Why are the Queen and 3 princes of England so popular when they have no real power? Like here in "the states" we have a president (George Bush) who has all the power. Who has power in England? Why do they feel the need to act so responsible when it doesn't even matter? The boys can't even go out w/out making headlines and the Queen goes to all these social events. What power do they have, if any?
2006-06-12 05:19:01 · 23 answers · asked by . 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Politics
Monarchy is the oldest form of government in the United Kingdom.
In a monarchy a king or queen is Head of State. The British monarchy is known as a constitutional monarchy. This means that, while The Queen is Head of State, the ability to make and pass legislation resides with an elected Parliament. Although the British Sovereign no longer has a political or executive role, he or she continues to play an important part in the life of the nation.
As Head of State, The Queen undertakes constitutional and representational duties which have developed over one thousand years of history. In addition to these State duties, The Queen has a less formal role as 'Head of Nation'. She acts a focus for national identity, unity and pride; gives a sense of stability and continuity; officially recognises success and excellence; and supports the ideal of public and voluntary service.
In all these roles The Queen is supported by members of her immediate family.
As an ex-soilder, if I was asked to go to bear arms by my corrupt government the answer is a very definate NO.
My Queen, however, I would be proud to defend. Her own son, Andrew was on the frontline in the Falklands, and William and Harry have both asked to be put on the field of conflict.
Who was the last politician to volunteer to do the same?
2006-06-12 05:32:20 · answer #1 · answered by stew_redhill 3 · 6⤊ 0⤋
The Queen still has the right to stop any legislation that she deems unfit but she is unlikely to use this as she knows that the government has a popular mandate which the voters voted for. Also The royal family is not just tradition but they are an example to others, when the subjects of the united kingdom are on their knees the royal family must stand strong and unafraid as examples to us all, just like they did in the last world war. The Queen can make appointments in to the house of lords in her new years honours and her birthday honours lists.
Lastly i would like to point out that the president doesn't actually have that much power, he alone cannot make any decision alone, everything he does must pass through congress, so in that respect both the Queen and Tony Blair hold more power than the president of the united states.
2006-06-12 12:52:21 · answer #2 · answered by cado 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
America's early colonists revolted against England's state religion and caste system - where one's place in society was determined on how "blue" your blood was (what family you were born into).
That revolution birthed the United States of America and an inspired Constitution. Americans believe that ALL are created equally and endowed by the Creator with certain unalienable rights.
The Queen of England and the three princes you refer to are popular because they are the focal point of the "pomp" of that great country's rich traditions. (England is a great friend and ally to our country.)
While not being disrespectful of England's monarchy and appreciating the good the Queen and her family do in the world, and appreciating the value of goodly traditions in society, Americans hold fast to the principle that privileges should be earned, not conferred because of the family you were born into.
The truth is that everyone comes from the Creator, hence, we ALL have royal blood flowing in our veins.
By the way, George Bush does not have all the power in our country. Our founding fathers ensured that federal governmental power would be distributed among three entities - through congress, the judiciary (supreme court) and the presidency. Individual states were guaranteed power as well, through congressional and senatorial representation and through local government.
2006-06-12 12:57:11 · answer #3 · answered by tenacity2go 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Fortunately the British monarchy have no real power, but some of the reasons we still have them are that none of the main political parties want rid of them, they are rich and famous so therefore people are interested in them and this helps tourism, and the British authorities have never wanted to go the way the French did and execute the whole damn lot - only Charles I was executed like that. Personally I'd happily do without them and have a Republic, but it wouldn't change the fact that in Britain power is wielded by a small band of Blairite cronies.
As to why they feel important, it probably goes with having their titles. And they get paid a lot of money - from the Civil List - for going to all these social events.
2006-06-12 13:42:19 · answer #4 · answered by Rotifer 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The UK has no formal constitution, just a mish-mash of historical legal scraps dating back to before Henry VIII. Formally, the monarch does actually rule, contrary to what most Brits believe. The mace, the symbol of royal authority, is placed in the House of Commons thereby lending power to the elected members of parliament (though royal assent is still required before any law is passed). Constitutionally, the queen could nip down and take the mace back, then rule more or less by decree, but she wouldn't do that because the whole monarchy thing would get dumped within five minutes if she did. We got so used to our apparent democracy that it functions almost like a real one.
As for "popular", what you mean is "sells newspapers", which is a much less positive attribute. Murder, corruption and odd sexual antics also sell newspapers. The papers in question are NOT the object of your average Brit's civic pride...
2006-06-12 12:29:23 · answer #5 · answered by wild_eep 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Queen and the 3 princes are actually of the UK, NOT England. The 2 ARE NOT synonymous. I live in SCOTLAND and i'm afraid the Queen is my queen too. Although she is Queen Elizabeth the 1st here in Scotland (See your history books), not QE2, as in England.
I wish Americans would stop confusing England and the UK (which includes the countries of Scotland, Wales Northern Ireland and England.)
THIS IRRITATES ME SOOOO MUCH
To answer your original question, unfortunately they do have a lot of power. (see previous answers). It's a very archaic system.
2006-06-12 12:33:12 · answer #6 · answered by Patchouli Pammy 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Queen is see as a historic figure and as a part of the long line of Royal family members, her opinion is highly respected by her people and they have a great deal of respect for her and the family. And yes,She has power, she has the power of her followers (the whole UK) , she can use the press.
She is very famous and very wise... the best recipe for power.
PS: She is better on they eyes then Blair to...
2006-06-13 19:55:31 · answer #7 · answered by GABRIEL 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Queen actually has more power than the Government and the Prime Minister
2006-06-12 12:25:54 · answer #8 · answered by Me 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No law is passed in England with out the Queen's signature. As they are all so famous, they have a huge influence on the people that read about them. Also, when the Queen makes her boring speech on Christmas day, millions of people tune in.
With influence like that its not surprising they are so rich!
2006-06-12 12:23:46 · answer #9 · answered by xenobyte72 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Does the Queen have more power than the government and Prime minister then?
I think she has advisers and informers and generally has to do what they say with no question. These advisers are somehow connected to the government anyway so the Government always win.
2006-06-12 13:19:50 · answer #10 · answered by I know this! 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋