Britain has a monarch and a prime minister. Who's in charge of the island? A parliamentary system of government is both similar and very different from democracy in the United States. Using historical text and primary sources, students discover how governments around the world balance a king or queen with a legislative branch. Readers learn how the parliament is elected, and how a bill becomes a law in the UK. They'll better understand world news after diving into the often-complex world of political systems. Accessible, "in the news" and relevant subject matter help build a fundamental understanding of this concept. Sidebars, photographs, and captions clarify ideas within the narrative. The conclusion summary chapter reinforces understanding about parliamentary governments.