How the UK political System works

I would like to Create this topic as a Open Resource on Information on how The political system in Great Britain works, (Got this Idea from a Smugallo)
And thought it would benefit This area more if we can show people how the system works so they can also join in discussion

As they would know what’s going on than just coming into this Area and just reading and not being able to make heads or tales of things.

Everyone is Welcome to Add to this topic to ensure that all areas are fully covered fast and effectively with all the facts.

Monarch

Prime minister

Government departments

Legislature

House of Commons

House of Lords

Judiciary

Northern Ireland

Scotland

Wales

Elections and parties

Electoral systems

Main political parties

Current political landscape

Minor parties

Small parties

Non-Parliamentary political parties

Regional/National parties

The far-left and far-right

Independents

Local Government

An interesting idea... it'll certainly be time consuming, that's for sure, since people have written huge textbooks on the subject without covering everything!

In the mean time, if there's anything that people aren't sure about or want further clarification then please ask and one of the regulars here will do their best to answer your question. Perhaps stickying a Q & A thread would be helpful too?

reply to post by Ste2652


we could re-title this to Info on politics and Questions and answers?
i am working on some bits for this when i get spare time from uni work.
also i think its a good idea as it would also put alot of resource here

[edit on 25-1-2008 by bodrul]

This is a great idea bodrul!

For someone like me it's great, i want to know about politics because it is my right as a British citizen, i have to know, or these guys are always gonna get the better of me. I need to know about current policies and everything i better get down and do some research.

didn't know where to start, this could be where!

hi people!
i am revising for this huge exam i have on the uk political system and i have a doubt:could anyone please explain to me what a parliamentary party and a non-parliamentary party are?
thanks a lot!

A parliamentary party is one that has managed to get candidate voted into Parliament

A non-parliamentary party is one that hasn't.

So for example, Labour is a Parliamentary Party.

The Monster Raving Looney Party, and other such "fringe" parties aren't.