UK Political Culture

National Health Service

Created in 1948 by the labour party.

Geographical influences on GB political culture

- An island - Small size - A short supply of fertile soil, short growing season - Temperate climate, but cold, chilly, and rainy - No major geographical barriers Also: people obey the British law, which helps with legitimacy

Trade Union Council

A coalition of trade unions that became a major force in British Politics.

Thatcherism

A conservative, capitalist backlash to the welfare state in the 1980's against the welfare state lead by Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. This was supported due to economic problems in the 70's.

The welfare state

A political culture in Great Britain after WWII with many socialized programs and social securities.

Neoliberalism

A term that describes the revival of classic liberal values that support low government regulation, taxation, and social expenditures. Embodies by "Iron Lady" Margaret Thatcher.

The Third Way and the "Big society"

After Thatcherism, moderation became central again in British Politics. Her successor, John Major - didn't follow all of Thatcher's policies. In 1997 the Labour party returned to the Center with Tony Blair who promised to create a "New Labour party" and rule in a "third way" - a centrist alternative to the old labour party and the conservative party. His popularity dipped when he supported the US in Iraq. His successor Gordon Brown struggled to keep the Labour party afloat during the 2008 crisis. A coalition was formed between conservatives and liberal democrats. David Cameron, the new prime minister, tried to implement "big society" - one that is energized by grass-roots volunteers and private organizations - not government. The conservative party has gained more seats in the house of commons in recent years.

Challenges of the Industrial Revolution

As Britain gained wealth in the Industrial Revolution, the peasants moved to the city and had more wealth. Therefore, they demanded a political system that accounted for their needs.

Reacting to the Loss of its status as an Imperialist Power

Britain helped their colonies gain independence, which means strong ties today. Their reality today is to balance their relationship with the US and their history-ridden relationship with Europe.

Mutli-nationalism

Britain is relatively culturally homogeneous, but its boundaries include Scotland, wales, and Northern Ireland - all which have different cultural backgrounds.

Britain in the 20th and early 21st centuries

Britain was the most powerful national pre - 20th century, but 2 world wars, economic problems in the 1970's, and the rising power of the US have greatly diminished its power in the 21st century.

Political Culture

British political culture reflects both Nationalism and Insularity. Other characteristics of the political culture are the Noblesse Oblige(this stems from the feudal systems and the lords protecting their serfs). This aspect of political culture in GB today is reflected in their acceptance of the "welfare state."

Political effects of Extension of Rights to the "common man"

By 1911 the house of lords could only delay legislation, the house of commons had more power. Political party membership was at that time determined by class. The Labour party was created in 1906 to represent the working/middle class and the Conservative party took most of the elite. The labour party created social reform and social programs - they were never socialist, but combined militant trade unionism and intellectual social democracy, to create a gradualist ideology to level class differences.

Gradualism

Change happens slowly in the UK

Noblesse Oblige

Duty to take care of lower class. There are still remnants of the feudal system. The upper class recognizes the need for a lower class and therefore takes care of them. There is not as much of an "American Dream."

Colonialism

From 1750 - 1914 Britain had a vast global empire. This was spurred on largely by Nationalism which gave the government citizen's support to conquer far away lands. The disintegration of their empire was gradual.

The Ascendancy of Parliament

In the English Civil War, a conflict between the King and his supporters and the Parliament (the Roundheads) the Parliament won. The Monarchy was abolished and then restored. The ascendancy of Parliament culminated in 1688 when William and Mary granted restrictions on their power in the by signing the Bill of Rights, during the glorious revolution of 1688.

Homogenity

Lacking in diversity in Britian

Labour Party

Leftist party in Britain created in 1906 to represent the working class.

Political and Economic Change

Mostly gradual Industrial Revolution, Imperialism, WW's, 1970s have had significant consequences.

Insularity

Separation from rest of Europe

The British Monarchy

The British Monarchy has been in place for many centuries, but the limitation of the monarch's power began back in 1215 with the signing of the Magna Carta.

Collective Consensus

The centralizing of British political groups during WWII in a unifying attempt to win the war. Before the war was over both parties accepted the Breveridge report which a social insurance program health, unemployment, pension.

Challenges to the Collective Consensus in 1970's

The collective consensus had created economic problems and the conservatives answered with Thatcherism. The problems were also caused by OPEC being formed, and oil prices rising.

Adjusting to the Industrial Revolution

The industrial revolution created 2 new social classes: a business middle class and laborers. Parliament was at first hesitant to give them voting rights but gradually did so. The right to vote had culminated in 1928, when all women could vote.

Constitution of the Crown

The system of rational-legal authority in Great Britain