The UK government, the law and your role Flashcards
Democracy
System where whole the population gets a say
19th century
- Men over 21 who owned a certain amount of land could vote
Franchise (2)
Franchise - people who can vote
Political parties grew and started to involve both men and women
1830s/1840s Chartists (7)
Campaigned to reform:
- every man could vote
- elections every year
- for all religions to be in the electoral system
- anonymous voting (ballots)
- every man to be able to become an MP
- MPs to be paid
At first - reform was seen as a fail
1918 (2)
- Most Chartiasts requests were adopted
- Voting extended to women over 30
1928
Women + men over 21 could vote
1969
Voting age reduced to 18 for both men and women
Constitution (4)
- set of principles by which a country is governed
- includes laws and conventions
- All the institutions responsible to run a country
- how the power is kept in check
British constitution (4)
- ‘unwritten’
- UK never had a revolution that led to a totally new system of government
- Most important institutions have developed over hundred of years
- Some people believe that the British constitution should be written while others think by being unwritten it allows more flexibility and better government
Parts of government (8)
- Monarchy
- Parliament (House of Commons and House of Lords)
- Prime Minister
- Cabinet
- Judiciary (courts)
- Police
- Civil service
- Local Governments
Other governments
There are development governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland that have the power to legislate on certain issues
Queen Elizabeth II (6)
- The head of state of the UK
- Monarch and head of state of many countries in the Commonwealth
- Reigned since her father’s death in 1952
- 2012 celebrated the Diamond Jubilee (60 years)
- She was married to Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh who died in 2021
- Prince Charles (Prince of Wales) is the heir to the throne
Queen’s roles (3)
- Opening of the new parliament session each year: makes a speech that summarises the government’s policies for the year ahead.
All acts of Parliament are made in her name. - Represents the UK to the rest of the world.
Receives foreign ambassadors and high commissioners entertain visiting heads of state and make state visits overseas in support of diplomatic and economic relationships with other countries. - Provide stability and continuity.
While governments and Prime Ministers change regularly, the Queen continues as head of state.
She provides focuses on national identity and pride - demonstrated through the celebrations of her jubilee.
UK’s constitutional monarchy (3)
- King or queen does not rule the country but appoints the government, which the people have chosen in a democratic election
- Monarch invites the leader of the party with the largest number of MPs, or the leader of a coalition between more parties, to become Prime Minister
- The monarch has regular meetings with the MP to warn, encourage and advise but the decisions on the government policies are made by the Prime Minister and cabinet.
National Anthem First Verse
God save our gracious Queen! Long live our noble Queen God save the Queen Send her victorious Happy and glorious Long to reign over us God save the Queen!
Oath of allegiance
I, Asia Fazion, swear by Almighty God that on becoming a British Citizen, I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, her Heirs and Successors, according to law
Affirmation of allegiance
I, Asia Fazion, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm that on becoming a British citizen, I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to HEr MAjesty Queen Elizabeth Second, her Heirs and Successors, according to law.
System of government (6)
- Parliamentary democracy
- UK divided into parliamentary constituencies
- Voters in each constituency elect their member of Parliament (MP) in a General Election
- All elected MPs form the House of Commons
- Most MPs belong to a political party, and the party with the majority of MPs form the government
- If one party does not get a majority, two parties can join together to form a coalition
House of Commons (4)
- More important of the two chambers in Parliament - members are democratically elected
- Include Prime minister and almost all members of the Cabinet
- Each MP represents a parliamentary constituency - small area of the country
- Each MPs has a number of responsibilities
MPs responsibilities (4)
- Represent everyone in their constituency
- Help to create new laws
- Inspect and comment on what the government is doing
- debate important national issues
The House of Lords
