Final answer:
The monarch is the head of state of the UK, serving in a symbolic role with the prime minister as the head of government. The UK's government is based in England and operates as a constitutional monarchy. Northern Ireland is part of the UK, separate from the independent Republic of Ireland.
Step-by-step explanation:
- The head of the United Kingdom (UK) of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is the monarch, acting as the head of state, while the prime minister serves as the head of government.
- The UK, comprising England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, operates as a constitutional monarchy with a ceremonial monarch whose powers are largely symbolic and limited by the constitution.
- The UK Parliament, located in Southern England, includes two houses: the House of Commons and the House of Lords.
- Although the monarch's role is mainly ceremonial, they still perform important duties such as inviting the leader of the winning party in parliamentary elections to form a government.
- Northern Ireland, with a complex cultural history of sectarian tensions, remains part of the UK. However, it is distinct from the Republic of Ireland, which is fully independent and has its own government, with Dublin as its capital.
- Across the UK and its several dependencies, including the Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories, the monarch is a figurehead representing continuity and the historical structure of the British government.