The British Political System Flashcards
What is patronage?
Patronage means the right to give privileges or make appointments.
What system of government did Britain have in 1783?
A constitutional monarchy
Who was Britain’s monarch in 1783?
King George 111
What role did George 111 play want to play in the political life in Britain?
He wished to be seen as a conscientious monarch and play an active role in political life. He accepted his limits as constitutional monarch but he used his powers of patronage to influence Parliament on issues about which he felt strongly.
What did the Bill of Rights aim to do?
It aimed to prevent any future monarch interfering with the law and restricted the powers of monarchy.
Who made the laws?
It was Parliament that made the laws, took decisions on taxation and spending and debated issues of national and local importance.
What rights did the monarch have?
He still influenced general policy and as head of state, retained power to choose and dismiss his ministers. The monarch also retained the right to summon and dissolve Parliament, but could not rule without it.
What happened if the Parliament was dissolved?
A general election had to be called immediately.
Could the monarch veto legislation?
Yes, although it was unlikely to do so if it jeopardise his income.
Why was the monarch financially dependant on Parliament?
Because Parliament would only grant funds to the monarch on an annual basis, through the civil list.
What did Parliament comprise of?
Parliament comprised of the House of Lords and the House of Commons.
What were the Lords made up of?
They were made up of unelected hereditary peers, the ruling elite.
How great was the political powers that the House of Lords had?
They had great political power, including the power to block measures passed by the Commons.
Who were the House of Commons?
The House of Commons was an elected assembly, although not democratic, as few men had the right to vote.
What did many MP’s regard their seat in Parliament?
An opportunity for advantage and advancement.
What did the system allow?
The system allowed the House of Lords to maintain influence in the Commons.
What did the commons control?
The commons controlled taxation and its main duty was to act as a check on the ministers.
Did the PM had to have the support of the majority of the Commons to carry on government?
Yes
What was happening by the late eighteenth century regarding political power?
Although much political power within Parliament rested with the Lords, by the late eighteenth century, the influence of the House of Commons was increasing.
What was the Privy Council and what did they do?
The monarch had a group of advisers, which acted as a a bridge between the King and Parliament on policy decisions.
Was it important that the monarch chose someone he trusted as his chief representative in Parliament?
Yes
Where did most of George’s 111 appointed ministers from?
They were peers of the realm and sat in the in the House of Lords.
Why was George’s 111 position weakened in 1782?
It was weakened over the crisis of the loss of the American colonies.
What was King George 111 forced to do by Parliament in 1782?
He was forced to accept the resignation of his Prime Minister Lord North and accept in his place Lord Rockingham, whom he detested.
