... than the ceremonial side such as the annual state opening of parliament. As a constitutional monarch, the Sovereign is required, on the advice of Ministers, to assent to all Bills. The Royal Assent (that is, consenting to a measure becoming law) has not been refused since 1707. Nowadays the queen still retains residual powers, which extend to the appointment of a prime minister and the power to decide whether to grant dissolution of parliament. The queen also retains the right to ensure her government carries on, if circumstances call for this measure. It is only the queen who retains the power to discontinue a session of parliament. Despite the Sovereign having several residual rights, which can be used against the government of the day, the likelihood of any of these rights being exercised is very limited. The House of Commons is a key part of the legislative process of British politics ...

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