What role does the Queen play in British politics?

Answer 1

Honestly now her mole is minute. Shes pretty much a figurehead, and the real government and PM handle everything. I believe laws etc must still be run through her, and she must sign, but she always does since the government knows better than her.

So basically, she's unbelievable rich, for doing nothing except enjoying life, and waving at people every so often. All because her ancestors said some bullshit about God telling them to run the country.

Answer 2

The Queen's role is primarily symbolic and ceremonial; for instance, she opens sessions of Parliament and gives her customary speech on Christmas Day. All 20th-century British monarchs have been heads of state, but the Prime Minister has been the head of government, or in other words, "The Queen reigns but does not rule."

Like other European constitutional monarchies, a British king or queen currently has little actual power, although in the Netherlands and Belgium, the monarch appoints a representative to preside over a coalition government following parliamentary elections, and in Norway, the monarch chairs special meetings of the Norwegian cabinet.

Answer 3

Our Prime Minister meets the Queen once a week. She offers advice on the problems of the day. As she has been at the center of British politics for 60 years she probably has an overview nobody else has - she is supposed to be impartial.

Answer 4

She should not play any political roles in British Politics except that of the constitutional Monarch.
Anyone who believes that, that is all she does???
I doubt it, that she can be all that silent in matters that at least affect the ex-Commonwealth, where she is looked upon as Mother -Almighty by the local WASP.

Answer 5

This link in the Official British Monarchy site will explain some of what Her Majesty does each day...
http://www.royal.gov.uk/output/Page4685.asp

Answer 6

From the official site of Buckingham Palace at http://www.royal.gov.uk
"The British Sovereign can be seen as having two roles: Head of State, and 'Head of the Nation'.

As Head of State, The Queen undertakes constitutional and representational duties which have developed over one thousand years of history.

There are inward duties, with The Queen playing a part in State functions in Britain. Parliament must be opened, Orders in Council have to be approved, Acts of Parliament must be signed, and meetings with the Prime Minister must be held.

There are also outward duties of State, when The Queen represents Britain to the rest of the world. For example, The Queen receives foreign ambassadors and high commissioners, entertains visiting Heads of State, and makes State visits overseas to other countries, in support of diplomatic and economic relations.

As 'Head of Nation', The Queen's role is less formal, but no less important for the social and cultural functions it fulfils.

The Queen's role is to:

Perform the ceremonial and official duties of Head of State, including
representing Britain to the rest of the world;

Provide a focus for national identity and unity;

Provide stability and continuity in times of change;

Recognise achievement and excellence;

Encourage public and voluntary service.

These include: providing a focus for national identity, unity and pride; giving a sense of stability and continuity; recognising success, achievement and excellence; and supporting service to others, particularly through public service and the voluntary sector.

These roles are performed through different types of engagement.

By means of regular visits through every part of the United Kingdom, The Queen is able to act as a focus for national unity and identity.

Through her engagements and walkabouts, The Queen is able to meet people from every walk of life. The Queen's unifying role as Sovereign is also shown in her special relationships with the devolved assemblies in Scotland and Wales.

In addition, at times of national celebration or tragedy, The Queen publicly represents the nation's mood - for example, at annual commemoration of the war dead on Remembrance Sunday, or at celebrations for a national sporting victory.

The Queen also has an essential role in providing a sense of stability and continuity in times of political and social change. The system of constitutional monarchy bridges the discontinuity of party politics.

While political parties change constantly, the Sovereign continues as Head of State, providing a stable framework within which a government can introduce wide-ranging reforms.

With more than five decades of reading State papers, meeting Heads of State and ambassadors and holding a weekly audience with the Prime Minister, The Queen has an unequalled store of experience upon which successive Prime Ministers have been able to draw.

The Queen is able to recognise success and achievement in a personal way. These include honours, awards, visits, patronage and sponsorship. At Investitures, for example, The Queen honours individuals for public service or outstanding achievement.

She also hosts garden parties to which guests from all backgrounds are invited, most of whom are nominated by charities or public sector organisations for their service to their communities.

And in the thousands of messages sent by The Queen each year to people celebrating their 100th birthdays or diamond weddings, The Queen is able to give special and personal recognition of remarkable individuals.

The Queen also supports service to others, through close relationships with the voluntary and charitable sector. About 3,000 organisations list a member of the Royal Family as patron or president. The Queen has over 600 patronages and The Duke of Edinburgh over 700.

In all these roles, The Queen is supported by members of the Royal Family, who carry out many of the engagements which The Queen cannot undertake in person."