Chapter 4: HOW THE UNITED KINGDOM IS GOVERNED

Local government

Local authorities are required to provide mandatory services in their area. These services include education, housing, social services, passenger transport, the fire service, on rubbish collection, planning, environmental health and libraries.

Most of the money for the local authority services comes from the government through taxes. Only about 20% is funded locally through ‘council tax’ a local tax set by councils to help pay for local services. It applies to all domestic properties, including houses, bungalows, flats mobile homes or house boats, whether owned or rented.

The Judiciary

Parliament makes the laws. But it is the duty of judges (who are together called judiciary) to interpret those laws. The government will not interfere in their role. The Legislature(Parliament) and Judiciary(Court) are totally independent and it is a vital part of any democracy.

Judges cannot, however, decide whether people are guilty or innocent of serious crimes. When someone is accused of a serious crime, a jury( a panel members of which is randomly selected from voters register.) will decide whether he or she is innocent or guilty . If guilty, the judge will decide on the penalty. For minor crimes, a magistrate will decide on guilt and on any penalty.

The role of the media

Proceedings in Parliament are published by the official publication called Hanzad which is available in libraries and on the internet. Most people, however. Get information about political issues and events from newspapers (often called the press), television and radio.

The UK has a free press, meaning that what is written in newspapers is free from government control. Newspaper owners and editors hold strong political opinions and run campaigns to try and influence government policy and public opinion.

By law, radio and television coverage of the political parties at election periods must be balanced and so equal time has to be given to rival viewpoints.* Note this Law requirement is only for Electronic media and not for Print media. But broadcasters are free to interview politicians in a tough and lively way.

Non-departmental public bodies (Quangos)

Quasi non governmental organisations(Quangos).They are Independent organisations that carry out functions on behalf of the public. There are many hundreds of these bodies, carrying out a wide variety of public duties.

Here some examples of quangos :

Regional Devolved Administrations

Nation	Capital	Administration	Authority
Scotland	Edinburgh	Scottish Parliament: Members(MSPs)-120	Authorised to make law regarding civil,criminal,Education,health,and levy tax.
Wales	Cardiff	Welsh Assembly: Members (AMs) 60 ;	Not authorised to make laws but can make decisions on education , environment and health.
N.Ireland	Belfast	Legislative assembly:Members(MLAs)- 108	Not Authorised to make laws but planning and decision making on education environment transport , health service,civil,criminal,raising tax are permitted.

The UK in Europe and the World

Organisation	origin	Members	Aim
The common wealth	Former British colonies form this	53 Members- voluntary membership. It has no power over its members.	To promote democracy, good government and to eradicate poverty.
The European Union (EU)	Six European countries signed the Treaty of Rome and formed this in 1957	At Present 27 Members- All members are legally bound to the European Law.	original aim is to avoid another war in Europe through cooperation. current aim is to function as single market; sharing common currency (Euro) ;and allow citizen of member states to travel freely between them
The Unite Nations (UN)	The United Nations Charter was drawn up by the representatives of 51 countries formed this in 1945.	At Present over 190 member countries; 15 members are in the security council(5 of them are permanent members- UK one of the permanent members)	Original aim is to prevent a Third world war . Three important agreement produced by UN are: Universal declaration of human rights Convention of eliminating all types of discrimination against woman. UN convention on the rights of the child

You have now revised all the above topics. Test your knowledge by
doing a practice test on chapter 4:How the United Kingdom is Governed .