- Published: September 26, 2022
- Updated: September 26, 2022
- University / College: The University of Sydney
- Level: Doctor of Philosophy
- Language: English
- Downloads: 26
History Of Britain’s Constitution
Constitution
In Britain, there is no constitution. The monarchy plays the role of a constitution. The biggest powers are held by the prime minister and the cabinet. The queen holds the power to choose the prime minister and has the final say on any laws being introduced. The prime minister heads ceremonial functions and the Commonwealth. Due to the absence of a constitution in Britain, the British people are subjects as opposed to being citizens.
Ceremonial duties
The prime minister, an appointee of the queen, and the cabinet have a lot of power. The Queen of England performs various ceremonial duties. Being the head of all Commonwealth countries, she opens all meeting she attends. Another ceremonial duty of the monarch is the opening of parliament. The Queen heads the opening of the parliament ceremony that attracts a lot of revenue from tourism.
Sovereign Grant
The sovereign grant is a civil list that was developed and passed into law in 2012. The list contains money that the Queen and some of her close relatives are assigned in order to carry out public duties. The sovereign grant costs each UK citizen up to 56 pounds annually.
Royal assent
The royal equality act was given a royal assent in 2010. Previously, daughters did not have equal rights to sons. However, the royal assent to the act ended the old practice of the eldest son taking after the queen and not the eldest sister.
Scandal
The royal family has been involved in various scandals. Three of the queen’s children have gotten married and divorced. Their weddings have cost the British people a lot of money in taxes.