AP Comp Gov: Unit 2 (United Kingdom) Study Guide

Magna Carta

A charter signed in 1215 that limited the absolute power of the monarch and established rights such as trial by jury and due process.

Collective Consensus

A general agreement among major political parties in the UK post-WWII that favored the establishment of a welfare state and government intervention in the economy.

Neoliberalism

A political ideology promoting free-market capitalism, minimizing government intervention in the economy, exemplified by policies such as tax cuts and privatization.

Devolution

The transfer of powers from the central government to regional governments, allowing localized governance.

Parliamentary Sovereignty

The principle that Parliament is the supreme legal authority in the UK, able to create or repeal any law.

Constitutional Monarchy

A system of governance where a monarch acts as head of state within the boundaries set by a constitution.

Good Friday Agreement

A landmark agreement that established peace in Northern Ireland, outlining the governance structure and relationships with the Republic of Ireland.

Collective Responsibility

A convention in parliamentary systems that requires all cabinet members to publicly support all government decisions.

House of Commons

The elected lower house of Parliament, representing the electorate and having significant legislative powers.

House of Lords

The appointed upper house of Parliament, consisting of life peers, hereditary peers, and bishops, which serves to review legislation.

First Past The Post

An electoral system where the candidate with the most votes wins, often disadvantaging smaller parties.

Brexit

The United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union, resulting in significant political and economic implications.

Political Parties

Organized groups that represent different ideologies and interests within the political system, including Conservatives, Labour, and others.

Supranational Organization

An entity formed by multiple countries that requires them to cede authority on certain issues, such as the EU or NATO.

Class Cleavage

A social division in the UK historically between the working and middle classes, often influenced by education.

Quangos

Quasi-autonomous non-governmental organizations funded by taxpayers for specific regulatory purposes, often criticized for inefficiency.

Backbencher

A Member of Parliament who does not hold a significant position in the government or opposition and sits behind the leading members.

Referendums

Direct votes in which an electorate is invited to vote on a particular proposal and can lead to changes in laws or policies.

Vote of No Confidence

A parliamentary vote that can lead to the removal of the Prime Minister if the government is deemed unsatisfactory by the majority.

Fusion of Powers

A governance system where the executive and legislative branches are interconnected, as seen in the UK parliamentary system.

Shadow Cabinet

A group of senior opposition members in Parliament who scrutinize government actions and propose alternative policies.