Modern Studies Flashcards
Two types of democracy are…
Direct
Representative
What is a constitutional monarchy
A monarchy in which the monarch is the ceremonial head of state
What is the order of the legislative process
\+ first reading \+ second reading \+ committee stage \+ report stage \+ third reading \+ five steps repeated in opposite house \+ considération of amendments \+ royal assent
What are some powers of the prime minister
+ chair of the cabinet
+ power of patronage
+ power to declare war
+ principal figure in the HoC
What is a reserved power
A power that is held by the central government of the UK, the Westminster government. They tend to focus on broad nationwide issues.
What is a devolved power
A power held by the three devolved administration of the UK: The Scottish Parliament, the Welsh Assembly and the Northern Irish assembly
What are examples of a reserved power
+ defence and national security
+ welfare
+ immigration
+ foreign affairs
What are examples of devolved powers
+ health
+ education
+ local government
+ Benefits
What are political parties and why were they set up.
They are a group of people who have similar views and they were formed spot advertise that view and hopefully govern the country under those rules.
What is a collectivist mindset
To benefit as many people as possible, they believe that if there is a problem it is our duty as a society to fix it.
What is an individualist mindset
Purely self-benefiting and believe enta if there is a problem, the person involved should have to fix it.
How many constituencies are in the UK
650
How many voters are in a constituency
68,000
How often must a general election happen
Every five years
How can candidates campaign
- speeches
- posters rallies
- speaking to locals
- leaflets
- slogans
- social media
What is First Past the Post
A voting system in which there is a voting limit and the first person to pass it gains the seat. It is simple but doesn’t give an accurate representation of the National verdict. It benefits the larger parties
What is the Additional Member System
A voting system in which PR is used as the % of votes received= % of seats gained. This is more complex but fairer as it gives the overall verdict of the country at the time.
Why is parliament sovereign
As it is the highest legislative body in the UK. It is made up of commons and lords as well as the crown
What is a pressure group
A group of people with similar views that attempt to:
+ Influence government policy
+ promote a cause or interest
+ promote a specific issue
Why do they join together
As they have strength in numbers and will be heard louder if there are more of them across the country
What is an insider pressure group
A pressure group with strong links to the government such as the BMA. They consist of experts who advise the government to which the government often listen.
What is an outsider pressure group
A pressure group that isn’t linked to the government and often works with opposition parties. They are often more illegal in an attempt to get the publics eye
How does the media influence elections
- newspapers
- leader debate
- social media
What are trade unions
A group of people in the same profession who have the same view. The two main positions in a trade union are shop stewards and up union members.
What do union members do
- attend meetings
- pay fees
- elect officials
- stand for election
What do shop stewards do
- elected by members
- first point of contact for member
- recruit new members
- link between members and Union HQ
How do trade union take action
\+ petitions
\+ demonstrations
\+ industrial action
\+ restrictive practices: - go-slows
- work to rule
