UK Flashcards
Effect of Geography
Has high capacity and sovereignty because it is an island with little standing geographic threats. Mostly internal conflict.
The WORD of the UK
Gradualism
Legitimacy
Traditional
Constitution of the Crown
a collection of documents used instead of a set constitution (Magna Carta, Petition of Right, English Bill of Rights)
Magna Carta
Not exactly creating a democracy but it is a step in the right direction (protects the land and people from unfair monarchy)
MAJOR POINT
early establishment of parliament allowed Britain to have a mixed monarchy. Avoided absolutism and paved the way to modernity.
Religious Cleavage
- Geography (EX: Ireland = Catholic)
- Top-Down Reform (EX: Henry VIII)
- British Institution (EX: Anglican)
Parliament Act of 1911
Supremacy of the House of Commons was established by limiting legislation-blocking powers of the House of Lords
Parliament Act of 1949
HOC further limited the power of the HOL by reducing the time they could delay bills (specifically public bills) (went from two years to one year)
Westminster
Building that houses the HOL and HOC
3 Parts of Parliament
- King/Queen (Crown-in-Parliament)
- House of Commons
- House of Lords
The Crown
all of the governing power: “the state”, jurisprudence, legislative, executive, commonwealth, Rule of Law, the sovereign
Head of State
Representative in foreign affairs, President/King, symbol of unity, may not have power
Head of Government
elected official that has actual power, makes law, executive in parliament and is in charge of the operations of government
Advantages of a hereditary Head of State
Consistency, Predictability, Unity, Legitimacy
Public response to the monarchy and prime minister
people are more connected to the monarchy since they are seen as a representative of their country while the PM is not
Cabinet
21 senior members of the government (22 w/ PM)
Advisors, policy-makers
more likely to be from HOC
Treasury
Prime minister and finance minister who handle all economic and financial matters (highest ranked cabinet member)
House of Commons
- 650 MPs
- 5 year terms, no term
limit - Direct election by the
people
Question Time (HOC)
feature of most parliamentary systems where the PM &Cabinet are asked questions they are obliged to answer
Roles of the HOC
- Discuss and debate
- Represent
- Hold the government accountable
- make and review laws
Scrutiny
a close examination and investigation of government policies done by a committee in both houses
House of Lords
- originally used to advise nobles
- around 800 members
- either lifetime term or a single, non-renewable term of 15 yrs
Changes in HOL 1958
women were allowed and hereditary chairs were (mostly) stopped
Selection of the HOL
80% selected by a committee, 20% appointed
Roles of the HOL
- question and challenge the government’s work
- work with the HOC to shape laws
- discuss issues through committees/debates
HOL Crossbenchers
member of a independent/minor party that could side with either the government or opposition
Dignified Branch
to win the people’s loyalty by putting on a show (monarchy)
Efficient Branch
uses the loyalty to run the country (PM, cabinet, government ministries)
Prime Minister
- Head of government
- chairs the cabinet
- must have “commands the confidence” to have office
PM + Sovereign
Pm meets up with the Sovereign regularly to give advice
Asks the Sovereign for permission to form a government in the majesty’s name
10 Downing Street
PM residence and office
How a bill becomes a law
- Green Paper (created by committee) proposed the law
- Green Paper is debated
- White Paper is published (more detailed GP)
- White Paper is debated
- Turned into bill
- Bill is debated by HOC and HOL
- Goes to sovereign for Royal Assent to become an Act of Parliament
Fixed Term Parliament Act of 2011
- Elections held every 5 years
- weakened PM power to call elections
Dissolution and Calling of Parliament Act 2022
- Repealed the FTP Act of 2011
-Reinstated the prior constitutional situation - Restored power to PM to host a general election
- Created MP terms (5 yrs)
- Monarchy could summon or dissolve parliament
