650 elected MPs, the Speaker and the chamber that has the final word on the law.
Government & LawThe unelected upper chamber, the life peers, the bishops and how it can revise but rarely block legislation.
Government & LawWhy the King is head of state but not head of government — and what duties he actually performs.
Government & LawHow a Prime Minister is chosen, what they do, and the official residence at 10 Downing Street.
Government & LawAbout 20 senior ministers who run the major government departments.
Government & LawWhy the second-largest party gets the title "Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition" and a shadow team.
Government & LawThe politically impartial officials who advise ministers and run government departments.
Government & LawThe seven stages a piece of legislation passes through before it receives Royal Assent.
Government & LawHow often UK general elections are held, who can vote and what happens after polling day.
Government & LawHow Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland legislate on devolved matters such as health and education.
Government & LawCounty and district councils, unitary authorities, mayors, and the services they provide.
Government & LawFrom magistrates and county courts to the Crown Court and the Supreme Court.
Government & LawWhere almost all criminal cases begin and where minor offences are decided.
Government & LawSerious criminal trials with a judge and a jury of 12 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Government & LawHow young people aged 10 to 17 are dealt with in a separate court system.
Government & LawWhere most civil disputes — debts, personal injury and small claims — are decided.
Government & LawHow judges are appointed, why they are independent of the government, and what they do.
Government & LawHow the police are organised, the role of the chief constable, and the police complaints system.
Government & LawThe right to remain silent, the right to a lawyer and the protections under PACE.
Government & LawSolicitors, barristers, the Citizens Advice Bureau and legal aid for those who cannot pay.
Government & LawThe Act that incorporates the European Convention on Human Rights into UK law.
Government & LawHow a single Act protects nine "protected characteristics" from discrimination at work and in services.
Government & LawWho can vote, who can be a candidate, and the £500 deposit for parliamentary elections.
Government & LawThe voting system used in UK general elections — and how it differs from proportional alternatives.
Government & LawThe Strasbourg court — separate from the European Union — that hears cases under the European Convention.
Government & LawSchools, the NHS, defence, pensions and roads — the public services funded by tax.
Government & LawA grand ceremony each year that begins a new parliamentary session with the King's Speech.
Government & LawBig Ben, the Elizabeth Tower and the Gothic Revival home of the UK Parliament.
Government & LawThe MP elected to chair Commons debates impartially and how the role works.
Government & LawHow MPs use Question Time, including PMQs every Wednesday, to scrutinise ministers.
Government & LawCross-party groups of MPs that scrutinise the work of government departments in depth.
Government & LawHow to vote in a UK election if you cannot attend the polling station in person.
Government & LawThe NHS, schools, social care, police, fire and rescue and the welfare system.
Government & LawHow the elected House of Commons can override the unelected House of Lords on most legislation.
Government & LawConservative, Labour, Liberal Democrat, SNP — a quick guide to the parties you'll see on a UK ballot paper.
Government & LawHow charities, trade unions and campaign groups try to influence government policy.
Government & LawWhy the UK government is formally called "His Majesty's Government" and what that means in practice.
Hand-picked guides, explainers and official references our readers ask about most often. We update this list as new resources go live.