Government Structure
Does the UK act more like a federal or unitary state? What is it actually considered?
The UK acts like a federal state but is considered a unitary state.
What's the current political party? Who is their major rival party?
Conservative Party vs. Labour Party
Who is the head of state and the head of government of the UK?
Head of State: Monarch Charles III
Head of Government: Rishi Sunak
What historic documents play a role in the UK's current government?
- English Bill of Rights
- Magna Carta
Is the UK a bicameral or unicameral legislature? Name the house(s).
Bicameral
1. House of Lords
2. House of Commons
What are Key Characteristics of the Conservative Party?
- Free market
- Individual achievement to economic prosperity
What is Rishi Sunak known for?
- Current prime minister
- Leader of the conservative party
What are the most prominent cleavages and other examples?
- Social Class (most prominent)
- Race
- Geographic
- Rural vs. City
- Minority vs. Majority
- Crosscutting cleavage
Name the Checks and Balances the House of Commons Completes
- Question Time (check on prime minister)
- Shadow Cabinets (check on majority party)
- Political debate used for policy-making
What are Key Characteristics of the Labour Party?
- Typically supports decentralization
- Guarantees a minimum standard of living
- Heavy taxation of large incomes and wealth
- Represents working-class people and trade unions
What is Margaret Thatcher known for?
- Previous prime minister of the Conservative Party
- Cut back on social welfare programs
- Reduced the power of trade unions
- Spread for capitalism
What happens if there is no majority party in the general election and explain.
It is a coalition, a major party combining with a smaller party through mutually aligning ideas that form a majority.
What can cause a vote of no confidence to be passed?
- When a coalition falls apart and another coalition must be created
- When Parliament cannot come to a consensus during a general election which means that Parliament is disbanded and a revote needs to be made
- When people lose their trust/belief in the prime minister which would lead to the loss of their position
Name one Supranational-level Institution is the UK involved with.
The UK is involved with the IMF (International Monetary Fund) which sustains growth as it provides financial support to countries hit by a crisis
What is Keir Starmer known for?
- Current leader of the Labour Party
- Guaranteed a minimum standard of living
- Heavy taxation of large incomes and wealth
- Represents and is supported by working-class people and trade unions
What regions/countries do the UK consist of?
England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland
Define a Backbencher:
- Typically first-time members of Parliament
- Have the ability to make a policy budget
What other Supranational level Institution is the UK involved with?
- United Nations
- Word Bank which supports efforts for human and economic development, the reduction of poverty, and prosperity around the world
What is Ed Davey known for?
- Leader of the liberal democrats
- Leader of the Organization is the Association of Liberal Democrat Councillors (ALDC)
- Focuses on a fair open society, equality, environmentalism, and internationalism (ex: LGBTQ+ rights)
Define "Quangos":
- Group that influences policies
- Similar to lobbying groups from large corporations in the US that make negotiations with the government that have mutual benefit