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If we are to discuss the best model for democracy we should first look at the British model as it is the longest established. Questions arise however when you consider its relevancy to the modern world.

At a basic level it is understood that Prime Minister and his government ultimately run the country. Members' of Parliament (MPs), are elected by the general public, usually once every four years, based on the policies of the three or four main political parties. Issues of particular interest could be employment, the state of the economy, health and defence. It is called democracy whereby the people get to vote on who they want to take the country forward.

The nuts and bolts of the British government is far more complicated and I will endeavour to explain them here.

The Constitution

A Constitution determines how the people are governed including powers to levy taxes, conscript or even imprison. The UK is said to have a democracy with power resting with the people but granted to their elected representatives but this only applies to the House of Commons. The other parts of the Constitution - the Crown and the House of Lords - are hereditary and appointed. The main elements can be summarised thus:

The Executive - under the authority of the Crown and headed by the Sovereign (the Queen) whose powers are invested in the government compromising of Ministers, headed by a Prime Minister and answerable to Parliament.
The Legislature - the law making body comprising both Houses of Parliament.
The Judiciary - politically independent but empowered by laws made by Parliament.

The Sovereign

The Sovereign - the head of the Monarchy - is the Head of State. Though now longer directly involved in government but still has considerable theoretical powers in the nation's affairs such as making key appointments of the British State but generally her role as seen as ceremonial. Her powers are transferred to the ministers in Her Majesty's Government' using the Royal Prerogative.

The Privy Council

All Cabinet Ministers and many other leading figures including leaders of the main opposition parties and senior judges are appointed by the Sovereign to be members of the Privy Council. Though it has no formal basis in the Constitution it still has considerable powers over and above the cabinet in issues such as declaring a state of emergency.

The Prime Minister

The office of the Prime Minister is the Sovereign's first minister and has the formal title of First Lord of the Treasury and Minister for

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