Great BritainGreat Britain

The Environment of PoliticsThe Environment of Politics

One Crown but five nationsOne Crown but five nations– United KingdomUnited Kingdom

Great Britain and Ireland created in 1801.Great Britain and Ireland created in 1801. Great Britain, the principal part of the UK was Great Britain, the principal part of the UK was

divided into England, Scotland and Wales.divided into England, Scotland and Wales.– WalesWales– ScotlandScotland– Northern IrelandNorthern Ireland

The remainder of Ireland rebelled against The remainder of Ireland rebelled against the Crown in 1916 and a separate Irish the Crown in 1916 and a separate Irish state with its capital in Dublin was state with its capital in Dublin was recognized in 1921.recognized in 1921.

British EmpireBritish Empire

CommonwealthCommonwealth– Antigua and Australia to Zambia and Antigua and Australia to Zambia and

Zimbabwe differ from each other in many Zimbabwe differ from each other in many ways including their commitment to ways including their commitment to democracy.democracy.

Special relationship with U.S.Special relationship with U.S.

Britain’s world position has declinedBritain’s world position has declined

European Community (1957) now the EUEuropean Community (1957) now the EU– Britain did not join until 1973.Britain did not join until 1973.– Created more policy challenges: beer in Created more policy challenges: beer in

metric units or a British pintmetric units or a British pint

A union: a political system having only A union: a political system having only one source of authority, the British one source of authority, the British Parliament.Parliament.

National identity – UK is a multinational National identity – UK is a multinational state.state.

Historically, Scotland and Wales have Historically, Scotland and Wales have been governed by British Cabinet been governed by British Cabinet ministers accountable to the Westminster ministers accountable to the Westminster Parliament.Parliament.

In May, 1999, a Scottish Parliament with powers to legislate, tax, and spend was first elected to sit in Edinburgh.

129 seat Parliament Mixed system: first pas the post and

proportional ballots.Welsh Parliament (1999)

60 seat Welsh Assembly; Mixed systemNorthern Ireland is the most un-English part of the UK

Formally a secular polity National identity questions: Catholics

and Protestants In turmoil since 1968; IRA British policy in Northern Ireland

erratic Good Friday Agreement

LegitimacyLegitimacy

The government of Great Britain has The government of Great Britain has developed gradually, so that developed gradually, so that traditiontradition is a is a primary source of stability.primary source of stability.

Great Britain’s constitution is Great Britain’s constitution is unwrittenunwritten,, having evolved from different documents, having evolved from different documents, common law, legal codes, and customs often common law, legal codes, and customs often referred to collectively as the “referred to collectively as the “Constitution Constitution of the Crown” (Constitutional Monarchy)of the Crown” (Constitutional Monarchy)

Magna Carta and the Bill of Rights are Magna Carta and the Bill of Rights are central documents in the formation of the central documents in the formation of the British “constitution”British “constitution”

Historical Evolution of Historical Evolution of British PoliticsBritish Politics

Magna CartaMagna Carta(1215) – King John (1215) – King John agreed to consult the nobles agreed to consult the nobles before he made important before he made important decisions, in particular regarding decisions, in particular regarding taxes.taxes.

Limited government – restrictions Limited government – restrictions on the monarch began with the on the monarch began with the Magna Carta.Magna Carta.

English Civil WarEnglish Civil War (1640s) – civil war (1640s) – civil war between the supporters of King Charles I between the supporters of King Charles I and Parliament (Roundheads).and Parliament (Roundheads).

Roundheads won, Charles I is executedRoundheads won, Charles I is executed

Oliver Cromwell Oliver Cromwell leads during this time leads during this time until Parliament reinstates the monarch until Parliament reinstates the monarch (Charles II)(Charles II)

The Glorious RevolutionThe Glorious Revolution (1688) – officially (1688) – officially established Parliament as the ruling body of established Parliament as the ruling body of Great Britain. The agreement signed Great Britain. The agreement signed between William & Mary and Parliament was between William & Mary and Parliament was known as the known as the Bill of RightsBill of Rights

Industrial RevolutionIndustrial Revolution

– Great Britain evolves from feudal Great Britain evolves from feudal society to one dominated by colonial society to one dominated by colonial mercantilismmercantilism

– ImperialismImperialism– TradeTrade

Political Culture 1

GeographyGeography IslandIsland Small in sizeSmall in size No major geographical barriersNo major geographical barriers Temperate climateTemperate climate Short supply of fertile soilShort supply of fertile soil

Population: 59.6 millionTerritory: 94,525 sq. milesYear of Independence: 12th centuryConstitution: unwritten; partly statutes, partly common law and practiceHead of State: Queen Elizabeth IIHead of Government: Prime Minister Gordon Brown. Language: English, plus about 600,000 who regularly speak Welsh and 60,000 who speak the Scottish form of Gaelic

Religion:Religion:

Anglican: 26.1 millionRoman Catholic: 5.7 millionPresbyterian: 2.6 millionMethodist: 1.3 millionOther Christian: 2.6 millionMuslim: 1.5 millionHindu: 500,000Sikh: 330,000Jewish: 260,000Other: 300,000No religion: 8.6 millionDid not state a religion: 4.4 million

Country BiographyCountry Biography

Political Beliefs & ValuesPolitical Beliefs & Values

Through 1960s British political Through 1960s British political culture characterized by:culture characterized by:– TrustTrust– Deference to authority and Deference to authority and

competencecompetence– Pragmatism Pragmatism – HarmonyHarmony– High voter participationHigh voter participation

““Politics of Protest”Politics of Protest”

1970s and beyond: altered views1970s and beyond: altered views

– Less supportive of collective consensusLess supportive of collective consensus– Support for free market economySupport for free market economy– Decreasing support for labor unionsDecreasing support for labor unions– Increased violence in Northern IrelandIncreased violence in Northern Ireland– ThatcherismThatcherism– New Labour (Third Way)New Labour (Third Way)

Political Culture 2Political Culture 2

InsularityInsularity

Feeling of separation, in Feeling of separation, in particular from the continent of particular from the continent of Europe.Europe.

Sense of exceptionalismSense of exceptionalism Has created friction with the E.U.Has created friction with the E.U. Different from isolationism.Different from isolationism.

Political Culture 3Political Culture 3

Noblesse ObligeNoblesse Oblige Important tradition in British politicsImportant tradition in British politics The duty of the upper classes to take The duty of the upper classes to take

responsibility for the welfare of the lower responsibility for the welfare of the lower classesclasses

Legacy of feudal times (Lords protected serfs)Legacy of feudal times (Lords protected serfs) Reflected in willingness of British citizens to Reflected in willingness of British citizens to

accept a welfare stateaccept a welfare state Margaret Thatcher’s Margaret Thatcher’s administration administration

challenged this by significantly cutting social challenged this by significantly cutting social services and social welfare programsservices and social welfare programs

Political Culture 4Political Culture 4

Although Britain has a relatively large Although Britain has a relatively large amount of amount of cultural homogeneity cultural homogeneity (Anglo/white) it is divided into four (Anglo/white) it is divided into four nationsnations– EnglandEngland– ScotlandScotland– WalesWales– Northern IrelandNorthern Ireland

Multi-nationalismMulti-nationalism

Political Culture 5Political Culture 5

Great Reform Act of 1832Great Reform Act of 1832: : About About 300,000 men gained right to vote, 300,000 men gained right to vote, House of Commons gained more House of Commons gained more power in relation to House of Lordspower in relation to House of Lords

Reform Act of 1867Reform Act of 1867:: electorate electorate reaches 3 million, many working class reaches 3 million, many working class people allowed to votepeople allowed to vote

Extension of Voting RightsExtension of Voting Rights

Representation of the People Act Representation of the People Act of 1884of 1884: electorate is further expanded to make sure that majority of electorate is working class

Women’s SuffrageWomen’s Suffrage: all women over the age of 28 and all men over 21 granted the right to vote in 1918. By 1928, all women over 21 allowed to vote.

Collective ConsensusCollective Consensus

Began during WWII with Churchill’s Began during WWII with Churchill’s emphasis on putting class differences emphasis on putting class differences aside in order to work together to defeat aside in order to work together to defeat GermanyGermany

Churchill headed an all-party coalition Churchill headed an all-party coalition government during WWII (He was government during WWII (He was originally elected as a Conservative)originally elected as a Conservative)

The spirit of collective consensus The spirit of collective consensus continued beyond the war well into the continued beyond the war well into the 1960s.1960s.

Both Labour and Conservative parties supported the development of the modern welfare system.

Beveridge Report Beveridge Report – adopted by both parties during the war made all citizens eligible for health, unemployment, pension, and other welfare benefits.

National Health Service National Health Service (1948) – created under the leadership of the Labour Party

EnglandEngland

Largest region of Great BritainLargest region of Great Britain Makes up 2/3 of the land massMakes up 2/3 of the land mass English have dominated the other English have dominated the other

nationalities historically, and still nationalities historically, and still hold a disproportionate share of hold a disproportionate share of political powerpolitical power

ScotlandScotland

History of resistance to English ruleHistory of resistance to English rule Strong sense of national identityStrong sense of national identity Have their own flagHave their own flag Recently granted their own Recently granted their own

parliament and regional assembly parliament and regional assembly (devolution)(devolution)

Scottish National PartyScottish National Party – political – political party of the region of Scotlandparty of the region of Scotland

WalesWales

Became subject to the King of England in Became subject to the King of England in 1616thth century century

Located west of EnglandLocated west of England Plaid Cymru Plaid Cymru – Welch national political – Welch national political

partyparty Strong sense of national pride reflected Strong sense of national pride reflected

in their flag and in their own languagein their flag and in their own language Granted their own assembly (devolution)Granted their own assembly (devolution)

Northern IrelandNorthern Ireland

Long history of conflict between England and Long history of conflict between England and Ireland, particularly over religionIreland, particularly over religion

After the English Civil War, Oliver Cromwell After the English Civil War, Oliver Cromwell attempted to impose Protestantism on the attempted to impose Protestantism on the mostly Catholic Irelandmostly Catholic Ireland

After WWI After WWI home rulehome rule was granted to Ireland was granted to Ireland except for the northeast corner where except for the northeast corner where Protestants outnumbered Catholics, 60% to Protestants outnumbered Catholics, 60% to 40%40%

Home rule was granted largely because of the Home rule was granted largely because of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) which used Irish Republican Army (IRA) which used guerrilla tactics against British forces to secure guerrilla tactics against British forces to secure independenceindependence

Sinn Fein – political party of the IRAIn 1949 the bulk of Ireland officially became independentNorthern Ireland remains under British controlTheir continues to be a great deal of conflict between Catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland

Education & Political Education & Political Elite RecruitmentElite Recruitment ““Public schools” originally were intended to Public schools” originally were intended to

train boys for “public life” in the military, civil train boys for “public life” in the military, civil service, or politicsservice, or politics

Majority of Britain’s political elites go to public Majority of Britain’s political elites go to public boarding schoolsboarding schools

Currently only about 65% of British 17-year Currently only about 65% of British 17-year olds are still in school, the lowest number of olds are still in school, the lowest number of any industrialized societyany industrialized society

Oxbridge Oxbridge (Oxford-Cambridge) – the most (Oxford-Cambridge) – the most important portal to membership in the elite important portal to membership in the elite classes and political recruitment is through classes and political recruitment is through these two prestigious universitiesthese two prestigious universities

Ethnic MinoritiesEthnic Minorities

Make up about 8% of the British Make up about 8% of the British populationpopulation– Indian (23%)Indian (23%)– Pakistani (16%)Pakistani (16%)– Afro-Caribbean (13%)Afro-Caribbean (13%)– Black African (11%)Black African (11%)

DevolutionDevolution

British government is a unitary system British government is a unitary system (centralized control)(centralized control)

Starting in the 1970s the Scots and Welsh Starting in the 1970s the Scots and Welsh made an aggressive push for certain political made an aggressive push for certain political autonomy in their regionsautonomy in their regions

DevolutionDevolution – the turning over of some political – the turning over of some political power and autonomy to regional governmentspower and autonomy to regional governments

The Labour Party had supported the idea of The Labour Party had supported the idea of devolution since the 1970sdevolution since the 1970s

Margaret Thatcher’s administration blocked Margaret Thatcher’s administration blocked the idea during the period in which they the idea during the period in which they controlled governmentcontrolled government

Under Tony Blair’s New Labour Party the idea of devolution was revisited.

In 1999, referendums in Scotland and Wales successfully passed, and each established their own regional assemblies: powers of taxation, education, and economic planning.

In 1998, the Good Friday Agreement established a parliament for Northern Ireland as well, but it was shut down by London in 2003 when violence broke out once again in the region of Northern Ireland.

Labour PartyLabour Party

Largest party on the “left” of political spectrumLargest party on the “left” of political spectrum Began in 1906 as alliance between trade unions Began in 1906 as alliance between trade unions

and social groups that were strengthened by and social groups that were strengthened by expansion of workers’ rightsexpansion of workers’ rights

Traditionally labor union have provided majority of Traditionally labor union have provided majority of funds for the partyfunds for the party

Early history of the party defined by controversial Early history of the party defined by controversial ““Clause 4” Clause 4” that called for nationalization of the that called for nationalization of the “commanding heights” of British industry“commanding heights” of British industry

Trade Union Council (TUC) Trade Union Council (TUC) – a coalition of trade – a coalition of trade unions generally associated with the Labour Party, unions generally associated with the Labour Party, has traditionally been a force in British politicshas traditionally been a force in British politics

Growing moderation of the party reflected by Growing moderation of the party reflected by removal of clause in early 1990sremoval of clause in early 1990s

Labour Party in 1990sLabour Party in 1990s

Shift in policies toward more centrist viewsShift in policies toward more centrist views Shift in political platform originated with Shift in political platform originated with

Neil Kinnock, party leader in the 1980sNeil Kinnock, party leader in the 1980s Moderate-centrist views have continued Moderate-centrist views have continued

under leadership of John Smith (1993-94) under leadership of John Smith (1993-94) and Tony Blair (1997-present)and Tony Blair (1997-present)

Tony Blair’s adopts “Third Way” platform Tony Blair’s adopts “Third Way” platform and creates “New Labour” Partyand creates “New Labour” Party

““Third Way”Third Way”

ModerateModerate Centrist alternative to “Old Labour” Party on left Centrist alternative to “Old Labour” Party on left

and Conservative Party on rightand Conservative Party on right Initiated by Tony Blair in the late 1990sInitiated by Tony Blair in the late 1990s Attempting to redefine and balance following Attempting to redefine and balance following

policy issues:policy issues:– Evolving relationship between government & Evolving relationship between government &

economyeconomy– British relationship with EUBritish relationship with EU– Balancing act between the United States and Balancing act between the United States and

European UnionEuropean Union– DevolutionDevolution

Conservative PartyConservative Party

Dominant party in Great Britain between Dominant party in Great Britain between WWII and late 1990sWWII and late 1990s

Main party on the rightMain party on the right Traditionally pragmatic as opposed to Traditionally pragmatic as opposed to

ideologicalideological Historically has supported a market controlled Historically has supported a market controlled

economy, privatization, and fewer social economy, privatization, and fewer social welfare programs – symbolized by Margaret welfare programs – symbolized by Margaret Thatcher in 1980sThatcher in 1980s

Under Prime Minister John Major (1990-1997) Under Prime Minister John Major (1990-1997) gravitated towards center and away from gravitated towards center and away from ThatcherismThatcherism

Characterized by Characterized by Noblesse ObligeNoblesse Oblige Power centered in LondonPower centered in London Party organization viewed as elitistParty organization viewed as elitist Leadership must submit to annual leadership Leadership must submit to annual leadership

electionselections Weakened by division of party in late 1990s:Weakened by division of party in late 1990s:

– Traditional Wing Traditional Wing (one-nation Tories) – values (one-nation Tories) – values noblesse obligenoblesse oblige and elitism, supports Britain’s and elitism, supports Britain’s membership in EUmembership in EU

– Thatcherite Wing Thatcherite Wing – strict conservatives, support – strict conservatives, support full free market, known as full free market, known as “Euroskeptics”, “Euroskeptics”, feel feel EU threatens British sovereignty.EU threatens British sovereignty.

ThatcherismThatcherism

Rightist reforms instituted by Margaret Thatcher in 1980sRightist reforms instituted by Margaret Thatcher in 1980s– Privatized business and industryPrivatized business and industry– Cut back on social welfare programsCut back on social welfare programs– Strengthened national defense (staunch Strengthened national defense (staunch

anticommunist)anticommunist)– Got tough with labor unions in response to Labour Got tough with labor unions in response to Labour

Parties distinct movement left, which had strengthened Parties distinct movement left, which had strengthened labor unions politicallylabor unions politically

– Returned to market force controls on the economyReturned to market force controls on the economy– Resisted complete integration into the European UnionResisted complete integration into the European Union– Replaced property tax on houses with a poll tax on Replaced property tax on houses with a poll tax on

individual adultsindividual adults– Froze income tax increasesFroze income tax increases– Foreign policy dominated by securing British interests Foreign policy dominated by securing British interests

internationallyinternationally

Liberal-Democratic Liberal-Democratic PartyParty Alliance between the Liberal and Social Alliance between the Liberal and Social

Democratic Parties during the 1980sDemocratic Parties during the 1980s Formally merged in 1989 into Liberal Democratic Formally merged in 1989 into Liberal Democratic

partyparty Attempted to create strong “in the middle” Attempted to create strong “in the middle”

compromise to the two dominant partiescompromise to the two dominant parties Won a party high 26% of vote in 1983, but Won a party high 26% of vote in 1983, but

because of because of single-member district plurality single-member district plurality systemsystem only secured 23 seats in Parliament only secured 23 seats in Parliament

Secured only 62 MP seats in 2005 even though Secured only 62 MP seats in 2005 even though they won 22% of the popular votethey won 22% of the popular vote

Also managed to gain support in reference to Also managed to gain support in reference to their stance on issues such as health, education, their stance on issues such as health, education, the environment, and the Iraq Warthe environment, and the Iraq War

Other PartiesOther Parties

Scottish National PartyScottish National Party Plaid Cymru Plaid Cymru – Welch nationalist – Welch nationalist

partyparty Sinn Fein Sinn Fein – political arm of the – political arm of the

IRAIRA Democratic Unionist PartyDemocratic Unionist Party – –

led by Protestant clergymenled by Protestant clergymen

ElectionsElections

Members of Parliament (MPs) are the only Members of Parliament (MPs) are the only national officials that British voters select.national officials that British voters select.

Elections must be held at least every 5 years, Elections must be held at least every 5 years, but Prime Minister may call them earlier.but Prime Minister may call them earlier.

Officially elections occur after the Crown Officially elections occur after the Crown dissolves. Parliament, but that always happens dissolves. Parliament, but that always happens after the Prime Minister requests it.after the Prime Minister requests it.

Power to call elections very importantPower to call elections very important – the – the Prime Minister always calls elections when Prime Minister always calls elections when they think that the majority party has the best they think that the majority party has the best chance to win.chance to win.

““Winner-take-all” system.Winner-take-all” system.

Single-member district plurality systemSingle-member district plurality system Each party selects a candidate to run for each Each party selects a candidate to run for each

districtdistrict ““First-past-the-post” winnerFirst-past-the-post” winner MPs do not have to live in the district in which MPs do not have to live in the district in which

they are running, therefore party selects who they are running, therefore party selects who runs in what districtsruns in what districts

Party leaders run from Party leaders run from safe districts safe districts – or – or districts that the party almost always winsdistricts that the party almost always wins

Political neophytes are selected to run in Political neophytes are selected to run in districts the party know it will losedistricts the party know it will lose

They are usually happy just to receive more They are usually happy just to receive more votes than the party usually gets in that districtvotes than the party usually gets in that district

Voting PatternsVoting Patterns

Conservative PartyConservative Party– Middle and upper classesMiddle and upper classes– EducatedEducated– Residents of England, mostly rural and suburban Residents of England, mostly rural and suburban

areasareas

Labour PartyLabour Party– Traditionally supported by working classTraditionally supported by working class– Residents of urban and industrial areas Residents of urban and industrial areas

(Manchester, Liverpool, Newcastle)(Manchester, Liverpool, Newcastle)– ““Third Way” centrist policies have made Labour Third Way” centrist policies have made Labour

Party appealing to Scots, Welsh, and the poorParty appealing to Scots, Welsh, and the poor

U.S. vs. British U.S. vs. British ElectionsElections

United StatesUnited States– Parties are less powerfulParties are less powerful– Members must live in Members must live in

districtsdistricts– Party leaders run in Party leaders run in

their respective districtstheir respective districts– Individual votes for four Individual votes for four

officials on national levelofficials on national level– Between 30 and 60 Between 30 and 60

percent of the eligible percent of the eligible voters actually votevoters actually vote

– First-past-the-post, First-past-the-post, single-member districts; single-member districts; virtually no minor virtually no minor parties get parties get representationrepresentation

Great BritainGreat Britain– Party determines who runs Party determines who runs

wherewhere– Members usually don’t live in Members usually don’t live in

their districtstheir districts– Party leaders run in “safe Party leaders run in “safe

districts”districts”– Individual votes for only one Individual votes for only one

official on the national levelofficial on the national level– About 70 to 80 percent of the About 70 to 80 percent of the

eligible voters actually vote eligible voters actually vote (number was less in 2001 & (number was less in 2001 & 2005)2005)

– First-past-the-post, single-First-past-the-post, single-member districts; some member districts; some representation from minority representation from minority parties, but still less than if parties, but still less than if they had proportional they had proportional representationrepresentation

Interest GroupsInterest Groups

Between 1945-1980, business interests and Between 1945-1980, business interests and trade union organizations fiercely competed trade union organizations fiercely competed for influence over the policy-making processfor influence over the policy-making process

Trade Union Congress (TUC) Trade Union Congress (TUC) – represents – represents coalition of unions, had great deal of political coalition of unions, had great deal of political power at one time and government often power at one time and government often consulted them on important policy decisions consulted them on important policy decisions – traditionally aligned with Labour Party– traditionally aligned with Labour Party

Coalition of Business and Industry (CBI) Coalition of Business and Industry (CBI) – a coalition of business groups and private – a coalition of business groups and private interests, usually supportive of the interests, usually supportive of the Conservative PartyConservative Party

MediaMedia

British newspapers reflect social class British newspapers reflect social class divisionsdivisions

They are divided between quality news They are divided between quality news and comments that appeal to the middle and comments that appeal to the middle and upper classes, and mass circulation and upper classes, and mass circulation tabloids that target working and lower tabloids that target working and lower classesclasses

British Broadcasting Corporation British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) – (BBC) – Sought to educate citizensSought to educate citizens– Usually respectful of government officialsUsually respectful of government officials– Had significant clash with Blair government in Had significant clash with Blair government in

2003-2004 over policies regarding the Iraq 2003-2004 over policies regarding the Iraq WarWar

Prime Minister & Prime Minister & CabinetCabinet

Prime MinisterPrime Minister– ““First among equals”First among equals”– Member of Parliament and Member of Parliament and

Leader of majority partyLeader of majority party– Speaks legitimately for all Speaks legitimately for all

Members of ParliamentMembers of Parliament– Chooses cabinet ministers Chooses cabinet ministers

and important subordinate and important subordinate postsposts

– Makes decisions in Makes decisions in cabinet, with agreement of cabinet, with agreement of ministersministers

– Campaigns for and Campaigns for and represents the party in represents the party in parliamentary electionsparliamentary elections

– Shapes cabinet decisions Shapes cabinet decisions into policyinto policy

CabinetCabinet– Collective cabinet is Collective cabinet is

the center of policy-the center of policy-making in the British making in the British political systempolitical system

– As leaders of As leaders of majority party majority party elected by the elected by the people, they take people, they take ““collective collective responsibilityresponsibility” for ” for making the policy of making the policy of the country the country

Comparing ExecutivesComparing Executives

Prime Minister of UKPrime Minister of UK– Serves only as long as Serves only as long as

he/she remains leader of he/she remains leader of majority partymajority party

– Elected as MPElected as MP– Has an excellent chance of Has an excellent chance of

getting his/her programs getting his/her programs past Parliamentpast Parliament

– Cabinet members are Cabinet members are always MPs and leaders of always MPs and leaders of the majority partythe majority party

– Cabinet members not Cabinet members not experts in policy areas: experts in policy areas: rely on bureaucracy to rely on bureaucracy to provide expertiseprovide expertise

President of the USPresident of the US– Elected every four years by Elected every four years by

an electoral college based an electoral college based on popular electionon popular election

– Elected as presidentElected as president– Has an excellent chance of Has an excellent chance of

ending up in gridlock with ending up in gridlock with CongressCongress

– Cabinet members usually Cabinet members usually don’t come from Congress don’t come from Congress (although they may)(although they may)

– Some expertise in policy Some expertise in policy areas; one criteria for their areas; one criteria for their appointment; head vast appointment; head vast bureaucraciesbureaucracies

ParliamentParliament

House of CommonsHouse of Commons

Party that receives the majority of the Party that receives the majority of the plurality of the votes becomes the plurality of the votes becomes the Majority Party in Parliament, the party Majority Party in Parliament, the party with the second most votes becomes with the second most votes becomes the “the “loyal oppositionloyal opposition”.”.

House of Commons:House of Commons:Set-upSet-up House of Commons set-up with long benches facing House of Commons set-up with long benches facing

each othereach other Prime Minister sits on front bench of majority side, Prime Minister sits on front bench of majority side,

directly in the middledirectly in the middle Directly across from the PM sits the leader of the Directly across from the PM sits the leader of the

“opposition” party“opposition” party Between members of the majority and opposition Between members of the majority and opposition

parties is a long tableparties is a long table Cabinet members sit on the front rows of the majority Cabinet members sit on the front rows of the majority

party sideparty side ““Shadow CabinetShadow Cabinet” – influential members of the ” – influential members of the

opposition party sit facing Cabinet members of majority opposition party sit facing Cabinet members of majority party on the opposing sideparty on the opposing side

Backbenchers Backbenchers – less influential members of both – less influential members of both parties sit in the rear benches on both sides of the parties sit in the rear benches on both sides of the meeting hall as wellmeeting hall as well

House of Commons:House of Commons:DebateDebate ““Government” – consists of MPs on the first rows of the Government” – consists of MPs on the first rows of the

majority party side, they are majority party members, majority party side, they are majority party members, including the PM, that are most influential in making policyincluding the PM, that are most influential in making policy

Question Time/Question HourQuestion Time/Question Hour – the hour the prime – the hour the prime minister and his cabinet must defend themselves from minister and his cabinet must defend themselves from inquisitive attacks from the opposition party as well as inquisitive attacks from the opposition party as well as direct inquiry from members of his/her own partydirect inquiry from members of his/her own party

Speaker of the House Speaker of the House – presides over the debates in – presides over the debates in Parliament, the speaker is suppose to be objective and Parliament, the speaker is suppose to be objective and often is not a member of the majority party. Their job is to often is not a member of the majority party. Their job is to let all speak without letting the debate get out of hand.let all speak without letting the debate get out of hand.

Because of a lack of checks & balances between branches Because of a lack of checks & balances between branches in British politics the opposition party is seen as the in British politics the opposition party is seen as the “check” on the majority party within Parliament, this “check” on the majority party within Parliament, this “check” power is best utilized during times of debate over “check” power is best utilized during times of debate over policypolicy

Party DisciplineParty Discipline

Party discipline very important in British politicsParty discipline very important in British politics If party members do not support their party If party members do not support their party

leadership, the “government” may fall into crisisleadership, the “government” may fall into crisis Vote of ConfidenceVote of Confidence

– Vote on a key issue within the partyVote on a key issue within the party– If the issue is not supported, the cabinet by tradition If the issue is not supported, the cabinet by tradition

must resign immediately, and new elections for MPs must resign immediately, and new elections for MPs must be held as soon as possiblemust be held as soon as possible

– This is usually avoided by settling policy differences This is usually avoided by settling policy differences within majority party membershipwithin majority party membership

– If the party loses a vote of confidence, all MPs lose their If the party loses a vote of confidence, all MPs lose their jobs, so there is plenty of motivation to vote the party jobs, so there is plenty of motivation to vote the party lineline

Blair’s Vote of Blair’s Vote of ConfidenceConfidence Higher Education BillHigher Education Bill

– Vote of confidence took place in 2005Vote of confidence took place in 2005– Bill squeaked by with an approval vote of 316 Bill squeaked by with an approval vote of 316

to 311to 311– The bill proposed raising university fees, a The bill proposed raising university fees, a

measure criticized not only by the opposition, measure criticized not only by the opposition, but by outspoken MPs from the Labour Party but by outspoken MPs from the Labour Party as wellas well

– The vote narrowly allowed Blair’s The vote narrowly allowed Blair’s government to remain in control of the government to remain in control of the CommonsCommons

Parliamentary PowersParliamentary Powers

Debate and refine potential legislationDebate and refine potential legislation They are the only ones who may They are the only ones who may

become party leaders and ultimately become party leaders and ultimately may head the governmentmay head the government

Scrutinize the administration of lawsScrutinize the administration of laws Keep communication lines open Keep communication lines open

between voters and ministersbetween voters and ministers

House of LordsHouse of Lords

Only hereditary parliamentary house in existence today.Only hereditary parliamentary house in existence today.– Hereditary peersHereditary peers: hold seats that have been passed : hold seats that have been passed

down through family ties over the centuries.down through family ties over the centuries.– Life peersLife peers: people appointed to nonhereditary positions : people appointed to nonhereditary positions

as a result of distinguished service to Britain.as a result of distinguished service to Britain. Lords have gradually declined in authority over last 4 Lords have gradually declined in authority over last 4

centuries.centuries. Since the beginning of the 20Since the beginning of the 20thth century the House of Lords’ century the House of Lords’

only powers are:only powers are:– To delay legislationTo delay legislation– To debate To debate technicalitiestechnicalities of proposed bills of proposed bills– Lords may add amendments to legislation, but House of Lords may add amendments to legislation, but House of

Commons may delete their changes by a simple majority Commons may delete their changes by a simple majority votevote

– The House of Lords includes five The House of Lords includes five law lordslaw lords who serve as who serve as Britain’s highest court of appeals, but they cannot rule Britain’s highest court of appeals, but they cannot rule acts of Parliament unconstitutional.acts of Parliament unconstitutional.

Bureaucracy: Bureaucracy: Civil ServantsCivil Servants Hundred of thousands of civil servants in the UKHundred of thousands of civil servants in the UK They administer laws and deliver public servicesThey administer laws and deliver public services Most do clerical and routine work for the Most do clerical and routine work for the

bureaucracybureaucracy A few hundred directly advise ministers and A few hundred directly advise ministers and

oversee work of departmentsoversee work of departments Top civil servants and bureaucrats usually stay Top civil servants and bureaucrats usually stay

with their departments, while ministers are party with their departments, while ministers are party officials who move with party demandsofficials who move with party demands

Therefore, top civil servants often have a great Therefore, top civil servants often have a great deal of input into policy-makingdeal of input into policy-making

Judiciary BranchJudiciary Branch

In Britain, the principle of In Britain, the principle of parliamentary sovereignty parliamentary sovereignty (parliament’s decisions are final) has limited the (parliament’s decisions are final) has limited the development of judicial reviewdevelopment of judicial review

British courts can only determine whether government British courts can only determine whether government decisions violate the common law or previous acts of decisions violate the common law or previous acts of ParliamentParliament

By tradition British courts cannot impose their rulings By tradition British courts cannot impose their rulings upon Parliament, the prime minister, or the cabinetupon Parliament, the prime minister, or the cabinet

Law lords – settle disputes from lower courts; they do not Law lords – settle disputes from lower courts; they do not have power of judicial review, so their authority is have power of judicial review, so their authority is limitedlimited

Constitutional Reform Act of 2005Constitutional Reform Act of 2005 – provides for a – provides for a Supreme Court of the United Kingdom to take over the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom to take over the existing role of the law lordsexisting role of the law lords

Most judges are not MPs and few are active in party Most judges are not MPs and few are active in party politics; most were educated in public schools and the politics; most were educated in public schools and the Oxbridge connectionOxbridge connection

Will there always be a Britain?Will there always be a Britain?

– Identification with the UK has declined in past 40 Identification with the UK has declined in past 40 yearsyears

– Resurgence of support for regional parties in Resurgence of support for regional parties in Scotland and WalesScotland and Wales

– Devolution (regional parliaments)Devolution (regional parliaments)– Monarchy’s loss of influence and prestigeMonarchy’s loss of influence and prestige– Increasing racial diversity (most born in the UK)Increasing racial diversity (most born in the UK)– Growing importance of the EUGrowing importance of the EU