Comparing civil rights

Question 1

Describe the main difference in how civil rights are protected in the US and the UK.

Answer 1

In the US, civil rights are protected by entrenched rights in the Constitution that can only be removed through formal amendment. In contrast, the UK has a flexible constitution where civil liberties and rights are not entrenched.

Question 2

Explain the significance of the US Bill of Rights and the UK Human Rights Act 1998.

Answer 2

The US Bill of Rights outlines specific liberties and rights protected under the US Constitution, while the UK Human Rights Act 1998 incorporates the European Convention on Human Rights into UK law, providing a framework for protecting individual rights.

Question 3

How do the US Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the UK Equality Act 2010 compare in their objectives?

Answer 3

Both acts aim to protect citizens’ rights and promote equality; the US Civil Rights Act of 1964 bans racial discrimination in voting and other areas, while the UK Equality Act 2010 consolidates various equality laws to prevent discrimination, including Equal Pay Act 1970 and the Race Relations Act 1976.

Question 4

Do the US and UK have independent judiciaries, and what role do they play in protecting civil rights?

Answer 4

Yes, both the US and UK have independent judiciaries that defend citizens’ rights against government actions; legal rights are usually upheld; exception = injustices faced by African Americans with police and judicial system, which has echoes in experiences of many black Britons.

Question 5

Explain the power of the US Supreme Court compared to the UK Supreme Court regarding civil rights.

Answer 5

The US Supreme Court can strike down legislation that infringes on constitutional rights and make landmark rulings that act as interpretative amendments. The UK Supreme Court can only declare an Act of Parliament incompatible with the Human Rights Act and refer it back to Parliament.

Question 6

Describe the impact of national emergencies on civil liberties in the US and UK.

Answer 6

During national emergencies, both governments have enacted controversial laws to increase their powers. For example, the US Patriot Act of 2001 allowed extensive surveillance without court orders, while the UK Prevention of Terrorism Act 2005 introduced control orders for terrorist suspects.

Question 7

How do political ideologies influence the debate on civil liberties in the US?

Answer 7

In the US, Democrats are generally more supportive of civil liberties over government control, while some libertarians, like Republican senator Rand Paul, also advocate for civil liberties, indicating that the debate does not strictly follow ideological lines.

Question 8

Define the term ‘entrenched rights’ as it relates to the US Constitution.

Answer 8

Entrenched rights are those rights that are formally protected within the Constitution and can only be altered or removed through a formal amendment process, ensuring a high level of protection against government infringement.

Question 9

Explain the role of the UK Equality Act 2010 in the context of civil rights.

Answer 9

The UK Equality Act 2010 consolidates various pieces of equality legislation to provide comprehensive protection against discrimination based on characteristics such as race, gender, and disability, promoting equality in various sectors.

Question 10

Describe the historical context of the US Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Answer 10

The US Civil Rights Act of 1964 was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson and aimed to eliminate racial discrimination, particularly in voting and public accommodations, addressing systemic inequalities faced by African Americans.

Question 11

Describe the significance of Paul’s 13-hour filibuster in 2013.

Answer 11

Paul’s filibuster was aimed at challenging President Obama’s use of drone strikes, highlighting concerns over executive power and military actions.

Question 12

Explain the historical context of women’s rights debates in the US and UK.

Answer 12

Both countries have engaged in discussions about women’s suffrage, feminism, and anti-discrimination, with recent movements like #MeToo and #TimesUp addressing sexual harassment.

Question 13

How does the abortion debate differ between the UK and the US?

Answer 13

In the UK, abortion has been legal since 1967 and is not a major political issue, while in the US, it remains highly contentious and partisan, especially after the Roe v. Wade and Dobbs decisions.

Question 14

Define the role of affirmative action in the US regarding minority ethnic groups.

Answer 14

Affirmative action was developed to address socio-economic disadvantages faced by African Americans and other minorities, promoting their inclusion in education and employment; does not exist in UK, where top universities are regularly criticised for not admitting enough students from minority ethnic communities.

Question 15

Explain the impact of the civil rights movement in the US during the 1950s and 1960s.

Answer 15

The civil rights movement was pivotal in addressing racial discrimination and segregation, leading to significant legislative changes and greater awareness of civil rights issues.

Question 16

Describe the Race Relations Act of 1965 in the UK.

Answer 16

The Race Relations Act of 1965 was a landmark legislation that banned discrimination on the grounds of race, responding to civil rights campaigns against racial discrimination.

Question 17

How has the Black Lives Matter (BLM) campaign influenced discussions on police violence?

Answer 17

The BLM campaign has brought attention to police violence against Black individuals, highlighting systemic racism and the need for reform, particularly in the US.

Question 18

Discuss the differences in police violence statistics between the US and UK.

Answer 18

In 2019, there were 1004 people killed by police in the US compared to three in the UK, where police are generally unarmed.

Question 19

Explain the historical significance of the Bristol Bus Boycott in the UK.

Answer 19

The Bristol Bus Boycott in 1963 was a civil rights campaign against racial discrimination in employment, leading to greater awareness and legislative change in the UK.

Question 20

Describe the challenges faced by minority ethnic groups in both the US and UK.

Answer 20

Both countries experience inequalities and prejudices against minority ethnic groups, with ongoing debates about their rights and representation.

Question 21

Describe the impact of Stephen Lawrence’s case on the Met Police.

Answer 21

Stephen Lawrence’s case exposed institutional racism within the Met Police, highlighting failures in their efforts to find his killers.

Question 22

Explain the consequences of the police shooting of Mark Duggan in 2011.

Answer 22

The police shooting of Mark Duggan led to a week of riots and looting in London, resulting in over a thousand criminal charges and more than £200 million in property damage.

Question 23

How does the UK criminal justice system reflect racial disparities?

Answer 23

In the UK, black men are nine times more likely to be stopped and searched than white men, and three times more likely to be tasered.

Question 24

Define the educational disparities faced by black Caribbean pupils in the UK.

Answer 24

Pupils of black Caribbean ethnicity or mixed race white and black Caribbean ethnicity are three times more likely to be permanently excluded from school than those of white British ethnicity.

Question 25

Discuss the relationship between structural racism and health outcomes during the pandemic in the UK.

Answer 25

There was debate about how structural racism could explain the higher death rates of people from minority ethnic groups during the pandemic.

Question 26

How did the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests influence political discussions in the UK?

Answer 26

The 2020 BLM protests brought structural and institutional racism to the forefront of the UK’s political agenda, triggering debates about education on black history and the presence of statues of historical figures with racist backgrounds.

Question 27

What rights do undocumented children have in the United States?

Answer 27

Undocumented children have the right to attend public schools, as established in the Supreme Court case Plyler v Doe (1982).

Question 28

Explain the significance of the DACA program in relation to undocumented immigrants in the US.

Answer 28

The DACA program allows around 650,000 undocumented immigrants who arrived as children to work in the US without fear of deportation, and Trump's attempt to end it was overruled by the Supreme Court in June 2020.

Question 29

Describe the changes in the Trump administration's policy regarding children of illegal immigrants.

Answer 29

The Trump administration's policy of separating children from their illegal immigrant parents was modified after public outcry, but children continued to be held in detention centers.

Question 30

What issues arose from the treatment of child migrants in US government custody?

Answer 30

At least seven child migrants died in US government custody from 2018 to 2019, raising concerns about their treatment.

Question 31

How has the Trump administration approached birthright citizenship?

Answer 31

In his second term, Trump attempted to end birthright citizenship and promised mass deportations, leading to cases of individuals being deported without due process.

Question 32

Discuss the implications of the Trump administration's immigration policies on legal residents.

Answer 32

The Trump administration's policies included detaining legal residents, such as a Palestinian activist, raising concerns about due process and rights.

Question 33

Describe the debate surrounding immigrants' rights to use NHS and council housing in the UK.

Answer 33

There has been significant debate in the UK regarding whether immigrants should have the right to access the National Health Service (NHS) and council housing, as well as the implications of deporting immigrants who commit crimes in relation to the Human Rights Act (HRA).

Question 34

Explain the impact of public concern about immigration on the UK's decision to leave the EU.

Answer 34

Public concern about immigration was a major factor that influenced the UK's decision to leave the European Union in 2016.

Question 35

How did the UK government under Rishi Sunak address immigration issues?

Answer 35

The government under Rishi Sunak introduced the Rwanda policy and campaigned with the slogan 'Stop the Boats' to address immigration issues.

Question 36

Define the Labour government's approach to immigration policy in the UK.

Answer 36

The Labour government's immigration policy focuses on strengthening border security, reducing net migration, and ensuring a smoothly running asylum system.

Question 37

Discuss the debates surrounding LGBTQ+ rights in the UK and US prior to the legalization of same-sex marriage.

Answer 37

Before the legalization of same-sex marriage in 2013 and 2015, there were heated debates in both the UK and US regarding LGBTQ+ rights, including arguments about the rights of religious individuals to refuse services and the inclusion of LGBTQ+ issues in school curricula.

Question 38

What actions did Trump take regarding transgender rights during his presidency?

Answer 38

During his presidency, Trump introduced a ban on transgender individuals serving in the military and removed healthcare protections established during the Obama administration.

Question 39

Explain the significance of the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy in the US military.

Answer 39

The 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy barred openly gay individuals from serving in the military, but it was repealed in 2011, allowing for greater acceptance of LGBTQ+ service members.

Question 40

What was the outcome of the US Supreme Court ruling in Harris Funeral Homes Inc. v. Equal Opportunity Employment Commission?

Answer 40

In June 2020, the US Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that employers could not terminate employees for being transgender, affirming protections against discrimination.

Question 41

Describe the executive order issued by the Biden administration in 2022 regarding LGBTQ+ rights.

Answer 41

In 2022, the Biden administration issued an executive order aimed at combating discriminatory legislative attacks on the LGBTQ+ community, particularly laws that restrict access to gender-affirming care for transgender youth.

Question 42

What changes did Boris Johnson propose regarding legal gender change in 2020?

Answer 42

In 2020, Boris Johnson canceled plans to make the process of legal gender change easier for transgender individuals.

Question 43

Define the Gender Recognition Act 2004 in the UK.

Answer 43

The Gender Recognition Act 2004 allows transgender individuals to legally change their gender, providing a legal framework for gender identity recognition.

Question 44

Discuss the British government's stance on conversion therapy as of 2023.

Answer 44

The British government has fluctuated in its position on banning conversion therapy; it initially announced a ban in 2023, but no concrete actions have been taken since then.

Question 45

How does the debate over Second Amendment rights differ between the US and the UK?

Answer 45

The debate over Second Amendment rights is a prominent issue in US politics, while gun control is almost universally accepted in the UK.

Question 46

Explain the concerns of religious groups regarding anti-discrimination legislation in the UK and US.

Answer 46

Religious groups in both the UK and US have expressed concerns that anti-discrimination legislation may infringe upon their rights to practice their religion.

Question 47

What was the outcome of the cases Lee v Ashers Baking Company Ltd and Masterpiece Cakeshop v Colorado Civil Rights Commission?

Answer 47

In both cases, the UK and US supreme courts ruled in favor of Christian bakers, allowing them the right not to create cakes celebrating same-sex marriage.

Question 48

Describe the methods used by civil rights campaigns in the US and UK.

Answer 48

Civil rights campaigns in both the US and UK utilize methods such as marches, rallies, lobbying, direct action, and civil disobedience. US pressure groups (PGs) frequently use courts to challenge legislation, while UK PGs have increasingly employed judicial review since the introduction of the Human Rights Act (HRA).

Question 49

Explain the financial differences between civil rights campaigns in the US and UK.

Answer 49

US pressure groups spend significantly more on supporting and opposing political candidates compared to UK groups, which face limits on election spending.

Question 50

How have civil rights campaigns influenced public attitudes in the US and UK?

Answer 50

Civil rights campaigns have shifted public attitudes in both countries, making open displays of racism, homophobia, and misogyny largely unacceptable, and leading to significant legal changes benefiting people of color, women, and the LGBTQ+ community.

Question 51

Define the influence of religious campaigners in the US compared to the UK.

Answer 51

Religious campaigners have had a greater influence in the US, while in the UK, pro-choice abortion campaigners have successfully extended abortion rights to Northern Ireland, contrasting with the US where abortion rights have been restricted.

Question 52

Discuss the success of women's rights campaigns in the UK versus the US.

Answer 52

Women's rights campaigns have been more successful in the UK, where women are entitled to paid maternity leave for 39 weeks, while the US remains the only developed country without such rights, and many US conservatives oppose reforms like the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA).

Question 53

How does the financial power of the NRA affect civil rights in the US?

Answer 53

The National Rifle Association (NRA) uses its financial resources for electioneering, giving it a level of influence over US politicians that is unmatched by any civil rights group in the UK.

Question 54

Explain the impact of civil liberty campaigns on government actions in the US and UK.

Answer 54

Civil liberty campaigns have highlighted illiberal measures taken by governments in both countries; however, neither US nor UK campaigners have successfully prevented their governments from employing controversial methods to address issues related to terrorism or immigration.

Question 55

Describe the role of government attitude in the success of civil rights campaigns.

Answer 55

The attitude of the government significantly influences the success of civil rights campaigns, as seen in Trump's approach to illegal immigrants, transgender individuals, and the Alt-Right.

Question 56

How has the BLM campaign revealed societal issues in the US and UK?

Answer 56

The Black Lives Matter (BLM) campaign has exposed underlying racism in US society and to some extent in the UK, highlighting systemic issues related to race.

Question 57

Discuss the societal impact of the #MeToo movement in both countries.

Answer 57

The #MeToo movement has revealed widespread experiences of sexual harassment and assault faced by women in both the US and UK, while also exposing deep-rooted misogynistic attitudes that contribute to domestic abuse and a gender pay gap.

Question 58

Identify the forms of discrimination that exist in both the US and UK.

Answer 58

Both the US and UK experience forms of discrimination such as homophobia, transphobia, Islamophobia, and anti-Semitism.

Question 59

Describe the importance of challenging underlying attitudes in civil rights campaigns.

Answer 59

Challenging underlying attitudes is crucial for civil rights campaigns to be effective, as it helps to ensure that the rule of law is applied fairly at all levels of the justice system.

Question 60

Explain the structural similarities between civil rights campaigns in the US and UK.

Answer 60

Both the US and UK have campaign restrictions and finance laws, utilize courts to achieve change, and have access points such as Congress or MPs for advocacy.

Question 61

Define the structural differences in civil rights protections between the US and UK.

Answer 61

The US has a codified constitution with explicit civil rights protections and an independent judiciary, while the UK has an uncodified constitution that relies on statutes and parliamentary sovereignty, allowing for easier alteration of civil rights protections.

Question 62

How does the federal system in the US benefit civil rights advocacy?

Answer 62

The federal system in the US divides power, allowing for multiple levels of protection and advocacy for civil rights, as states can pass their own civil rights laws.

Question 63

Explain the role of the independent judiciary in the US regarding civil rights.

Answer 63

The independent judiciary in the US, particularly the US Supreme Court, has significant power to interpret the Constitution and protect civil rights through binding and landmark rulings.

Question 64

Describe the implications of parliamentary sovereignty in the UK for civil rights.

Answer 64

Parliamentary sovereignty in the UK means that civil rights protections can be easily altered by legislative action, which can lead to less stability in civil rights compared to the US.

Question 65

How do legal challenges function in civil rights campaigns in both the US and UK?

Answer 65

In both the US and UK, legal challenges are used to contest laws that infringe on civil rights, with notable figures like Thurgood Marshall in the US and Shami Chakrabarti in the UK leading these efforts.

Question 66

Explain the significance of political lobbying in civil rights movements.

Answer 66

Political lobbying is significant in civil rights movements as it involves advocating for the enactment and amendment of legislation that protects civil rights, exemplified by figures like MLK in the US and Peter Tatchell in the UK.

Question 67

Describe the role of public advocacy in raising awareness for civil rights issues.

Answer 67

Public advocacy involves organizing and participating in protests to raise awareness and demand action for civil rights issues, playing a vital role in mobilizing public support and influencing change.

Question 68

Describe the role of Rosa Parks during the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

Answer 68

Rosa Parks is known for her pivotal role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott, where her refusal to give up her bus seat to a white passenger sparked a significant civil rights movement in the United States.

Question 69

Explain the advocacy of Malala Yousafzai for women's education rights.

Answer 69

Malala Yousafzai is a Pakistani activist who advocates for the right to education for girls, particularly in regions where access to education is limited due to cultural and political barriers.

Question 70

Do pressure groups use litigation to protect civil liberties?

Answer 70

Yes, pressure groups like the ACLU and Liberty utilize litigation as a strategy to defend and protect civil liberties through the legal system.

Question 71

How have the NAACP and Stonewall influenced policy changes?

Answer 71

The NAACP and Stonewall have successfully lobbied politicians to enact policy changes that promote civil rights and equality.

Question 72

Explain how public demonstrations can drive political change, citing examples.

Answer 72

Public demonstrations, such as those organized by BLM in the US and the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament in the UK, can raise awareness and pressure governments to enact political change.

Question 73

Define the rationale behind government restrictions on civil liberties post 9/11.

Answer 73

Governments have rationalized restrictions on civil liberties post 9/11 as necessary for national security and public safety in response to perceived threats.

Question 74

Describe the constitutional framework differences between the US and UK regarding civil rights.

Answer 74

The US has a written constitution that explicitly protects civil rights through amendments, while the UK relies on a combination of statutes, common law, and conventions, which can be more flexible but less definitive.

Question 75

How does the political structure in the US affect civil rights protections?

Answer 75

In the US, the federal system allows governors and state legislators to create varied civil rights protections across states, leading to multiple access points for civil rights advocacy.

Question 76

Explain the cultural similarities between the US and UK regarding civil rights movements.

Answer 76

Both the US and UK share democratic values emphasizing equality, freedom, and justice, which underpin their civil rights movements and efforts to secure equal treatment under the law.

Question 77

Describe the historical struggles that have shaped civil rights movements in the US and UK.

Answer 77

In the US, the legacy of slavery and segregation has influenced civil rights movements, while in the UK, the fight against colonialism and for immigrant rights has played a significant role.

Question 78

How has public opinion influenced civil rights policy changes over time?

Answer 78

Cultural attitudes towards civil rights have evolved, with social movements and advocacy groups playing a crucial role in shifting norms and promoting legal and policy changes.

Question 79

Define the cultural theory differences between the US and UK in terms of civil rights protection.

Answer 79

The US has a written constitution that provides explicit protections for civil rights, while the UK relies on a more flexible system of statutes and common law, which may lack definitive protections.

Question 80

Describe the civil rights protection system in the US.

Answer 80

The US has a federal system that allows for significant variation in civil rights protections across states, influenced by local cultures and values.

Question 81

Explain how the UK’s civil rights protection system differs from that of the US.

Answer 81

The UK operates under a unitary system that provides more uniform civil rights protections, reflecting a centralized approach to governance.

Question 82

How does cultural diversity impact civil rights in the US?

Answer 82

The US has a more diverse population with a complex history of racial and ethnic relations, leading to a distinct focus on racial equality and civil rights.

Question 83

Define the factors that shape civil rights movements in the UK.

Answer 83

Civil rights movements in the UK are shaped by different cultural factors such as immigration and multiculturalism, resulting in varied priorities and approaches.

Question 84

Do civil rights protections vary across states in the US?

Answer 84

Yes, civil rights protections vary significantly across states in the US due to the federal system.

Question 85

Explain the influence of local cultures on civil rights in the US.

Answer 85

Local cultures and values significantly influence the variation in civil rights protections across different states in the US.

Question 86

Describe the impact of immigration on civil rights movements in the UK.

Answer 86

Immigration has shaped civil rights movements in the UK, leading to varied priorities and approaches based on multiculturalism.

Question 87

How does the centralized governance of the UK affect civil rights protections?

Answer 87

The centralized governance in the UK results in more uniform civil rights protections compared to the varied protections in the US.

Question 88

What are the general positions of Republicans and Democrats on the abortion debate in the US, and how does the level of religiosity in the US compare to that in the UK?

Answer 88

Most Republicans are pro-life, while most Democrats are pro-choice. The debate is fierce due to the highly religious society in the US, where around 56% of Americans consider themselves religious, compared to just 30% of British people.