vote and elect members of Parliament (Bundestag)

16.  After the fall of the Soviet Union, Russia became a democracy.  Like the United States, Russia is a “federal republic” ◦ the power is divided between national and state governments with a president who leads the nation

17.  It consists of two chambers: ◦ 1. The Federation Council- has little power. ◦ 2. The State Duma- has most power. Members are elected by the people They make laws and approve the president’s choice for Prime Minister,

18.  President has real power – Head of Government. He or she can issue orders that become laws even if they are not passed by the legislature! Has more power than U.S. President.  Prime Minister is appointed by the President. Does not have real power.

19.  Russia has seen many changes since the break up of the Soviet Union in 1991.  Russians have to learn how to function in a democracy instead of under communism where most decisions were made for them by the government.  In the past, the Russian government punished those individuals who criticized their decisions. Now, officials have to learn to accept disagreements over government policies.