The Constitution

The discretionary powers of the Crown that are exercised by the government minister's in the Monarch's name. Before the creation of a constitutional monarchy, the Monarch retained these powers- it includes the right to appoint ministers and choose the PM, give Royal Assent to legislation, delcare war and negotiate treaties.

Erskine May (for short)- bible of Parliamentary practice

Walter Bagehot's 'The English Constitution'- role of Cabinet and PM

A.V. Dicey's 'An introduction to the Study of the Law of the Constitution'- parliamentary sovereignty and the rule of law

A state where political power is concentrated at the centre (Parliament) and central government has supreme authority over other institutions. The centre dominates the political, economic and cultural life of the state and every part of the state is governed in the same way. Regional government is weak or non-existant and local government has little power. No single tier of government can abolish any other tier.

A state where all the parts have come together through the union of crowns or by treaty. There is a high degree of political power concentrated at the centre but the component nations retain some autonomy (devolution).

Under the doctrine of Parliamentary sovereignty the legislature holds supreme law-making authority within the political system. The executive is where the day-to-day power resides de facto as the cabinet is party-based and the governing party has significant control over the legislative process. This is made easier through the governing party having a majority and therefore the government can implement most of its political objectives. 

Key elements of common law and the royal prerogative, date back to medieval times. The House of Lords could also be said to be a throwback to the pre-democratic era because of the hereditary element. It is hard to justify this in a liberal democratic state.