Who runs the UK?

The British government runs the UK. The leader of the government is the Prime Minister.

Parliamentary democracy

Great Britain (UK) is a parliamentary democracy with a constitutional Monarch as Head of State.

The principle behind British democracy is that the people elect Members of Parliament (MPs) to the House of Commons in London at a general election, held no more than five years apart. Most MPs belong to a political party, and the party with the largest number of MPs in the House of Commons forms the government.

Houses of Parliament

For the first time since 1707, the people of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have more say over what happens in their countries, the UK Parliament has devolved (given away) some of its powers to other national and regional bodies. It is only England, that doesn't have its own parliament. Issues that effect England are decided by the UK government, which consists of MPs from all over the UK.

Over the next few pages we will explain the difference between Parliament and the Government and tell you how our country is run.