All Class Questions Flashcards
What is the primary difference between a Prime Minister and a President?
A Prime Minister leads the government in a parliamentary system and depends on parliamentary support, while a President is often both head of state and government, elected independently and typically holding more executive power.
What distinguishes the House of Commons from the House of Lords?
The House of Commons is the primary legislative body with elected MPs, while the House of Lords is unelected, composed of life peers, bishops, and some hereditary peers, mainly reviewing and suggesting amendments to legislation.
What is His Majesty’s Opposition in the UK Parliament?
The official opposition party, the second-largest party in the House of Commons, which scrutinizes government policies and offers alternative policies.
What is a Minority Government?
A government where the ruling party does not have an absolute majority in the legislature and must rely on support from other parties to pass legislation.
What is a Majority Government?
A government formed by a party with more than half of the seats in the legislature, enabling it to pass laws more easily.
What is a Coalition Government?
A government formed when no single party has a majority, leading multiple parties to share power and govern together.
Who is the current Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and what party does he represent?
Keir Starmer, representing the Labour Party.
Why is the Conservative Party often associated with the well-to-do and upper classes?
Due to its historical ties with landowners, business elites, and advocacy for free market policies, though it has broadened its appeal to middle and working-class voters in recent decades.
What is the difference between party membership and the parliamentary party?
Party membership includes all individuals who join and support the party, while the parliamentary party is composed of elected MPs who represent the party in Parliament.
What are the ethical issues surrounding the funding of political parties?
Concerns include undue influence by wealthy donors, lack of transparency, and creating an uneven playing field, which can distort democratic representation.
What are the origins of the Liberal Democrats?
The Liberal Democrats formed from a 1988 merger between the Liberal Party and the Social Democratic Party (SDP), advocating for social liberalism and civil liberties.
How much do the main political parties rely on a specific political ideology?
While traditionally rooted in distinct ideologies, parties have moved towards more centrist positions, prioritizing electoral strategy over strict adherence to ideology.
To what extent is the media biased toward specific political parties?
Certain media outlets are known to favor particular political leanings, influencing public opinion through selective reporting and framing of issues.
How influential is the Civil Service in the functioning of government departments?
The Civil Service is highly influential, providing continuity, expertise, and support for policy implementation while remaining politically neutral.
What is a by-election and how can voting habits differ from a general election?
A by-election fills a parliamentary vacancy between general elections and often sees different voting patterns due to lower turnout and focus on local issues.
