The Legislative Process

1
The Legislative Process

• The Crown

2
The Monarchy

• Institution of Government
• Head of State
• Head of Government

3
Monarchs Duties

• Symbolic/Ceremonial
• Representing the UK at home and abroad
• Visible part of government
• Setting standards of citizenship and family life
• Unity of nation
• Allegiance of armed forces
• Continuity of traditions
• Supreme Governor of Anglican Church

4
Monarchs Duties

• Formal/Political Responsibilities
• Governed by custom more than law
• Retains legal right to do these things, but would
  not without governments permission
• Opens Parliament
• Queens Speech
• Signs laws passed by Parliament
• Formally recognizes winning party after election

5
Monarchs Duties

• Formal/Political Responsibilities (contd)
• Ministerial portfolios
• Declaring War -- Commander in Chief

6
Monarchs Powers?

• Limited political discretion
• Consulting party leaders if no party wins a clear
  majority
• Succession of prime minister if party has no
  rules
• Dissolution of parliament
• Commonwealth

7
Monarchs Powers

• Influence
• "Right to be consulted, right to encourage, right
  to warn (quote attributed to several different
  sources).

8
Criticisms

• Potential for political involvement
• Unrepresentative
• Existence in a modern democracy
• Overly expensive
• Scandals

9
Possible reforms

• Abolish and elect a head of state
• Remove political powers
• Elect the next monarch
• Simplify (ongoing)
• Strengthen/Increase political powers
• Leave Alone

10
Charles Wedding to Camilla

• Surprising development, given British royal
  history. So whats happened?
• Charles is heir, not yet king
• Permission of Queen (implicitly, government)
• Church complications
• Divided, but agreed to compromise
• Civil vs. religious wedding ceremony
• According to BBC, some see as hypocritical, but
  is not illegal or against church rules
• Regularizing the relationship
• Camillas title -- catering to popular opinion
  (and perhaps her own desire?)

11
Charles Wedding to Camilla

• Popular opinion as of Feb. 12, 2005
• Is Charles doing the right thing by marrying
  Camilla?
• Times/Populus poll of 502 people
• 43 yes
• 22 no
• 30 dont care
• Daily Mail poll of 500 people
• 58 approve, 27 dont
• 55 think Charles should go on to be king