London Visitor Advice Monarchy and GovernmentMonarchy and Government
The Queen is the Head of State, but a non-political figurehead, who remains impartial despite 
technically possessing executive powers. The UK is a constitutional monarchy, so all affairs of state are handled by the Government which represents the Queen, led by the majority party leader - the Prime Minister.
This is a bicameral system (two houses) of elected MPs (Members of Parliament) representing all the regions in the UK who sit in the House of Commons; and the Lords (Peers - not elected) who reside in the House of Lords. Bills must pass through both houses in order to become acts (law), with the Commons holding more weight in the process.
Some powers have been devolved to administrations in constituent countries in the UK namely - Belfast (N. Ireland), Cardiff (Wales) and Edinburgh (Scotland).
If you're visiting the UK and want to have a good, but inexpensive laugh, you can watch the MPs squabbling on TV. They have their own channel, which may be on the TV in your hotel (I believe the licence is free, which is probably why). They like to strut and generally peacock-about for the cameras. Don't worry if you don't follow what's going on - no-one does. Sometimes they show the House of Lords - that's the old people, sleeping on red leather banquettes.
