United Kingdom Test Flashcards
How many presidential systems are their in advanced democracies?
The U.S. is the only one
What are the sources of legitimacy in the United Kingdom?
Social capital
What are the goals of the EU?
Integrate Europe economically and politically
What are the goals of NAFTA?
A trade agreement between Mexico, Canada, and the U.S.
What is unique about the British constitution?
It evolves over time; made up of the Magna Carta, Bill of Rights, common law, they all combine to form the CONSTITUTION OF THE CROWN
What is Code Law?
A legal system based on formal legal codes/laws
What is common law?
A legal system based on local customs and precedent
Why are some Brits worried about joining the EU?
It has a common currency and its own parliament and court system which would take away power from the British
What British political culture explains why they are so cautious towards the EU?
The importance of tradition
What is gradualism?
Policy making power established from strong traditions; they make changes very slowly the opposite of the U.S.’s radical changes
Which eras have coilition governments ruled Britian?
During WW2 and from 2010-present
What is neoliberalism?
The revival of classic liberal values, support low levels of government regulation, taxation, social expenditures, and the protection of property rights….. In forces by Margaret Thatcher
What is the largest ethnic minority in Britain?
Indian
What are the characteristics of the Conservative party?
Market controlled economy, privatization, fewer social-welfare programs, devolution of power to individual nations
What are the characteristics of the Liberal Democratic Party?
Wanted to be an in-between party between the conservatives and labor party
What are the characteristics of the Labour Party?
Middle class/working class, want more government control of economy, rights for the working class
How has the plurality system negatively affected the liberal democrats??
Although they can gain representation they don’t get the amount of seats in the House of Commons that is represented by election results
What is different about elections in Scottish and welsh regional parliaments?
It is based on proportional representations
What are quangos?
Policy advisory boards appointed by the government, kind of like regulatory agencies but they have some control over policy making
How do quangos influence policy making?
They are one of the greatest influences on policy making, they work closely with government officials to develop public policy
What is collective responsibility?
The leaders of the majority party take responsibility for making policy for the country and the cabinets must all work together
How are judges of the Supreme Court determined?
Through an appointment by a panel of lawyers, based on good behavior
What is the shadow cabinet?
Party members that oppose the majority party
What is the job of the Speaker of the House of Commons?
To keep order/ let everyone talk
What is a vote of no confidence?
A vote on a key issue, against the Prime Minister
What is the main power of the House of Lords now?
To delay legislation
How has parliamentary sovereignty influences judicial review?
It has not let judicial review happen because it is the principle that all parliamentary decisions are final
Which House of Parliament had the most power?
The House of Commons
What does the Prime Minister’s website do?
It provided the ministers’ schedules and videos of the PM’s statements and question
Which political party is most openly EU?
The Labour Party
What is Keynesianism?
More gov. Control to secure full employment, expanded docile services, maintains a steady rate of growth, and keeps prices stable
How has devolution happened?
Gradually, giving more representation to individual nations
What are some of the linkage institutions in the UK?
Political parties, interest groups, the media
How does social class affect voting behavior?
Working class=Labour Party
Upper class=Conservative party
How has social class voting behavior changes recently??
Voting lines have blurred due to the colition government
How does region affect voting behavior?
Labour Party does better is the urban/industrial areas (Scotland and Wales)
Conservatives do better in the rural/ suburban areas(England)
