The United Kingdom
Unlike most other modern democracies, Great Britain lacks a...
Written Constitution
In 2014 there was a referendum for devolution to which nation?
Scotland
Name the current PM and the Iron Lady
Boris Johnson
Margaret Thatcher
Which voting system does not represent minority groups well?
First past the post
Name the supranational organization that the UK just left.
European Union
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.
Who is responsible for policymaking in the UK?
The PM and Cabinet
This is set up on a weekly basis to hold government ministers accountable for their actions.
Question Time
What is the main power of the House of Lords?
Delaying legislation
What is the name for the finance minister?
chancellor of the exchequer
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.
What is the group called that is the opposition government thats sits across from the PM and his government in the House of Commons?
Shadow Cabinet
A national ballot, called by a government on a policy issue is called a...
Referendum
What power of the Supreme Court in the UK is limited because of the belief in the parliamentary sovereignty?
Judicial Review
What referendum has the UK used in the last 10 years?
BREXIT- Leaving the EU
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.
What is the name of the agreement and the year it was made, between Northern Ireland's Protestant and Roman Catholic leaders that allowed them shared powers and reduced conflict in the region?
1998 Good Friday Agreement
What kind of party system is more likely to create a coalition government?
A Multi-Party System
Through a vote of no confidence in the assembly.
Compare the government's relationship to the media in the UK
In the UK (as most modern democracies) the media is independent of the government and main linkage institution for citizens. BBC
When was the last time that the UK had a coalition cabinet and What 2 parties formed this coalition?
2010 - 2015 (Cameron-Clegg)
Conservatives and liberal Democrats
Why is party discipline strong in Great Britain?
A government's tenure in the House of Commons relies on it's ability to maintain party support.
Which groups would support Britain's Conservative party?
Middle to upper class
People opposed to EU's common currency
landowning and middle classes—especially businessmen, managers, and professionals
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 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 UK (again).