Comparative Gov 3

What is the geography, demography, and history of the United Kingdom?

- citizens are British. Welsh, Scots, Northern Irish,English= multiethnic with various cultures and races -63 million residents, racially homogenous with 13% of immigrants from India or Caribbean - geographically isolates helps with protection and prevents invasion,strength of navy - late to adhere to EU, still uses British pound with euro, doesn't want European unification - the crown is a ceremonial and symbolic of British state -rules of British political life(regime) and the capacity to enforce rules, peaceful modernization Uk has invasions- Germanic Angles and Saxons left their language except in Wales, Scotland.

What are the challenges faced by the developed democracies' postindustrial economic institutions?

- information based economy that empowers and dislocates - demographic changes affect how countries provide public goods - most of profits are made and most of the people are employed in the service sector - financial crisis - rise in real estate - higher unemployment - higher lending and spending - long terms

What is the political regime of the UK? What are its branches of government? What is its electoral system?

- majority party can enact policies with little restriction - no formal constitutional limits on central government, few judicial restraints - no constitutional sanctioned local authorities - no constitution but has written and unwritten policies Magna Carta, bill of rights, act of union, - lower house: legislature can amend the constitution with a majority vote - monarch, region or local governments, parliament, - 1973: became member of EU to protect basic rights so appeal to EU instead of UK - unitary, electoral system for lower house is plurality majoritarian: term describing the virtually unchecked power of parliamentary majority in the UK political system

Electoral System

- uses SMD plurality. 650 constituencies elects one member of parliament. - dominance of two political parties, hurts smaller parties - unchecked power to party with majority - electoral vote for proportional - hung parliament- no party won a majority of seats in election - Scotland and Wales: proportional SMD system North Ireland: single transferable vote-majority SMD

European Commission

28 members, responsible for some specific policy area- transport, environment, energy. had its own president chosen by the EU- 5 year, enforces treaties

British Empire

16th century to 19th century. dominant military, commercial and cultural power. mabu developed. domestic industry increased, trade, wealthiest economy. governed one quarter of the world's population. decreases slow and incremental- American colonies ended, continued to expand in Asia and Africa, granted independence of colonies, war with Argentina, lost control of China. former colonies maintain economic and cultural ties to UK. Today it is considered the commonwealth

EU timeline

1951- 2004, 6 member to 15 and 2004-2013, 13 new members. consists of half billion of population, GDP EU total is US's total GDP, tensions increase because new member states are poorer than EU member states. new states don't all use Euro, tension of jobs, East and South

collectivist consensus

1970s, postwar consensus between the UK's major parities to build and sustain welfare state

monetary union

1999,used Euro which increases competition, stimulates trade, cross border investments within EU. helps European identity, increase power in international system- if one country falls apart, impacts other EU countries. removes state sovereignty, relies on trade, EU countries' economies are linked

cabinet

20 members, members of parliament, lower house,

British Empire

1500s begin expansion- 1870 reach peak of power, industrial revolution post, Victorian Era- wealth, goods, valuables, colonialism ex- Asia, Africa(Middle East), Caribbean, Australia, North America loss of powers- low and incremental loss of American colonies (18th century) further losses after WWII- self determination and economically debt Commonwealth- UK and 54 former colonies, way for British empire to decentralize. shared values and history

English Civil War

1642- 1651, the defenders of Charles, against the supporters of Parliament who won and executed Charles 1 in 1649. 17th century conflict between Parliament and the monarch that temporarily eliminated and permanently weakened the monarch in England.

hung parliament

2010 parliamentary election, no party obtained a majority of seats. represents both Thatcher and Blair views. formed a coalition government with ideas of fairness, freedom and responsibility. election result in which no party wins a majority of parliamentary seats such as House of Commons general election in 2010. UK

Quangos

Are policy advisory boards that are appointed by the government that bring together government officials and affected interest groups to help develop policy. They represent a move toward the neocorporatist model of public policy making

What role does the UK play in foreign policy?

British airways, Rolls Royce, Jaguar extend privatization to railroads, health are, and underground(subway) direct benefits to welfare to work program to find employment largest economy in world defend interest militarily junior party to follow US foreign relations greater agreement with its european partners to role of Palestinian- Israeli conflict joined France into a military intervention in Libya liberalism, only institutions

Ideology

British political values strongly influenced by social-democratic values, Many Britons embrace increased state intervention, less individual freedom, and increased social equality. British citizens tend to be more socially and morally liberal than US citizens for example, legalizing abortion and homosexuality in the 1960's, far less emphasis on religion and traditional family values

1642 to 51

English Civil War, King Charles I vs Parliament; Charles executed. support King vs Parliament power of people, less power of government

Against Euro

Euro is down so influences pound undermines soverights put important economic decision in hands of EU Uk's economy is different than others on continent Euro would reduce UK's flexibility in responding to its economic challenges

Labour Party

Formed in 1900 from the Trade Union Movement Goal: to provide a voice for the working class in Parliament (ex: manual laborers) Favor ideas about socialism and social democracy Strong welfare Limited state ownership of industry Class structure changed in UK, leading to a division between radical socialists and moderates in the 1970s party became influenced by trade unions Reform in 1980s-1990s: decreased influence of socialism rewrote their constitution to decrease power of trade unions focused on appealing to all socioeconomic classes

Liberal Democratic Party

Formed in 1988 as the third party in the UK with moderate views and policies Apart of a coalition government with Conservatives from 2010 to 2015 Favors liberalism with individual freedom and limited state power and social democracy with collective equality 2010: received 23% popular vote lost seats in Parliament due to SMD desire for proportional representation 2011: referendum on electoral reform proposed a neutral idea for the public to choose between the current plurality SMD system or a majority SMD referendum failed- 50% voter turnout and ⅓ voted for majority SMD

Conservative Party

Formed in the late 18th century with favor of democratic rule Voters include many people with various socioeconomic classes 1970s: Division between traditional conservatives and neoliberals traditional conservatives: wanted limited welfare radicals or neoliberals: wanted free market reforms

Ethnic Identity

Former British colonies have immigrated to the UK, Creating racial diversity, and tensions, Minority groups have limited impact in elections (lack of PR system), Quotas imposed to limit immigrants, Increased xenophobia, and support for UKIP

What are the characteristics of developed democracies?

GDP Nigeria is 31% less developed democracy gini index: lower number equals more developed democracy inequality- democracies have high disparities between economic levels developed democracies do not depend on agriculture/ industry presence of private property economic output PPP economic output small portion of their GDP is from agriculture and industrial production output of wealth and well being of society (HDI) liberal democratic regimes and capitalist economic systems liberal, social democratic or mercantilist high HDI rankings diverse institutionalized liberal democracy private property free markets and high level of economic development freedom: participation, competition and liberty ex: abortions. agree- sweden, greece and canada, medium- south korea/ argentina, disagree- chile, mexico judiciary- defend citizens rights- constitutional courts, proportional representation or single member districts politically diverse equality of capitalism- economic prosperity leads to inequality among wealthy and ethnic groups gini index judiciary: legislature and executive fused or legislature vs executive separate private property and market

1688

Glorious Revolution: parliament removes James II, installed Mary and William (Dutch)

Trade Union COngress

Is a confederation of the United Kingdom's largest trade unions It's the most important interest group Linked to the Labour Party Why has the TUC weakened? the number of blue-collar workers is shrinking quickly the Conservative Margaret Thatcher drastically reduced the political power of the TUC by passing laws restricting union activity reforms within the Labour Party in the 1990's weakened the TUC's control

Uk's Society

Is multinational and multiethnic, There exists class, religious, and linguistic divisions, However, there is remarkable national unity, and social and political stability.

Northern Ireland

Is the Northeastern portion of Ireland that is part of the United Kingdom, Also known as Ulster- Religion is a source of conflict(60% Protestant and 40% Catholic), This division increased by national and class differences, Catholics were discriminated against, 1998 Good Friday Agreement- the Irish Republican Army had to stop its armed struggle, political reforms, giving Catholics greater say in local government, created Northern Irish legislature and PR voting system '

Confederation of British Industry

Is the most important business organization in the UK representing the private sector, The TUC's main counterweight, No direct link to the Conservative Party, Conservative policies reflect industrial and financial interests, Business leaders have influenced past COnservative governments.

Political Culture

Is typically described as pragmatic and tolerant Deal with problems as they arise Political radicalism is rare (on either left or right) Political actors attempt evolutionary change (not revolutionary) Pragmatism strengthened by classical liberal tolerance for opposing views strong sense of fair play generally high level of consensus on the political rules of the game In reality, British political culture made up of many subcultures Aristocratic culture Mass/ Working- class culture Devolution, immigration, multiculturalism, economic recession, growing social inequality, & imposition of austerity measures have complicated these subcultures

1215

Magna Carta, first document that said no rule is above the law. limit power of monarch. everyone is beholden to law to more democratic

1066

Norman Invasion: Frenchman invades Britain and institutes

1714

Parliament installs (George I) Germany, relied on prime minister lead to shift of power to parliament. prime minister and cabinet reduced power of monarch

Fixed Parliment Acts of 2011

Prime ministers could exercise early elections during a time of favorable political conditions to remain in office longer than 5 years Starting in 2015, prime ministers can only serve for a maximum of five years- elections have a set date and must be held every 5 years Received support from the Liberal Democratic and Conservative Coalition

1509 to 47

Reign of Henry VIII: created church of England lead to protestant, officially break from church of England to form - Anglican church. creation of state controlled. Catholic church has a lot of control over Europe law, less power of church, legitimized Parliament's power

political participation

SMD and proportional, indirect/direct, voter registrations, funded by political campaigns one impact of Euroskeptisim on EU member countries often anti- Muslim views and homophobic government interest, advocates developed of democracy HDI

Current Issues in UK

Scotland wants independence from UK 1707: Act of Union- formed Scotland and UK 1930s: SNP founded 1960s: discovery of oil in North Sea which Uk would benefit from oil 1980s: disapproval with Thatcher's economic policies Scotland pays less of healthcare and education 2007: regional elections and lib dems wanted control- disliked Iraq war SNP won elections for regional elections minority group and decided to be independent Scotland has a mix of SMD and PR to prevent outright control 2011: won outright majority of parliament

authoritarian

Stalin and Nazi Germany, dictator, doesn't have to listen to dictator. ex: Cuba and North Korea. tyrant that can be checked by other insittuions

Civil SOciety

The UK is made up of many interest groups. These interest groups influence public policy and public opinion. They focus their attention on the party leadership and government bureaucracies (interpret and apply policies). Interest groups greatest influence is through quangos.

other parities

Typically smaller and unsuccessful because of plurality SMD systems Examples: Green Party, UK Independence Party (UKIP), Scottish National Party(SNP) SNP: in 2015, won 56 out of 59 seats for Scotland's representation in Parliament UKIP: opposes the EU and immigration

Class Identity

The most important social division in the UK, Historically, politics has reflected class differences,Increased social mobility causes the perception of a two-tier society, Upper Class: prosperous white-collar southern England, Working Class: struggling blue-collar north, The education system is a huge contributor to this class system, Continued self-identification with either upper class or the working class through preferred tastes, leisure activities, and variations in speech and accent also play a part in class identity

geograph/ language

UK consists of England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland-- Ireland had a revolution and gained independence, England is protestant - NI: protestant, Great Britain: UK, British: UK vs English: England population: 63 M 5/6 in England, multiethnic state: Scottish, Welsh, English citizens with distinct cultures and languages, 13% non- white: radically homogenous lead to former colonies ex: Caribbean, India, Pakistan, Nigeria

National Identity

UK made up of four nations- England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland A want for more national autonomy, Support for advocated devolution. However, fear that this will cause an eventual breakup of the country And of British identity decreasing from increased dependence on the EU

developed democracies

a country with institutionalized democracy and a high level of economic development

Third Way

a political compromise between the right and the left that continued to inform the improbable coalition government, term describing recent policies of the Labour Party in the UK that embrace the free market

EU

a politico-economic union of 28 member states that are located primarily in Europe. The EU operates through a system of supranational institutions and intergovernmental-negotiated decisions by the member states. The institutions are: the European Commission, the Council of the European Union, the European Council, the Court of Justice of the European Union, the European Central Bank, the European Court of Auditors, and the European Parliament. The European Parliament is elected every five years by EU citizens. started because of the aftermath of WWI to unite economy, politics,and societal institutions and reject conflict

common law

a system based on local customs and precedent rather than legal codes- basis of contemporary legal systems of UK except Scotland

common law

a system based on local practice customs and on present rather than formal legal codes ex: common law marriage

intergovernmental system

a system in which two or more countries cooperate on issues- consensus and suggested like the UN

member of Parliament (MP)

an individual legislator in the UK House of Commons- max of five terms.

supranational system

an intergovernmental system with its own sovereign powers over member states- sovereignty shared between member states and bound together ex: EU

Margaret Thatcher

apart of conservative party's, first leader of industrial democracy to experiment with neoliberal economic policies to increase economic decline. controversial. helped conservatives remain in power. conservative prime minister of the UK from 1979 to 1990

post industrial

bulk of profit are made and most of people are employed in the service sector

modern

characterized as secular, rational, materialistic, technological and bureaucratic and placing a greater emphasis on individual freedom than in the past- emphasis on economic development, less concerned with earth

postmodern

characterized by a set of values that center on quality of life consideration and give less attention to material gain- limitless possibilities, protect earth, focus on healthcare, good behavior, hinders scientific and technological advances

post industrial economy

current financial services like banking and tourism privatization in 1980s which lead to neoliberalism and decreased role in government in state economy welfare state diminishing

collective equality

developed democracies can be developing countries in transition

How do political, economic, and social institutions differ in the developed democracies?

developed democracies: people district state, state is too large, too distant, constant policies - institutions: try to understand needs and wants of people, more control of local affairs- devolution, transfer of funds in local authorities, directly challenged - have power over institutions

How have developed democracies faced challenges to sovereignty? And how have they seen a rise in postmodern values?

devolution increases or resolves demands for sovereignty - strength of local identities -modern values were threatened and important for materials goods, technology, - environment, health, leisure, equality, self expression, tolerance - confronted by devotion and integration - social norms are in flux and challenge social norms - economic dimension, social dimension and political dimension - welfare and social demographics- older people need more welfare, increased immigration, cut back benefits, expand labor market, retirement age increases, part time jobs end - social expenditures- increase taxes and borrow money from other states

UK Independence Party (UKIP)

dislikes EU and is anti immigration. 2015- big vote gains but only gained one seat even with 13% of vote

Why did the economy declines?

downside of early industrialization which made the industrial power face obsolete of technology and sign to new economic environment burden of empire lead to financial drain on one country rather than a benefit collectivist consensus not only blocked meaningful economic reform in the UK and social expenditures while ignoring modernization---emphasis on collectivism with welfare of state post WWII economy is lost because don't focus on industry and slow economic growth in EU pritization decreased role in state economy

House of Commons

lower house represented by the interests of lower nobility and merchant class

David Cameron

elected as prime minister in 2005 gained 97 seats in 2010 elections- plurality but not majority formed coalition with Liberal Democrats won majority vote in 2015 leading to formation of a single party government 2017: UK will have a referendum about how to address European integration in the EU and renegotiate their EU membership

UK

established democracy, institutionalized, no written constitution leads to traditional legitimacy, transition to democracy was gradual, still uses monarchy, modernization: external forces, middle class

European Council

general political direction and priorities of EU and helping member states resolve the complex or sensitive issues that arise between them. comprised of heads of state, or government. president elected for 2.5 year terms- not directly elected by the EU public- not executive power. discuss political issues. currently the president is the former prime minister of Poland

, prime minister

head of government, has cabinet which consists government , maintain support of Mps, oversee cabinet- smoothly, win in elections for party or coalition. national leadership. experience in house of Commons ex: Margaret Thatcher- private industry, defeated trade unions, sell public housing to keep more private, local government tax citizens and TOny Blair- similar to Thatcher, power to regional governments,in Iraq war, central bank and constitutional court in Scotland and Wales

inequality

high level, south growing faster than industrial North. most of economy is service. government spending outpaces government revenue. austerity measures in place since 2010

House of Lords

higher income,upper, powerful, 800 members . some apportioned for life by crown, recommendation of prime minister, church of england, law lords, no veto power over legislation but can delay legislation.

Good Friday Agreement

historic 1998 accord between protestants and catholics in northern ireland that ended decades of violence. voted on establishment of the northern ireland assembly. federal UK

Ed Miliband

in 2010 he became the leader of Labour Party(opposition party in Parliament) and stepped down in 2015 supported by trade unions

hereditary peers

in the UK, seats in the House of Lords that were granted to aristocratic families in perpetuity

liberal economic system

individual freedoms social economic system

Industrial Revolution

late 18h centuries - steam engines, textiles lead to clothing, finished products, machinery, iron (railroad, cities, urbanization, terrible environment), production = mercantilism, so want sanitation services and more expenditures - from government lead to standard of living increased - changed politics, society, not result in upheaval and instability -healthcare to modern medicare for penicillin and anesthesia - increased wealth , little competition other countries desire of economy WWII- Germany produces and knocks out GB, cant keep up with introductions

Tony Blair

leader of Labour party, wanted to reform some of Thatcher's and conservatives ideas- neoliberalism and embrace them, labour prime minister of the UK from 1997 to 2007

Nigel Farage

leader of UKIP and member of European Parliament In 2014, UKIP received more votes and seated more members in European Parliamentary Elections because British members of European Parliament are elected through proportional representation

European Parliament

legislature whose members 751 directly elected by the EU member states 5 year terms, passes legislation proposed by the commission. passes budget for EU and approves members of commission, proportional - representation

feudalism

lords at top of social pyramid peasants who work for the lord. don't have land. Europe/ Asia become feudalism

House of COmmons

lower class

judiciary

minor role, British parliament had more power makings laws passed constitutional. more involvement in with the court's- legal protection and international laws, new authority to determine id unconditional, common law

How did the UK contribute to the liberal economic model?

more emphasis on social democratic values after WWII to neoliberalism largest economy in world

Parliament

name of the UK legislature, have lack of constitutional constraints, 650 members,max of five years, elect prime minister, follow political party. debate issues, participate in legislative committees, vote on legislation and propose measures. criticizes policies made by executive.

unitary state

no formal powers are reserved for regional or local government . apreleminet remains sovereign and can limit devolved authority. upper chamber is unelected. local govt is tradition of powerful local govt- limited,

EU Court of Justice

one judge for each country, rules on EU laws and conflicts between EU laws and laws of member states. member countries, eu bodies, companies and individuals all appeal to the court of justice. 6 year term

Conservatives (Tories)

one of the UK's two largest parties in government since 2010, remained in power until 1997 because labour party one.

Labour Party

one of the UK's two largest parties since 2010 has been the party in opposition

Liberals (Whigs)

opposed policies of the monarch. supported by members of UK commercial class who were excluded. UK- first opposition party and one of two major political parties until early twentieth century

David Cameron

prime minister in 2010, tories, won a majority on a neoliberal platform, leader of the conservatives in the UK, prime minister and head of the ruling coalition government since 2010

Crown

refers to British monarchy and sometimes to the British state- legislature, judiciary, prime minister, cabinet.head of state or monarch. ceremonious paid civil servant. signing papers, public works, diplomatic functions. no influence in politics, traditional

Scottish National Party (SNP)

seeking scottish independence and currently in control of the scottish regional government. 2015- big ote gains. 56 out of 59 seats 2015

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

since 1801, formal name for England, Scotland, and Wales and northeastern part of Ireland.

Magna Carta

the 1215 document signed by King John in England that set the precedent for limited monarchical powers. British nobles obliged King John to sign in 1215. royal promise to uphold feudal customs and the rights of England's barons. limited the power of British monarchs and subjecting them to rule of law. UK never experienced the type of royal absolutism. public control over government and the state.

Brexit vote

the possible British exit from European Union; the term was made popular following Prime Minister Cameron's promise to hold a national referendum on the issue before 2017 vote if Britain will exit EU

Favor Euro

trade would be easier and avoid fluctuations help trade British goods would not be too expensive promote investment and exchange rate would not be an issue Liberal Democratic party supports Euro

collective responsibility

tradition in the UK that requires all members of the cabinet either to support government policy or to resign

House of Lords

upper house represented by the aristocracy

Scottland Vote for independence

vote yes or no for elections devo max: british government would devolve more power to Scotland Cameron decided if yes or no increase voter registration so allowed 16 and 17 year olds to vote - 55/46 majority of no because Scotland is economically dependent on UK, jobs and defense, and citizenship - currently: support for independence and devolved power to Scottish government