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Paul Sparks - Online English Lesson Plans, Lesson Material and Ideas for "Culture of English Speaking Countries Lessons", Xiangtan Normal University...

WESTERN CULTURE AND SOCIETY: THE UNITED KINGDOM (UK) -

British Politics

British Government: In British politics there are General Elections about every 4 years, The elections are to decide which of the 3 main Political Parties will be allowed to form a government and run the country.

The three main political parties are:

• Labour (Current Government)

• Conservative

• Liberal Democrat

The Houses of Parliament: The place where politics take place in the UK is called "The Houses of Parliament". This is a place which is made up of 2 "houses":

The House of Commons: This is where the government debate issues with the other political parties. The House of Commons is made up of MP's (Members of Parliament) from all political parties who are voted for in local elections around the UK.

The House of Lords: Traditionally made up of "Lords" who received the title from their father or were given the title for achievements. The House of Lords is now made up of many other people, not just people who inherited the title from their father. When the House of Commons wants to make or change a law they will give a draft version to the house of Lords, who then debate the issue further, and if they agree with the proposal from the House of Commons then the law will be passed.