English Government..

[Neutron]

Ok I can't make hide nor hair as to how the English government (specifically the cabinet) is elected?

I know what the House Of Commons and Lords are and I know how they are constituted.

But how is a PM elected? In many of my readings I've read statements like " After 6 months the government fell on a surprise vote" then so and so was told to be Prime Minister and make a government.

I know Churchills government fell right as WW2 ended and Churchil also told Stalin and Roosevelt that they were lucky because Stalin was a Dictator, and Roosevelt could always count on being the President until a predetermined election. Then Churchill stated he was only the head of government so long as the people and the government allowed it.

I find it somewhat confusing..

Also is England still considered a constitutional Monarchy?

Tron

 

[red indian]

Lots of big questions Tronny.......

.....but off the top of my head:-


Firstly, it is a BRITISH government not an English government that rules at Westminster.

The sweaty socks and the taffies have their own assemblies but the real power remains in Westminster.

Each political party has its own system for electing its leader. The main parties are the Tories, the Labour Party and the Liberals. There are smaller parties such as the Unionists.

Each party will go to the hustings with its own leader in place,having been elected via individual party systems.

Once in power, it is possible to change the leader of the governing party as a result of an internal feud within that party, which may lead to a vote for a change of leader during that parties term of office. This happened during Margeret Thatchers third term of office.

Its worth remembering that Churchill came to power in a similar fashion,in as much as he did not face a general election as the incumbent leader of the conservatives seeking a mandate for government. Although I think he still holds the record for having stood for election to the house of commons on more occasions than any other politician in British history.

Any ruling party i.e. the government, can be voted out of office at ANY TIME. All it takes is the government to loose a vote on any issue.
This will normally trigger a "vote of no confidence" which they may or may not win,depending on the size of their majority,and wether those who voted against the goverment on a specific issue decide to rally to the party when the chips are down on a vote of no confidence.

In strict parliamentary terms,it is perfectly possible for a party leader to become Priminister as the result of a general election on, say Monday, face a vote of no confidence on Tuesday, and a new Priminister installed on Wednesday.

Also, any incumbent Priminister can call a general election at ANY TIME during the term of his office, he does not have to wait for the maximum period of five years before going to the electorate.

Churchill, becuase of war time conditions and the existance of a co-ilition government was in power for nearly 6 years.

Britain is still a contitutional Monarchy. The Queen is the head of state and as such is technically speaking the equivalent of the U.S. President. In practical terms she has little or no executive power and is the "Titular" head of state.

In theory she still had some powers such as the right to dissolve parliament at any time,and strictly speaking she approves or rejects the electorates choice of government. She is "consulted" by the priminister on a weekly basis and can approve or dissaprove any of his government appointments. However, in practice, it all goes through as recommended by the PM.

Yes I know Tronny, its all complete nonsense and makes no real sense but, there it is. We dont even have a written constitution for cryin out loud!!!....those crazy Brits eh Tronny???

 

[Neutron]

Where Is THe Vote Of No Confidence Held??

In the House Of Commons?

I know one of the British Governments fell when it had a majority because the minority called a vote on a relatively minor issue while many of the House Of Commons were away on Holiday. I believe it was the Lord Salisbury Government that either came into, or lost power because of it.

It's all very strange and I've spent the better part of the last 3 months trying to make heads or tails of it.

Thanks

Tron