Along with the House of Commons and the House of Lords, the Crown is an integral part of the institution of Parliament. The Queen plays an essential role in opening and dissolving Parliament and approving Bills before they become law.
Parliament
The highest legislative authority in the United Kingdom. Made up of the House of Commons, House of Lords and the Queen (who is the UK's current hereditary monarch).
Crown
This is another way of referring to the monarchy – which is the oldest part of the system of government in this country. Time has reduced the power of the monarchy, and today it is broadly ceremonial. The current UK monarch is Queen Elizabeth II.
Appointing a government
The day after a general election the Queen invites the leader of the party that won the most seats in the House of Commons to become Prime Minister and to form the government.
Opening and dismissing Parliament
The Crown opens Parliament through the State Opening (marking the beginning of the Parliamentary year). The Crown dismisses Parliament before a general election at the request of the Prime Minister (dissolution).
Queen's Speech
The Crown informs Parliament of the government's policy ideas and plans for new legislation in a speech delivered from the throne in the House of Lords. Although the Queen makes the speech, the government draws up the content.
Royal Assent
When a Bill has been approved by a majority in the House of Commons and the House of Lords it is formally agreed to by the Crown. This is known as the Royal Assent. This turns a Bill into an Act of Parliament, allowing it to become law in the UK.
