Great Britain: Scotland, England, Wales

United Kingdom: Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland

The UK is one country consisting of four former independent countries. England took over Wales in 1542 and in 1707, the Act of Union was signed, which united England and Scotland, too. The Irish War of Independence (1919-1921) later split Ireland into the independent Irish Free State (Republic of Ireland - Catholic) and Northern Ireland (Protestant), which became part of the United Kingdom.

Great Britain (GB) is one of the oldest democracies in the world but unlike most countries, GB has no written constitution. Since some principles are written, while others are not written down explicitly, this provides for flexibility and allows for multiple interpretations. The Judiciary interprets and applies the laws that the parliament enacts

Although the Queen’s power is limited by the constitution, Great Britain remains a constitutional monarchy with Queen Elizabeth II. as the head of the state. The government consists of the prime minister, the cabinet and the monarch, who does not have any governmental power. The parliament is subdivided into the House of Lords and the House of Common s, which is elected by the British citizens.