The United Kingdom
Unlike most other modern democracies, Great Britain lacks a...
Written Constitution
What natural resource is Russia 'cursed' with?
Oil
Name an example of a linkage institution.
A Political Party -- Volunteer in a Political Campaign -- The Media -- Elections -- Interest Groups
Is voter turn out higher or lower in Russia than in the UK?
Voter turnout is higher in Russia.
What is similar about the legislatures of the UK and Russia?
They are both bicameral (UK= House of Commons and House of Lords, Russia = Duma and Federation Council). Both have elections and use PR voting.
Explain the concept of gradualism as it relates to politics in Great Britain.
Great Britain has transitioned from a monarchy to a democracy over many many generations. Political and economic change has been slow and steady. The UK has not experienced a violent or dramatic revolution for its democracy.
What was the result of the Bolshevik Revolution?
The end of the reign of Tsars and the beginning of the Soviet Union.
A national ballot, called by a government on a policy issue is called a...
Referendum
When was the UK Supreme Court created? (I'll give you the points if you are within one year)
2009
Compare the government's relationship to the media in the UK and in Russia.
In the UK (as most modern democracies) the media is independent of the government and main linkage institution for citizens. In Russia, the media is largely state-owned, or controlled by Oligarchs who favor Putin. There are many reported incidents of outspoken journalists in Russia being punished for their reporting.
What was Margaret Thatcher best known for?
(Prime Minster 1979-1990) Longest serving British PM and first female PM. She is best known for cutting social welfare programs, privatizing industries, restricting labor unions. Her policies are considered neoliberal.
The organization of the Russian Federation into "autonomous regions", republics, provinces (all with different amounts of autonomy) is an example of...
Asymmetric Federalism
What kind of party system is more likely to create a coalition government?
A Multi-Party System
In Russia, the 1993 Constitution gives the power to ensure that laws and decrees are constitutional to the ...
Constitutional Court
What is shared about the political histories of the UK and Russia?
History of authoritarian monarchs followed by a transition to democracy.
When was the last time that the UK had a coalition cabinet?
2010 - 2015 (Cameron-Clegg)
Who was the first democratically elected President of the Russian Federation?
Boris Yeltsin
Define legitimacy and explain one example.
Legitimacy is the right to rule as determined by the citizens of a nation. Examples: citizens voting for President in the US (Rational-Legal), The Queen of England (Traditional), Putin leading United Russia without a defined party platform (Charismatic)
Explain how Russia is an Illiberal Democracy.
Russia appears to have democratic institutions (a constitution, elections with multiple political parties, interest groups) but in reality, power is very consolidated in the President through official and unofficial means.
The UK and Russia both have a Prime Minister. How are they each elected?
What is In Russia, the Prime Minister is appointed by the President. In the UK, the Prime Minister is elected from among his/her peers from Parliament.
Why is the UK considered a multinational state?
Because a single government makes decisions for the nations of Great Britain, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland.
Collectivization and Five Year Plans were both put into place by...
Joseph Stalin
Name three traits of a Democratic Political System.
Open and Fair Elections, Independent Media, Protection of Civil Liberties, Neutral Judiciary, Open Civil Society, Civilian Control of the Militar, Constitution
What is the purpose of the Shadow Cabinet in the UK Parliament?
A group of senior opposition leaders who form a mirror cabinet to the majority party. Their purpose is to criticise and offer alternatives to policy. ("Loyal Opposition")
Explain how nationality creates political tension in both Russia and the UK.
The UK is united but internal independence parties are gaining ground. For example, UK voted for Brexit but now Scotland wants to leave EU (again). Because of Russia's size, there are 21 regions that don't consider themselves ethnically Russian. 15-20% of the population practices Islam and they are not given representation in government.