once again I find myself cordially disagreeing with AliUK. Who for a non-tory is ok. I belive the constitutional checks and balences do mean something but then I'm not a republican.If the Queen exercised her powers dissolving parliment, refusal to sign laws refusal to form the government etc these powers could be modified or taken away after a mandate from the people, this stops prime ministers declaring themselves in charge for life or compulsory banjo lessons for all, as it would need HRH ratification to be legal. Alright these are extreme examples but still a valid one. (similar debates have arisen over the house of lords use of its powers)The checks and balences would stop anything from happening if it was truly desired by the majority of the voting public but as possible delaying measures it does ensure that Politicians or Parties have to work within the current framework. Cllr