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Understanding the UK Government Hierarchy

Explore the UK government hierarchy, from the Queen's role as Head of State to the Prime Minister's powers in decision-making and policy accountability. Discover the structure of Cabinet Ministers, MPs, and Houses of Parliament. Learn about the limits to government power and the role of devolved governments and local authorities in the UK.

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Understanding the UK Government Hierarchy

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  1. GOVERNMENT OF THE UK

  2. BACKGROUND • Unwritten Constitution • Government Hierarchy: • The Queen • The Prime Minister • Cabinet Ministers • Ministers of Parliament (MPs)

  3. The Queen • Head of State • Neutral • Appoints Prime Minister • Holds Royal Prerogative (now largely in the hands of Prime Minister or other government officials)

  4. The Prime Minister • Elected in First-Past-The-Post election by UK citizens • Head of Government • Selects Cabinet Ministers • Accountable for policies • Holds the most power in UK constitution • Current Prime Minister = David Cameron

  5. Cabinet • Decision making body • PM + 22 senior ministers selected by PM • Leads the individual government departments (eg. Secretary of State) • Advises the Monarch (Privy Council)

  6. MPs • Also elected in First-Past-The-Post election • Lead constituency • Also work in parliament for their political party • Some MPs from the governing party selected by PM for cabinet • Concerned with considering and proposing new laws

  7. Houses of Parliament • Two houses; • House of Commons • House of Lords

  8. House of Commons • Lower House (NB. Holds the most power) • 650 elected MPs (including cabinet and PM) • Where laws are proposed and considered • Prime Minister’s Question Time (PMQs) = Held every Wednesday

  9. House of Lords • Upper House • ‘Constitutional Safeguard’ • Reviews and amends bills • Most members appointed, not elected • Parliament Act 1911 = Lord’s power to reject legislation reduced to delaying power

  10. Limits to Government’s Power • Judges • Local Authorities • Charity Commission

  11. Devolved Governments • Scotland • Wales • Northern Ireland (NB. NOT Republic of Ireland)

  12. Local Governments • County, district and parish councils • HM Government has influence over local authorities on financial powers and grants

  13. THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

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