The classic definition of the sovereign’s power today is defined as “THE RIGHT TO BE CONSULTED, THE RIGHT TO ENCOURAGE, THE RIGHT TO WARN”.
UK has become Liberal Democracy after 1930 (there was no votes for women till then). UK is a constitutional monarchy and no parties (apart from terrorism) are illegal (pluralism). UK Government is based on two principles, Rule of Law (arrest without trial – terrorism legislation; Civil Law) and Separation of Powers (Constitutional division of government functions).
UK has three (four*) sections of the Constitution known as Estates. Legislature (Monarch in Parliament which contains of the House of Commons, House of Lords and Role of Monarch in WESTMINSTER), Executive (Prime Minister in Cabinet, WHITEHALL), and finally, Judiciary (independent courts determine, common law, interprets Acts of Parliament) which is headed by the Lord Chancellor who also sits in the Cabinet – THE HIGH COURT (The Strand). There is also additional fourth estate- Press (journalists), which is created thanks to freedom of speech, freedom of expression act.
Whitehall is incredibly important, it rules government, regulates relationships and limits the power in the UK. Its features are described by ‘fundamental law’, it is organic and flexible. The sources of the UK constitutional law are Statute (laws written, Magna Carta, 1215); Common Law & Interpretations. Further more, Conventions allow it to rule with ‘royal prerogative’, Quinn can arrest anyone, when a State act it acts on Royal Authoritative, which means that it is an active tool working. Works of Authority is the next feature; it is ‘Parliamentary Practice’ governing rules of House of Commons. Lastly, there are European Treaties, The English Constitution, and Introduction to the Law of the Constitution.
References:
Winchester University Journalism Course People and Politics, UK institutions and Whitehall
Political junkies http://www.ukpol.co.uk;House of Lords www.parliament.uk/works/lords.cfm; Government News Network www.gnn.gov.uk; Guide to the government www.number10.gov.uk/output/page30.asp
