chapter 5: politics and government

Whigs

A historical political faction that supported parliamentary power and reforms, and evolved into the Liberal Party.

Constitution

The UK has an uncodified constitution made up of statutes, conventions, legal documents, and traditions.

Magna Carta

A 1215 charter that limited royal power and laid foundations for the rule of law in England.

Cabinet

A group of senior government ministers, led by the Prime Minister, who make key policy decisions.

civil servant

A non-political government employee who supports ministers and implements public policy.

Lords Spiritual

Senior bishops of the Church of England who sit in the House of Lords.

executive

The branch of government responsible for implementing laws and running the country, led by the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

Secretary of State

A senior government minister in charge of a major department, such as Health or Education.

conventions

Unwritten practices that guide UK political conduct, such as the Prime Minister being a Commons MP.

manifesto

A document published by political parties before an election outlining their policies and promises.

devolution

The transfer of certain powers from the UK Parliament to regional bodies in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Tories

Originally supporters of royal authority, now refers to members of the Conservative Party.

'three-line whip'

An instruction for MPs to vote according to party lines, with three lines indicating its highest importance.

coalition

A government formed by two or more parties when no single party has a majority in Parliament.

Question Time

A weekly session where MPs can ask ministers and the Prime Minister questions in the House of Commons.

Oliver Cromwell

A 17th-century military leader and Lord Protector during the English Republic following the Civil War.

backbenchers

MPs who are not part of the government or shadow cabinet and sit behind the front benches in Parliament.

constitutional monarchy

A system in which the monarch is head of state but political power lies with elected representatives.

the Speaker

The impartial presiding officer of the House of Commons who ensures orderly debate.

royal assent

The monarch’s formal approval of a bill, making it law (now a ceremonial step).

White Paper

A government document outlining proposals for future legislation or policy changes.

William of Orange

Became William III of England after the Glorious Revolution (1688), marking the start of constitutional monarchy.

'The Troubles'

A period of conflict in Northern Ireland (late 1960s–1998) involving nationalist and unionist groups.

Statute

A written law passed by Parliament.

legislature

The branch of government responsible for making laws, in the UK this is Parliament.

sovereignty

Ultimate legal authority, which in the UK lies with Parliament.

secret ballot

A voting method where voters’ choices are confidential to ensure free and fair elections.

PR

Proportional Representation, an electoral system where parties gain seats based on the percentage of votes they receive (not used for UK general elections).

Clement Attlee

Labour Prime Minister (1945–1951) known for founding the NHS and building the post-war welfare state.

Privy Council

A formal body of advisers to the monarch, largely ceremonial today but still used for official matters.

'hung Parliament'

A situation where no single party has a majority of seats in the House of Commons.

select committees

Groups of MPs or Lords who scrutinise the work of government departments.

sleaze

A term for political scandals or corruption, especially in Parliament.

constituency

An electoral district represented by a Member of Parliament (MP) in the House of Commons.

Sir Robert Walpole

Often considered the first British Prime Minister, serving from 1721 to 1742.

precedent

A previous decision or action that serves as a rule or guide for future similar cases or situations.