God Save the King? Flashcards
What is a monarchy? - God Save the King?
A monarchy is a political system based on undivided sovereignty or rule by a single person (a monarch). It is usually decided by heredity.
What is the present situation for the Commonwealth? - God Save the King?
The Commonwealth, a collection of nations formerly existing as British colonies, operates as a diplomatic unit despite some countries abandoning the monarchy.
What is the present situation for the UK Monarch’s role as head of state for many Commonwealth nations? - God Save the King?
The UK monarch still exists as the head of state for many Commonwealth countries, including Canada, NZ and Australia. However, some countries have opted to either hold referendums over keeping the monarchy (Jamaica, Antigua), while Barbados has abandoned it.
Explain why the ‘Crown in Parliament’ is a pilar of the British system of Government. Describe how this operates today - God Save the King?
The ‘Crown in Parliament’ is an important principle for UK Government as it stems from the ‘Glorious Revolution’, which created the constitutional monarchy as it is today, with Parliament governing in the name of the monarch. This today operates with the Royal mace being situated in Parliament to show it has the monarch’s approval, as well as the King’s/Queen’s speech being produced at the opening of Parliament to announce a Government’s agenda.
Describe the different roles of the monarch (prerogative/statutory political functions/discretionary) - God Save the King?
Prerogative - powers that can be enacted without will of Parliament, some of which have been effectively transferred to the PM
Statutory political functions - opening Parliament and undertaking trips/state visit roles
Discretionary - philanthropy and charity-based roles
What is the monarch’s role as ‘defender of the faith’? How has Charles III considered altering this? - God Save the King?
The Monarch is supposedly appointed by God to be in that role, and as such is the defender of the Church of England as its Head. Since the UK has moved to being less Christian, Charles III has suggested that his role should be as ‘Defender of the Faiths’ instead.
How was monarchy one of the key aspects of constructing ‘Britishness’ under James I (or VI of Scotland)? - God Save the King?
King James proclaimed himself to be the King of ‘Great Britain’ rather than of England or Scotland, creating an identity crisis of sorts. People did not always favour this identity at the time, however.
How did Thatcher undermine a sense of ‘Britishness’ during her time as PM, despite being staunchly patriotic? - God Save the King?
Thatcher’s premiership was characterised by the reform of or dismantling of what were previously key aspects of British life and identity: the welfare state, trade unions, working class identity, nationalised industry, etc. This, alongside with her centralising power at Westminster, had the impact of destroying British identity for some people.
Describe the power of monarchy in relation to nationalism in the eyes of Tom Nairn - God Save the King?
Nairn viewed nationalism which revolved around the monarch as being something which could combat right-wing elements, instead bringing a country together.
Describe Williamson’s view about what our acceptance of monarchy says about our own status - God Save the King?
Williamson believes that our acceptance of royalty and the monarchy not only endorses them at the apex of society, but also recognises and reinforces our own place beneath them as subjects.
What are regarded as being the 3 ways in which the monarchy can ‘end’? - God Save the King?
State failure - revolution, invasion or collapse of the country
Government abolishing the monarchy - presumably on basis of popular will
Resignation - Royal Family gives it up
Explain what Robert Hazell identified as key challenges facing the monarchy in the immediate future - God Save the King?
Hazell asserts that the monarchy will face challenges of maintaining support, the damage to its standing should Scotland leave the union, having to keep distance from unionist politicians who may wish to align themselves with it, overseas realms becoming republics (damaging its standing) and any potential alterations to the Oaths of Allegiance.
What indications have there been following the death of Queen Elizabeth that support for the monarchy is wavering in the UK? - God Save the King?
Following the death of the Queen, there was an increase in visibility for anti-monarchy groups such as Republic, especially around the funeral of the Queen and the coronation of the King.
What %/ratio of Britons believe that we should have an elected head of state in the UK? - God Save the King?
26% or 1/4 of Britons believe that we should have an elected head of state in the UK.
What step was taken and then backtracked on immediately prior to the coronation of Charles III relating to the ceremony? What does this indicate? - God Save the King?
Charles III’s coronation was intended to have a ‘personal oath of allegiance’ made to the King in which the Archbishop of Canterbury would call the population to make the oath. Instead, he invited people to make this oath, indicating that support for the monarchy is lower than anticipated and that the response to this aspect of the proceedings was poor.
