{ TI 3 which at one time possessed very extensive powers; but which is now of little importance. The monarch summons and prorogues or dissolves Parliament at will. If the Sovereign die while Parliament is sitting, or during prorogation, it continues to exercise, or resumes its functions until protogued or dissolved by his successor. If the Sovereign die after the dissolution of one Parliament and before the day appointed for the assembling of a new one, ‘the last preceding Parliament meets and continues for a period of six months, unless sooner prorogued or dissolved. No Parliament can last longer than seven years, unless, in the event last mentioned, it be extended by six months, When Parliament comes to a natural end or is dissolved, all the representative members have to be elected afresh; in case of its being prorogued the members have merely to be summoned again. The Sovereign cannot dispense with Parliament for more than a year, owing to the necessity for obtaining its sanction to the levy of taxes and the maintenance of the Army; or, in other words, for the yearly supplies and Army Act. Full liberty of speech is guaranteed by the Bill of Richts. The session usually extends, with two short recesses, from February to August each year, The session is opened by a speech from the Sovereign, which is delivered either by the Sovereign in per-