I know of the authority the monarchy used to have in England until most of the policy making was sent to Parliament, but what decisions, if any, does the monarchy make today?
Is there any kind of balance between the palace and Downing Street?
Please don't give me jibe answers like her family's wealth or heritage (we all know that can be disputed). I already know that she has the power to bestow knighthood on undeserving souls, but what does she really do in a business or political sense for the country that all who live in England would be considered subjects?
I mean no disrespect and apologize if anyone feels I am being disrespectful, this is really just a serious question.
2006-08-01 09:12:43 · 15 answers · asked by ? 4 in Politics & Government ➔ Politics
Given the first 6 answers, how would England react if there were no more monarchy and just a parliament? I would guess that it wouldn't be liked since that would mean that the government would be more like the US and we all know how not-so-great that is. Am I right? Or would you welcome no more monarchy?
2006-08-01 09:22:58 · update #1
Based on icaruscatfish's answer , the Queen is basically expensive back-up?
2006-08-01 09:28:37 · update #2
The queen has mainly ceremonial duties now but still has the power to still disolve parliament and select a prime minister if there is a hung parliament, although she hasn't used those powers she nearly had to with the hung parliament of 1974 when the mp's couldn't decide for 2 weeks.
2006-08-01 09:16:03 · answer #1 · answered by bigjohnwales 2 · 3⤊ 1⤋
The last time the British Monarch exercised executive power was in Australia in November 1975. The Australian federal parliment was deadlocked because the opposition had used a senate majority to block the budget. This meant that the government could not function. The Queens representative in Aust, Governor General John Kerr (after consultation with Buckingham Palcae), sacked Prime Minister Gough Whitlam and appointed a caretaker goverment until an election could be held
2006-08-01 16:26:32 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Queen is mostly a figurehead -- she is the people's, and the people are hers. Technically, the ministers of Parliament are HER ministers, and serve at her pleasure. In practice, however, the PM is the leader of the largest party in Parliament, and the ministers are appointed by him/her. The Queen also reserves certain rights which are rarely exercised, such as an effective veto of parlimentary bills, setting requirements for the formation of the leadership, declare war and make peace, to conduct foreign policies (including treaties), and the use of the "royal we." Perhaps one of her most influential roles is her weekly briefing with the Prime Minister. She does not make policy during these meetings, but she is said to be on top of the issues and an excellent source of constructive criticism and advice.
2006-08-01 16:32:07 · answer #3 · answered by Patrick 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Queen has the power to remove a government from power as happened in Australia a few years ago.
She is the most respected world leader on the planet, head of state of several dozen countries, briefed weekly by the PM.
Far more knowledgable than most politicians due the length of time she has served.
Expenses cost the tax payer an average of 62 pence per year. (Less than the French Presidency, or the US President's security) As opposed to Gordon Brown who costs us half our annual income.
Repuublicanism is about as popular as bubonic plague since the Restoration, approval has never slipped below 75% and is usually in the 90s.
2006-08-01 19:38:03 · answer #4 · answered by Red P 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The queen is required to sign bills into law, dissolve and reform parliament and also has power (as already stated) in the circumstances of a hung parliament. However, she is constitutionally required to be apolitical and cannot be seen to be acting in any manner that favours either political party. The rest of the family are also required to remain apolitical or find out what it's like to live in a republic.
2006-08-01 16:22:15 · answer #5 · answered by nkellingley@btinternet.com 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Queen is now only a representative of Britain, and has no political power at all.
But is allowed to intervene with a hung Parliament
2006-08-01 16:19:17 · answer #6 · answered by Croeso 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the queen, or in the future when there is a king will always be just a figurehead to the once British empire. Yes, she does have power to dissolve Parliament but that is mostly ceremonial.
no political power, just financial power.
2006-08-01 16:19:01 · answer #7 · answered by MAC 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The one important role she has, which no-one has mentioned, is to act as a source of advice to the current prime minister. She holds a weekly audience with him which even Blair thinks is incredibly useful. She therefore acts as a stabilising factor for a PM and given that every Prime Minister since Churchill has worked for her, provides a confidential support to the PM.
The main benefit of having a monarch as far as I can see is that no commoner can ever get the job! It keeps politicians in their place...
2006-08-02 07:11:37 · answer #8 · answered by Answer Me! 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The queen is a figurehead that allows us in the UK to look down upon failing democracies and those strong countries that are true democracies (Republics) for example Ireland and Japan.
2006-08-01 17:05:04 · answer #9 · answered by trixi-dos-dos 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She has no political power at all. She acts as a representative for Britain to other countries and does a good job as far as i can see. But when it comes to policy she has no sway at all.
2006-08-01 16:16:48 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋