Brexit
Why did people in the UK vote to leave the EU and why did people want to remain? (Mention at least two reasons for each side)
Leave:
•Business in Britain held back by the EU
•Independence with regards to making laws
•Immigration- Takeback control of the borders (reducing the number of immigrants)
•Fear of a "United States of Europe
Remain:
•Boost from membership: Trade (easier), the flow of immigrants = fuels economic growth and pays for public services (e.g. NHS)
•Britain's status would be damaged by leaving. More secure as part of the '28 nation club' rather than going it alone.
The UK has a king (monarch), however, his powers are limited. What is this system called?
Constitutional monarchy.
How many seats are there in the House of Commons and what do you call a politician who has a seat in the House of Commons?
650
Member of Parliament
There have been five different prime ministers in the UK in less than 7 years. Who are they and what political party were they leaders of?
David Cameron, Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, and Rishi Sunak.
The Conservative Party.
What is the difference between bias and prejudice?
Bias is when we choose and decide things based on our personal experiences, beliefs, and values.
This is different from prejudice, which is a preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience.
Mention some possible outcomes/consequences of Brexit (at least three).
Independence for Scotland
Reignite conflict in Northern Ireland
Reunification of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland
Uncertain Economy
A divided nation
A combination.
British society is often described as traditional. Give some examples of traditionalism in British society.
Monarchy (albeit constitutional).
Politeness (how they address each other in House of Commons - note: only as an introduction, not the entire statement. ex: Right Honourable)
Dresscode.
Class society.
Aristocratic titles.
Judges wear wigs in court.
House of Lords (elected hereditary peers).
Explain what "First Past the Post" means.
This is a term used to describe the British election system. Whichever candidate receives the most votes in his/her constituency (area) gets a seat in Parliament (becomes an MP), while all other votes for other candidates are wasted. This system is also called "Winner takes it all". To win a seat requires a plurality, not the majority.
What is the significance of Patois in the poem "Sonny's Lettah"?
It functions as an identity marker for the brothers and a form of protest against the discrimination they face. The first point is also necessary to make the readers subconsciously understand why they are discriminated against. Moreover, the way it is written forces the readers who are not aware (of the language or the situation) to make an effort to understand.
Arrange the four countries in the UK in order of population size. Smallest population first.
Northern Ireland - 1.9 million
Wales - 3.2 million
Scotland - 5.5 million
England - 56.2 million
Mention at least three reasons why it was so difficult to secure a Brexit deal.
1. Different opinions + No wish to compromise
2. Loss of Conservative majority in the House of Commons because of "surprise" election in 2017.
3. Northern Ireland (border issues)
4. Scotland (independence referendum)
5. Never been done before
6. Clock was ticking
7. Majority for Brexit, but still a large portion of the population wanted to remain (Scotland + Northern Ireland especially).
Explain briefly the historical process of how the UK became a multicultural society.
The British Empire: Colonization of countries around the world (Establishes access)
1945-1960: Open Door Policy = Nationality Act
1960-1980: Scepticism towards immigration
1970s: Member of EU = Free flow of goods and people
Today: Brexit (a current backlash towards immigration?)
Mention the two categories of people who sit in the House of Lords and what is their role?
Lord Temporals (Life peers and Elected Hereditary Peers) and Lord Spirituals (Spiritual Peers).
To advise the House of Commons. Functions as a part of a check-and-balance system (make sure that the government/House of Commons are within legal limits and govern according to what is best for the people).
What are 'the Troubles' and when did this period start and when did it end?
A term used to describe a period of violent clashes between Protestants and Catholics in Northern Ireland. It began in the 1960s and lasted up until the 'Good Friday Peace Agreement' in 1998.
What do you make of the phrase "we become what we behold"?
We are influenced by different media platforms every day in negative and positive ways. They can contribute to prejudice and confirmation bias, but also open up alternative paths for communication and understanding.
If we are more aware, we can help influence what we "behold", and try to avoid contributing to further polarization.