[EM] another question regarding the UK PM election...

[robert bristow-johnson]

on this side of the pond, we are taught that the Monarch is largely a  
figurehead Head of State.  the dumb Wikipedia article says that "The  
Monarch also chooses the Prime Minister, who then forms a government  
from members of the houses of parliament. This must be someone who can  
command a majority in the House of Commons."  how is she gonna do that  
if no party has a majority?  it seems that if the Queen gets to  
exercise a real judgment of her own in this decision, she is *far*  
more than a figurehead.

--

r b-j                  rbj at audioimagination.com

"Imagination is more important than knowledge."



On May 6, 2010, at 3:59 PM, Diego Santos wrote:

> There is no PM election. They are appointed by the Queen, usually  
> from the biggest party.
>
> 2010/5/6 robert bristow-johnson <rbj at audioimagination.com>
>
> after the MPs are determined by FPTP for each constituency, then  
> does not Parliament need to meet to vote for the PM?  is a majority  
> of MPs required, or does plurality suffice?  if the former and no  
> single party has a majority, won't there be a whole shitload of  
> negotiation between the 3 major parties to form a majority?   
> especially with this election so up in the air (at least that's how  
> it reported on this side of the pond), how possibly can the new PM  
> be moving into 10 Downing Street tomorrow morning?
>
> thanks to the Brits for dispelling my ignorance.
>