Forming a government

• After an election, the monarch appoints the Prime Minister, and the process of forming a government begins.
• Forming a Single-Party Government

  • A party needs a majority (326+ seats out of 650) to govern alone.
  • Majority rule is essential to pass new laws.
  • Without a majority, opposition MPs could block laws.
• Forming a Coalition Government

  • If no majority is won, a coalition can be formed with another party.
  • Coalitions can make passing laws difficult due to compromises.
• Confidence and Supply Agreement

  • Instead of a coalition, a "confidence and supply" agreement allows a smaller party to support a government on a vote-by-vote basis.
• Role of the Monarch

  1. Appoints the Prime Minister after election results.
  2. Reads the speech at the State Opening of Parliament, outlining the new government’s plans.
• Black Rod’s Ceremonial Role

  • A tradition from the 14th century in the House of Lords.
  • Summons MPs from the House of Commons.
  • The Commons' door is shut in Black Rod’s face to symbolize independence from the monarchy.
  • Knocks three times, the door opens, and MPs follow Black Rod to the House of Lords.
• Forming a Cabinet

  • The Prime Minister appoints around 22 ministers to lead departments and develop policies.
• Explain two reasons why a party may prefer forming a majority government.

  1)With a Majority government it is easier to pass laws. A government with a Majority of MPs to support their policies makes it harder for the opposition to stop laws from being created.

  2)It means The parties do not have to compromise their policies. If a party in a coalition then they May have to compromise their policies to work with a different party that has a different ideology