parliamentary system in Great Britain developed from the time of the Reformation as the old system of control by the monarchy gave way to a revolution leading to increased governmental participation by first the nobility and then the people as a whole through the creation of more democratic institutions. The monarchy's power has been diminished over time until it has little more than a ceremonial function.
Even before the death of Princess Diana, the poor behavior of many royals in Britain had soured the public on the institution, and what had once been unthinkable, the end of the monarchy, was being discussed openly. In January 1997, Carlton Television conducted a live program called Monarchy: The Nation Decides, and more than 2.6 million viewers voted, suggesting that one-third of the British public no longer wants a monarchy. Regional differences in opinion were noted, with 56 percent in Scotland voting against the monarchy; with Northern Ireland split equally; and with Welsh viewers marginally in favor of the monarchy. The voters in
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