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United Kingdom Constitution

United Kingdom Political System: A Detailed Study for UPSC Aspirants

Introduction

The United Kingdom (UK) follows a unique unitary parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy. Its governance system has significantly influenced former British colonies, including India. This article provides a detailed analysis of the UK’s political system, highlighting key features, governance structures, and comparisons with India, crucial for UPSC aspirants.

Political Structure of the UK

1. Monarchy and the Crown

  • The British Monarch (King/Queen) is the ceremonial head of state.
  • Powers are largely symbolic, with actual governance handled by the Prime Minister and Parliament.
  • The monarchy operates under constitutional conventions, meaning its role is mostly traditional rather than authoritative.

Comparison with India:

  • India has an elected President (Article 52) with specific constitutional powers, unlike the hereditary UK monarchy.
  • The Indian President has emergency powers (Article 352-360), unlike the UK monarch, who acts on ministerial advice.

2. Parliamentary System

The UK follows a Westminster-style parliamentary system, comprising:

House of Commons (Lower House)

  • Directly elected by the public.
  • 650 members, each representing a constituency.
  • Holds supreme legislative authority and forms the government.

House of Lords (Upper House)

  • Unelected; members are appointed (hereditary peers, life peers, and bishops).
  • Functions as a revising chamber but has limited legislative powers.

Comparison with India:

  • India’s Lok Sabha is similar to the UK’s House of Commons.
  • India’s Rajya Sabha differs from the UK’s House of Lords, as it has significant legislative authority.
  • In India, both houses play a key role in law-making, whereas in the UK, the Commons dominates.

3. Prime Minister and Executive Government

  • The Prime Minister (PM) is the head of government.
  • Leader of the party with a majority in the House of Commons.
  • Appointed by the Monarch but must command the confidence of the Commons.
  • Supported by the Cabinet, composed of senior ministers.

Comparison with India:

  • India’s PM is similarly appointed by the President (Article 75) but with a codified constitutional framework.
  • The UK follows constitutional conventions, whereas India has a written Constitution guiding executive functions.

4. Judiciary and Legal System

  • The UK follows a common law system based on precedents.
  • Supreme Court of the UK (est. 2009) is the highest judicial authority.
  • No power of judicial review over Parliament’s laws (due to parliamentary sovereignty).

Comparison with India:

  • India follows a common law system, but with a written Constitution.
  • The Indian Supreme Court (Article 124) has the power of judicial review (Article 13).

5. Unitary System with Devolution

  • The UK is a unitary state but has devolved powers to Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
  • Devolution Acts (1998 onwards) created local legislatures for these regions.
  • Unlike federalism, the UK Parliament retains ultimate authority and can revoke devolved powers.

Comparison with India:

  • India follows a quasi-federal system (Article 1) with distinct powers for the Union and States.
  • Unlike UK devolution, Indian states have constitutionally protected powers.

Key Features of the UK System Relevant for UPSC

  1. Parliamentary Sovereignty: The UK Parliament can make or repeal any law without judicial interference.
  2. Unwritten Constitution: Unlike India’s comprehensive written Constitution, the UK relies on laws, conventions, and judicial decisions.
  3. First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) Electoral System: Used in UK general elections; India also uses FPTP for Lok Sabha elections.
  4. Constitutional Conventions: Many governance aspects are based on tradition rather than written laws.
  5. No Separation of Powers: Executive and legislature are interlinked, unlike in India and the US.
Aspect UK India PYQ Focus
Government Type Unitary, Parliamentary Federal, Parliamentary Federalism vs. Unitary (2017)
Head of State Monarch + PM President + PM Conventions (2013)
Legislature Commons + Weak Lords Lok Sabha + Strong Rajya Sabha Sovereignty (2020)
Judiciary Limited J.R., Parliament supreme Broad J.R., Constitution supreme Judicial Review (2021)
Sovereignty Parliamentary Constitutional Sovereignty Evolution (2014)

Conclusion

UPSC Exam Strategy

  • Answer Structure:
  • Introduction: Define key concept (e.g., parliamentary democracy, sovereignty).
  • Comparison: UK vs. India with examples (e.g., Monarch vs. President).
  • Analysis: Strengths/weaknesses of each system.
  • Conclusion: Relevance to modern governance (e.g., UK’s flexibility vs. India’s stability).
  • Key Terms to Master: Parliamentary Sovereignty, Fusion of Powers, Devolution, Conventions, Common Law.
  • Current Affairs Link: Brexit (devolution debates), India-UK ties (judicial legacy, parliamentary exchanges).

Practice Question for UPSC

  • Question: “The UK’s parliamentary system is a model of flexibility, while India’s is a blend of rigidity and adaptability. Compare and contrast the two systems with respect to their structure and functioning.”
  • Approach: Use notes to discuss unitary vs. federal, conventions vs. codified rules, and judicial roles.

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