Where does political power reside in the UK and how is it controlled?

Sources and Control of Political Power in the UK

The United Kingdom is a constitutional monarchy and a parliamentary democracy. Power resides primarily in the Parliament, the Prime Minister, and the Monarch.
The Monarchy is largely ceremonial, but their role does include key functions such as giving Royal Assent to laws and appointing the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister holds significant power, including the ability to set policy, control the legislative agenda, and make decisions on foreign affairs.
The Parliament is the supreme legislative body, with the power to debate, pass, and amend laws. It’s composed of two houses: the House of Commons and the House of Lords.

Power is spread out via the democratic system. The UK uses a system of representative democracy, meaning that citizens elect representatives to exercise power on their behalf.
The concept of universal suffrage means all adults, with some exceptions such as prisoners, can vote. This gives citizens the power to choose their representatives and shape policies through voting.
Political parties, such as the Conservative Party or the Labour Party, play a major role in organising elections, proposing policy, and forming government.

The UK judiciary also holds power, able to interpret and apply the law. Judges can influence public policy through their decisions in court cases.
The judiciary maintains rule of law and is responsible for protecting citizens’ rights as outlined in legislation such as the Human Rights Act 1998.

Constitutional conventions, unwritten rules that guide the conduct of politicians, help control the exercise of political power.
The rule of law ensures that all individuals and authorities within the country are subject to the law and subject to penalties if laws are broken.
Various watchdog bodies and independent commissions monitor the behaviour of politicians and ensure compliance with laws and regulations.
The free press also serves as a method of control by holding those in power accountable to the public through investigative journalism and reporting.

Power in the UK is not concentrated solely in Westminster. Significant powers have been devolved to Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Each has its own Parliament or Assembly that can make decisions on issues such as health, education, and transport. This system is known as devolution.
While these devolved governments have control over certain areas, the UK Parliament retains the right to make and change laws for any part of the UK.