The British System of Government
The UK political system is a unique blend of tradition and modern democracy. At its head is the monarch, who serves as a ceremonial figurehead without real political power. This system has its roots in the Magna Carta of 1215, which established the principle of limiting royal authority.
The heart of the British system of government lies in Parliament, which consists of two houses:
- The House of Lords
- The House of Commons
Both houses must approve laws before they are submitted to the monarch for formal approval. The real power, however, resides in the House of Commons, whose members are elected to represent 650 constituencies across the UK.
Highlight: The UK uses a first-past-the-post voting system, where the candidate with the most votes in each constituency wins the seat.
The UK's approach to immigration has been a contentious issue. While there is a perceived need for workers in certain sectors, public opinion often leans towards stricter immigration policies.
Example: After World War II, the UK recruited soldiers and workers from Commonwealth countries, who were initially welcomed as British passport holders with free entry rights.
Vocabulary: Xenophobia - fear or hatred of foreigners or strangers.