1. The electoral system
1.1. The whole country is divided into constituencies, each one of which elects a Member of Parliament to sit in the House of Commons (today 659 seats)
1.2. All British citizens may vote, provided that they are aged 18 or older, are registered and are not disqualified
2. The party system
2.1. Conservative Party
2.1.1. economic freedom
2.1.2. "party of patriotism"
2.1.3. importance of law and order and maintenance of strong armed forces
2.1.4. supported primarily by the wealthier class
2.2. Labour Party
2.2.1. "party of social justice"
2.2.2. well-being and opportunities for all members of society
2.2.3. an entrepreneurial but socially aware economy
3. The Crown
3.1. Powers
3.1.1. to summon, to suspend until the next session and to dissolve the Parliament
3.1.2. to give royal assent to legislation passed by the Parliament
3.1.3. to appoint government ministers, judges, officers of the armed forces, governors, diplomats and bishops of the Church
3.1.4. to confer honours (e.g. knighthood and peership)
3.1.5. to remit sentences passed on the convicted criminals
3.1.6. to declare war and make peace
3.2. Her Majesty's Government
3.2.1. Location: Whitehall
3.2.2. Structure
3.2.2.1. Ministers (about 100), Cabinet of Ministers (20) and Prime Minister
3.2.2.2. Civil Service
3.2.2.2.1. administers the decisions of ministers
4. Parliament
4.1. Structure
4.1.1. The House of Commons (659 members)
4.1.1.1. Cabinet
4.1.1.2. "Shadow Cabinet"
4.1.2. The House of Lords (hereditary and life peers)
4.2. Functions
4.2.1. to pass laws
4.2.2. to raise enough money through the taxation to enable the government to function
4.2.3. to examine government policy and administration
4.2.4. to debate and discuss important political issues
4.3. Parliamentary procedure
4.3.1. a bill passes three readings, then passes three readings at the another House, then is sent to the Queen for her assent by which it is passed into law as the Act of Parliament