The U.K Flashcards
Magna Carta
The original “constitutional” document of British government Signed in 1215 between King John and the nobility, setting out limits on the monarch and establishing civil rights
House of Commons
The lower chamber of Parliament. Comprised of 650 (currently). Has power to legislate, amend, and pass bill,s. The party with the most seats in parliament forms government.
House of Lords
The upper chamber of Parliament. Comprised of appointed and hereditary members. Has lost power to veto bills and now can only delay legislation
Bill of Rights
1688; granted english citizens rights to elect representatives, carry arms, and be free of royal taxation
Reform Acts
A series between 1832 and 1928 that increased the voting franchise of the UK from less than 5 percent of men to all adults over the age of 18
Conservative Party
emerged from Tory party. Associated with supporting the monarch and the church of england. It advocates lower taxes and smaller government
Liberal Party
Emerged from Whigs. represents urban and middle class. Advocated social reform and the extension of political rights. It is a predecessor to the contemporary liberal democrats.
Labour Party
advocated on new working class and the poor. advocates extensive social policies and a powerful role for government
decolonization
The process of peaceful abandonment in the British Empire, permitting colonies to become independent states.
Parliament sovereignty
principle that all power comes from the parliament. In actuality this means that the majority party in parliament can execute and legislate policies at will
MPs
Members of the House of Commons each elected as the single representative of a geographical constituency through “first past the post” voting
Cabinet
the ministers of the government chosen by the prime minister from members of Parliament. The cabinet takes collective responsibly for all decisions of gov’t
backbenchers
the rank and file members of Parliament who do not have a position in the government or a leadership role in an oppositions party. Backbenchers literally sit on the backbenches in the house of commons
Vote of confidence
A vote held in parliament to discover whether the government of the day has the confidence of parliament , it it fails, it must hold new elections. This is a check on prime ministerial government existence
Prime Minister’s Questions
A weekly occurrence while parliament is in session during which prime ministers must face question questions on policy from both the opposition
