The government of the United Kingdom is an example of which type of monarchy?
1 Answer
The Government of the United Kingdom is a Parliamentary Monarchy, operating under the Westminster System.
Explanation:
The Governments of the UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand are Parliamentary Monarchies. Other countries have a similar system specifically, the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, Spain and Sweden. The system is very stable (perhaps the most stable form of government yet devised) and consistently delivers high standards of human rights and individual freedoms.
The Monarch holds the executive power as the head of state-- with the understanding they use it as little as possible -- usually reserving it to authorize legislation and engage in ceremonial duties. In practice, because of their longevity in office, heads of government will usually consult with the Monarch on key issues.
The head of the government (usually the party leader of a winning party or coalition) must themselves also be elected to office; and must answer for their decisions and actions on the floor of Parliament. The second-place party or coalition is the loyal opposition and -- despite their opposition to the governing party -- also plays a direct role in negotiating laws and regulations.
Cooperation and compromise between the Monarch (or her representatives), the government and the opposition makes the system work. The civil service are also supposed to be strictly neutral as regards political parties; and look to the Monarch for their recognition and rewards.
Parliamentary privilege also means any issue can be discussed in the House (usually a lower chamber and an upper chamber), and there is legal immunity for statements made there. Ambiguous or incomplete legislation can be massaged or interpreted by the courts.
