ABSTRACT
The ‘British political system’ and the ‘British constitution’ are closely interrelated, but they are not quite the same thing. The constitution is a set of rules and understandings about how the country is governed, which in the UK (unlike in some countries) is not codified in a single document. The political system incorporates the constitution but also includes electoral culture and questions such as which parties tend to dominate. The United Kingdom's political system has often been regarded rather complacently. Its most fervent admirers have frequently linked its apparent stability with the supposed equanimity and moderation of the British national character. Were a politician from the Edwardian era to be transported to the House of Commons in the year 2023, some things would appear recognisable. The Edwardian period also saw the elected House of Commons assert its dominance over the unelected House of Lords.
