The UK is a constitutional monarchy.
In the country, there are two main leaders: the king and the parliament. Most of the power belongs to parliament, while King Charles III is the formal head of state. He is more of a symbol than a ruler. His main jobs are to approve laws, choose the prime minister, and welcome foreign leaders to the country.
Parliament is made up of two parts: the House of Lords and the House of Commons.
Members of the House of Lords are not elected by the public. This House includes lords and bishops and has about 1,200 peers. The House of Lords does not have real power.
The House of Commons has 650 elected members, known as MPs (Members of Parliament). Parliament is responsible for the UK's national policies, and the House of Commons plays the main role in making laws. Each MP represents a region in England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland.
Members of the House of Commons are elected by the public for a term of 5 years. The minimum voting age is 18. Elections are held using a simple majority system, meaning the candidate with the most votes wins.
The two main political parties in the UK are the Conservative Party and the Labour Party. The party that wins the most seats in parliament forms the government.