The British Government is a democratic government. The same goes for the American government; its roots are buried deep in English political and social history. Yet there are important differences between the two systems of government. Most of these differences arise from one fundamentally important point: unlike the government of the United States, the government of Great Britain has a unitary, parliamentary form and is based on an unwritten constitution. He rules what they call a monarchy. The Monarchy Unlike republics such as the United States and France, Great Britain has a hereditary ruler; therefore Great Britain is a monarchy. Its monarch bears the title queen or king. While English monarchs once ruled with absolute power, their role has changed and they are now little more than figureheads. Because her powers and duties are controlled by Britain's unwritten constitution, Elizabeth II, Queen of Great Britain since 1952, is known as a constitutional monarch. In formal terms, all acts of the British government are carried out in the Queen's name. The Queen appoints the Prime Minister, but her choice is subject to approval by the House of Commons. So, traditionally, he chooses the leader of the majority party in that chamber as prime minister. He does not have the power to fire the minister of prostitution. The House of Lords The upper house, the House of Lords, is a predominantly aristocratic body of over 1,100 members. More than 750 of its members inherited their positions. They hold noble titles, such as duke, marquess, earl, viscount, and baron, and are known as hereditary peers. The other members are appointed for life by the Queen.