What is a general election?

Every five years a general election takes place in the UK, allowing people to decide who they want to run the country.

Politicians who work in the Houses of Parliament, regularly debate on big issues that affect how the country is run, including how much money hospitals get, and what you learn in school.

When you turn 18 you can vote in an election to choose which politician, and the party they belong to, you want to be in power.

Hayley has been to a school to find out more about how elections work...