United Kingdom of Great Britain and N. Ireland

United Kingdom of Great Britain and N. IrelandWhat is a Nation? What is a Nation-State?1NationA group of people who identify themselves as belonging together because of cultural, geographic, or linguistic ties.

Nation-State A territorial unit controlled by a single state and governed by a single government.

Flag of Scotland

4Flag of England

5Flag of Ireland

6Flag of Wales

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The Union Flag of the United Kingdom represents the union of England, Scotland, and Ireland (Wales is not represented.)8

Map of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.9Historical OverviewCurrent ContextDavid Cameron, the current British PM from the Conservative Party (1966- )Second Youngest Prime Minister in History

10Geographic SettingBritish IslesGreat BritainBritainEngland, Scotland, WalesUnited Kingdom of Great Britain and N. IrelandWhat do all these names mean?

11Whats in a name?What political cleavages do you think might exist in the UK just by looking at the name?A clash of national identitiesGeographic SettingWhat are the benefits/challenges of being an island off the coast of Europe?

Natural barrier of protection (important in history) Close but not too close (to Europe)A complicated relationship with the EU.

13Themes and ImplicationsWhy do we study the UK?

1st nation to industrialize1st nation to develop an effective parliamentary democracy.Because of its huge empire, its political influence on the forms of government established all over the world has been tremendous (the Westminster Model).It serves as a model of a peaceful and progressive advancement of democracy in a world where transition to democratic systems can be turbulent and unstable.

14Themes and ImplicationsQuestions to Consider:Is the UK a world power or just another middle-of-the road European country?Can they achieve economic success outside of the European Union?Will the monarchy survive?What does it mean to be British?15Critical JuncturesMagna Carta 1215 King John gives in to the feudal landowners. In 1236, the first use of the word parliament from the French, meaning to talk.

16Critical JuncturesGlorious Revolution -1688Why this name?It was a success and it was bloodless. This resolvedthe religious conflictas well, making thenation a permanently Protestant nation.

17GradualismBy the end of the 17th Century there was a basic form of parliamentary democracy within Great Britain and it has remained ever since, only strengthening over time.18Critical JuncturesIndustrial Revolution & the British EmpireIn the 19th Century, the British Empire controlled 25% of the worlds population.

19Critical Junctures

20Critical JuncturesCollectivist Consensus (1945 - 1979)After World War II, reconstruction and prosperity took priority over political ideologies.There was an overall harmony and agreement that the state should take more responsibility in improving the lives of citizens through political means, the welfare state.

21Critical JuncturesWinter of Discontent (1978-79)

Massive unrest of the labor unions due to huge inflation wage increase restrictions

Jan. 22, 1979 1.5 stopped work 140,000 protested in London.

22Critical Junctures:ThatcherismMargaret ThatcherPM from 1979-1990How did she solve the UKs problems? How did people feel about her?

23Thatcher

24Thatcher

25Thatcher

26Critical Junctures:New Labours Third WayIn 1997, Tony Blair led the Labour party to a landslide victory over the Conservatives.New Labour offered a third alternative to the collectivist consensus of the past and the Thatcherism of the 80s and 90s.

27Rejected the traditional models that defined labor & conservative alliances and promised a new approach to economic, social, and welfare policy.Faced major hurdles, even early onPrincess Dianas deathPeace settlement with Nth. IrelandOutbreak of Mad Cow diseaseSeptember 11, 2001Critical Junctures:New Labours Third Way

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How does the world feel about the British/US alliance?29Political & Economic Development: Neoliberalism

30NeoliberalismGovernment policies that encourage competition in business, promote entrepreneurial activity, and create a pro-business environment to attract FDI and spur innovation.31Consensus EraKeynesianismAn approach to economic policy where the government uses policies to achieve economic growth and control inflation. During recession, the government spends more money to increase employment, investment and increase demand. In times of growth (& inflation) the government cuts spending and reduces credit in order to lessen demand.32Thatchers EraMonetarismA more hands off approach, where the government does not try to control unemployment but controls inflation. The government will set goals for economic growth and will not resort to running a budget deficit to spur the economy.33New Labours EraNew Labours Economic PolicyPolicies emphasizing economic growthUsing government surplus to increase spending on education, health care, etc.Tight control of inflation and government spending.Focusing on the global economy and seeking to improve the UKs economy through education, training, investment, etc.34Society & EconomyPolicies brought forth during the Thatcher years served to increase the gap b/w rich and poor

But since the mid 1990s these policies have been moderated and there has been a significant redistribution of wealth.The Global EconomyIncreased FDI has led to consistent growth of the British economyNew Labour did not reverse the Conservatives dismantling of the power of labour unions.Friendly towards globalization, but at what cost?36What is a Constitution?a body of fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state or other organization is acknow-ledged to be governed.

British ConstitutionTo understand the British system of governance you must understand its constitution. They dont have a specific, unified, written out constitution.It is a combination of statutory law (acts of Parliament), common law, and authoritative interpretations. It is also very old and still contains some of the old ways of doing things. For example, the UK is the only western democracy that permits two institutions of governance gained by unelected heredity.38Parliamentary SovereigntyWestminister Model - Key FeaturesParliamentary SovereigntyParliament has supreme power. They can make or overturn any law. The executive, the judiciary, and the Queen can not stop Parliament from action.39Parliamentary DemocracyParliamentary DemocracyThe Prime Minister is selected from within the House of Commons, is answerable to the House, and may be dismissed by the House. This is much different than an executive who is selected by national election and is separate from the legislative branch of government.40Unitary StateUnitary StateIn the UK, no powers are reserved for the sub-central units of government. However, the Labour Party, under Tony Blair, did introduce some significant devolution reform, giving some authority to the sub-national legislative bodies.41Westminster ModelFusion of PowersParliament is the supreme legislative, executive, and judicial authority. This includes the crown and both houses of the legislature.Members of the legislative branch may also serve in the executive or the judicial.

42Westminster ModelCabinet GovernmentCabinet members in the Westminster model bear enormous responsibility. They are both members of the legislature and serve in a specific role on the Prime Ministers cabinet. Together, the cabinet bears the responsibility for shaping and directing the government.43The Cabinet@ 2 dozen members

After an election, the Queen invites the new Prime Minister to form a government.

He/She selects minisisters to serve in various capacities.44CabinetFunctions of the CabinetResponsible for formulating policy

The supreme authority of the executive branch.

The PM, in the cabinet, is a first among equals45Cabinet-Tug-o-WarCabinet Member PM MInistryPOV of Cabinet Member POV of PM, -loyal follower - ideological opp. - potential challenge - advocate for agendaDistrict Party 46CabinetCollective ResponsibilityThe idea that the cabinet restrains and checks the power of the Prime Minister.

There is only one other official means of accountability on the PM; this is the vote of no confidence. in the House of Commons47CabinetDoes collective responsibility work? Does the PM have too much power?Under Blair, the power of the cabinet was undermined and weakened.Blair held short cabinet meetings and made decisions without debating issues before the cabinet.Blair met with cabinet ministers and advisers in more informal and private meetings to discuss his agenda and gain support.

48Linkage InstitutionsAny institution that connects the government to its citizens.For example?Media, interest groups, and political parties.

Labour PartyPredicted to win in 1992 but lostuh oh.John Smith became leader. A Scottish moderate brought in to gain the support of the Nationalist parties. But he died in 1994. (heart attack)

Labour PartyTony Blair, at 41 years of age, then became the youngest leader of the Labour Party. He was an Oxford educated lawyer It was thought that he would bring more intellectuals and middle class into the party.

Labour Party1997 Labour won by a landslide (capturing 419 out of 646 seats)They won again in 2001 and 2005.Their margin of victory narrowed by 2005, leading Tony Blair to resign in 2007, making way for Gordon Brown.Conservative PartyCharacterized by Noblesse Oblige (the nobility are obligedobliged to what?)Since losing power in 1997, the Conservatives have been divided in twoConservative PartyTraditional Wing - value noblesse oblige and approve of the UK being ruled by an elite that consider the good of everyone and rule on their behalf. They support involvement with the EU.Thatcherite Wing - strict conservatives who would love to see a fully free market economy. They are uneasy about involvement in the EU.Conservative PartyIts current leader is David Cameron, a youthful politician who excelled in the debating environment of Parliamentary procedures

55Liberal DemocratsFormed in 1989, by the alliance of the Liberal Party and the Social Democrat Party.Their purpose is to provide an alternative to the two other parties. They have campaigned for proportional representation (which would be great for them) and for a UK Bill of Rights.Nationalist PartiesPlaid Cyrmu - WalesScottish National PartySinn Fein (political arm of the IRA)Democratic Unionist Party (led by N. Ireland protestant clergy)

ElectionsParliament has a maximum life of five years but there is no fixed term.The Queen formally dissolves Parliament once she has been asked to by the Prime Minister

58ElectionsElections are for MPs only.Each constituency (about 65,000 voters) gets to elect one member to the House of Commons

ElectionsSo the PM has the power to call elections. How might he use this advantage?Once an election has been called for and the votes cast, heres how they are counted

60Proportional RepresentationFPTP otherwise known as winner takes all.The candidate with the most votes wins.

This type of election favors whom?61Electoral ChangesRegional governments are now using proportional representationThe mayor of London was recently elected for the first time.Will the UK adopt more proportional practices? Should they? What will hinder them from doing so?Role of the MonarchyMust not be involved in voting or running for office.Gives assent to legislationMeets with the PM regularlyDissolves ParliamentAppoints members of the House of LordsServes as Head of State

63What is Legitimacy based on?Tradition heredity, religious power (ex. Mandate of Heaven)Ideology might provide a vision for a better society (ex. Marxism in the early 20th century)Competitive elections & Constitutions the basis for most modern countries legitimacy. If people participate fully and freely and express support for the constitution than these are signs of strong legitimacy.

Political CultureThe political culture of the UK has always been characterized by trust, deference to authority, pragmatism, and acceptance of the rules.

65Political Culture:What does it mean to be British?Changes in the 20th Century1970s - standards of living changed for many Britons.Historic bonds of social class grew weaker.

66Political Culture:What does it mean to be British?Conservativism eroded the fundamental beliefs of the Keynesian welfare stateThatchers objective was nothing less than a cultural revolution.

67Changes in Political CultureDecreasing support for labor unionsIncreased moderation of both political parties Greater acceptance of protests.Lesser percentage of voter turnoutLess party loyalty than in the pastPolitical Culture:Ethnicity & Citizenship Is there a word to describe someone from the UK?In diverse societies, where do peoples loyalties lie? Is it possible to achieve true diversity without conflict?

69BureaucracyHundreds of thousands of civil servants make up the bureaucracy.

They are generally experts in their field and advise cabinet ministers according to their expertise.

They are usually not involved in the politics and have therefore remained a reliable and stable segment of the UK political system.70Other InstitutionsMilitaryStill ranked a top five military power in the world, the UK has been heavily involved in military action in the last few decades. They are strong allies of the US, committed NATO members, and have deployed troops to serve in UN-sanctioned actions (1991 Iraq)71http://www.globalfirepower.com/Interest Groups & ProtestsPolitical Protest -increasing in recent years (reaction to globalization)2000 - Fuel pricesAnti-war

72Politics in TransitionConstitutional ChangesIs it democratic to still have two unelected components of government with parliamentary sovereignty? What will happen to the House of Lords?

What is the role of the Queen?Opens & dissolves ParliamentWeekly meeting with the PMAssents to new legislation

73Politics in TransitionConstitutional ChangesIs it democratic to have a single-member plurality system of representation? What system might reflect the will of the people more accurately?There are currently no plans to change the electoral system.74Politics in TransitionPeace with Northern IrelandTony Blairs sought to bring peace, with some success.

75Politics in TransitionDevolutionWhat is it?How will it impact the future of the UK?

76Politics in TransitionEuropean UnionThe Labour govt. was far more favorable towards the EU than the Conservatives of the past, however there is still much resistance in the UK.

77Politics in TransitionGlobal Relations

78UK 2010 Election