« Are both Queen Elizabeth II and the British Monarchy useful for Britain ? » Rotté Thomas – M2 « Langue française appliquée »

A few information about Elizabeth II  She is 89 years old (she was born in 1926 in London)  She is the first born child of King George VI  Succeeded to the throne right after her father’s death in February 1952  Was crowned in June 1953  In 2012, she celebrated her Diamond Jubilee (for 60 years on the throne)  Has recently become the UK’s longest-reigning monarch (63 years, 7 months and 2 days) ; she surpasses Queen Victoria (her great-great- grandmother !)

« In what way is Queen Elizabeth II useful in the British political life ? » Queen Elizabeth II is part of the Legislative Power LEGISLATIVE POWER = PARLIAMENT = House of Commons + House of Lords + Monarch (the Queen)

The different roles of the Monarch « a symbol of unity and continuity of the United-Kingdom within the Commonwealth of the nations » -The primary role of the Monarch is being « a symbol of unity and continuity of the United-Kingdom within the Commonwealth of the nations » -She is : the Head of the State, -Head of the British Commonwealth, -Head of the Armed forces, -Head of the church of England and the Church of Scotland, -Head of the Executive. -She also : -opens the new Parliamentary session at the Palace of Westminter (near Big Ben) ; -can dissolve the Parliament ; -can give a Royal Ascent ; -can appoint and dismiss Ministers including the Prime Minister ; -meets the Prime Minister once a week, at « Buckingham Palace » during an « audience » (called « Liaison with the Prime Minister ») ;

The different roles of the Monarch -She can give the Royal Pardon ; -Attributes honours (LEFT) ; -Takes part in many historical ceremonies (one of most well known is : Trooping the colour to celebrate the Queen’s official birthday (RIGHT).

« She reigns but does not rule » -Where does this phrase come from ?  The Glorious Revolution ( ). -Since the GR, the executive powers of the Crown have gradually been TRANSFERRED to Parliament  The result ?  Today’s Constitutionnal Monarchy where the Queen « reigns but does not rule » -The Queen’s NAME -Is supposed to be above party politics  Does not have the right to vote in general elections  IS NOT INVOLVED IN THE RUNNING OF THE COUNTRY !!

The Prime Minister -Executive Power : Government + Cabinet + Prime Minister  Plays a role on the world political stage (migrants) (takes most of the political decisions)  Head of the Government  Head of the Cabinet + organise it  Leader of his/her party  David Cameron is a national leader and a International figure : Takes most of the political decisions.  The British Prime Minister has the same international standing as a president.  Thus, the Queen acts on the device of the government of the day.

The Queen : a symbol ? -The Queen appears more as a symbol for many people rather than « Head of the country » -Remember : « symbol of unity and continuity » -Some say « symbol of the British identity » -Others say « symbol of the unity of the Nation » « Symbol of the Royal Family », « of the Commonwealth »

A symbol on coins and bills

Do you remember ?

A few facts about the Queen -The Queen is one of the most well-known women in the world !! -She is the most photographed celebrity in the world !! -She is one of the richest women in the world -The most powerful and influencial Monarch

Would Britain be better off without the monarchy ?  Despite a great popularity and a certain conservatism, numerous politic parties like the Republicans wish to see the British monarchy disappear (ARTICLE) -The Republicans and more and more English people are against the Monarchy -Some Republicans assert that “hereditary monarchy is unfair and elitist”

Conclusion TO THE QUESTION “WHAT DO YOU THINK OF QUEEN ELIZABETH”, SOMEONE SAID: My personal opinion of Queen Elizabeth is very positive; I highly respect and admire her. The reasons behind my opinion : 1. The Queen is our Head of State and Head of Armed Forces, symbol of union of our country. 2. She symbolizes Britain and what we once were; the dedication, the tough upper lip, the duty and honour. 3. Her Majesty is the only living Head of State to have served in the Army during World War II. 4. The Queen, along with the rest of the Royal Family, generate huge interest abroad; that brings quite a lot of tourist money in. So what we have is an excellent head of state who also brings profit - brilliant, isn't it? 5. Queen Elizabeth has served our country her whole life, never putting a foot wrong; she is just a perfect Head of State. 6. Her Majesty is nearly 90 now and has been a Monarch for nearly 60 years - and yet she's still one of the hardest-working Royals or Heads of States in the world. Now, that's a real dedication. 7. The Queen's popularity currently rates at over 80% - I doubt there are many leaders in the world, elected or unelected, who could match that.

What do the English think of the Queen ? To the question: Do you think it's time for Queen Elizabeth II to step down?  60% said YES – 40% said NO !! (DEBATE.ORG)  60% said YES – 40% said NO !! Yes, of course. I look at the British Royal family as hilarious. It's like watching a country play dungeons and dragons or something. It is time for the entire Royal Family to step down. And if you think they are only figureheads, you are wrong. Britiain is a living, breathing monarchy and as a person living in a Republic, that cracks me up. No, the Queen is only a figurehead. No, Queen Elizabeth II should not need to step down from her throne. The Queen is simply a figurehead and does no real ruling in the UK. The country would not be better or worse by her stepping off the throne, as this move would not impact the way the country is run.

And you ? Do you think both Queen Elizabeth II and the British monarchy are useful for Britain ?