Canada and the World Backgrounder, December 1st, 2003
Capital: London
Head of State: Queen Elizabeth II (since February 1952) Inherited position of a mostly ceremonial nature
Head of Government: Prime Minister Tony Blair (since May 1997) Following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usually the prime minister
Parliament: The House of Lords consists of approximately 500 life peers, 92 hereditary peers, and 26 clergy--all ate appointed. The House of Commons has 659 seats; members are' elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms unless the House is dissolved earlier. The United...
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