Study notes

The British constitution and Parliament

This page explains the main institutions of the UK state.

Learn it in this order

  • Constitution
  • Monarch
  • Prime Minister
  • House of Commons
  • House of Lords
  • Speaker and elections

The idea

This page explains the main institutions of the UK state.

Keep the roles separate: monarch is head of state, Prime Minister leads government, Parliament makes laws, courts interpret law.

Test facts to know

  • A constitution is a set of principles and institutions by which a country is governed.
  • The British constitution is not contained in one single written document.
  • Main constitutional institutions include the monarchy, Parliament, Prime Minister, cabinet, judiciary, police, civil service and local government.
  • King Charles III is head of state and has reigned since September 2022.
  • The UK is a constitutional monarchy, so the monarch does not rule but appoints the government chosen through democratic elections.
  • The monarch invites the leader able to command a majority in the House of Commons to become Prime Minister.
  • The National Anthem is God Save the King.
  • The UK is divided into parliamentary constituencies, each represented by an MP.
  • The House of Commons is elected and is the more powerful chamber.
  • MPs represent constituents, make laws, scrutinise government and debate national issues.
  • The House of Lords is not elected by the public and includes life peers, some hereditary peers and Church of England bishops.
  • The House of Lords reviews laws and can suggest amendments, but the Commons can overrule it.
  • The Speaker chairs House of Commons debates and is politically neutral while serving as Speaker.
  • General Elections choose MPs and usually decide the government.

How questions may test it

  • Distinguish monarch, Prime Minister, Parliament, cabinet and judiciary.
  • Explain constitutional monarchy.
  • Identify God Save the King as the National Anthem.
  • Distinguish House of Commons from House of Lords.
  • Identify the Speaker as neutral chair of Commons debates.
  • Link constituencies to MPs.

Key terms

constitution, unwritten constitution, King Charles III, constitutional monarchy, National Anthem, God Save the King, parliamentary constituency, MP, House of Commons, House of Lords, life peer, Speaker.

Next step

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