As with all the ‘Basics of’ series, this article does not go in-depth about the subject and instead outlines a basic, but fundamental, level of knowledge. Topics are explored in the most accessible way possible. Links for further reading will be at the end. Enjoy!
Intro:
This is a brief, simple summary of the structure of UK Politics (current to April 2020). This article doesn’t include information about elections or different political parties, rather just an outline of how they’re organised within the government.
Executive Branch (administers laws)
The British political structure has a single leader, the Prime Minister, and they personally appoint a group of high-ranking officials to assist them in executive issues, known as the Cabinet. The Cabinet is usually made up of heads of government departments and while the Cabinet has no fixed number of positions, the average is around 22. Both the Prime Minister and the Cabinet will be made up of only members of the party in power.
Legislative Branch (makes laws)
Aside from the PM and their Cabinet, there is a larger body of government who is involved in passing laws and revising legislation, among other duties. This body is split into 2 houses known as the House of Commons and the House of Lords, each with different rules and different jobs.
The House of Commons:
650 members, all Members of Parliament who are elected in different geographical constituencies
Known as the 'lower house’
Holds higher authority than the House of Lords
The House of Lords
Around 800 members however this number is fluid, the majority of members have been appointed but some have inherited their position hereditarily
Known as the ‘upper house’
Holds less authority than the House of Commons
Judicial Branch (interprets laws)
The judicial branch is made up of the court system with the most powerful authority being the Supreme Court, which is the final court of appeal and hears only cases of the most importance. The judiciary is a very powerful entity as it’s members decide how the law is applied in different cases. The UK doesn’t have a constitution like America so hypothetically it’s law is more interpretable.
In summary, this is how our political system is structured:
Sources/ Further Reading: