Comprehensive UK, Iran, and Mexico Political Systems & History

What is a unitary form of government?

A system where all decision-making runs through Parliament, overriding other authorities.

What is devolution in the context of the UK?

The process of transferring power from Parliament to regional governments, such as Scotland and Wales.

What is the primary legislative body in the UK?

Parliament, which consists of the House of Commons and the House of Lords.

What voting system is used for electing members of Parliament in the UK?

Plurality voting in single-member districts (first-past-the-post).

Who is the head of government in the UK?

The Prime Minister.

What role does the King play in the UK government?

The King serves as the head of state with a symbolic role and no real power.

Why is the UK considered an advanced democracy?

It is the oldest democratic country with a gradual evolution of its political system.

What is the significance of the Great Reform Act of 1832?

It expanded voting rights to over 300,000 men, marking a step towards broader suffrage.

What is the Beveridge Report and its main focus?

A 1942 report identifying five 'giant evils' in society: Want, Squalor, Ignorance, Disease, and Idleness.

What was the outcome of the Beveridge Report?

It led to the establishment of a Welfare State in the UK, providing various social services.

What is the National Health Service (NHS)?

A publicly funded healthcare system in the UK that provides free medical care to citizens.

What economic changes occurred after WWII in the UK?

A collective consensus emerged for a welfare state to address social needs and reduce inequality.

What policies did Margaret Thatcher implement during her time as Prime Minister?

She cut social welfare programs, promoted neoliberalism, and reduced the power of labor unions.

What is 'New Labour' and who was its prominent leader?

A reformed Labour Party led by Tony Blair, focusing on centrist policies and partnerships with business.

What was the significance of the 2010 UK election?

It resulted in a hung parliament and the formation of a Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition government.

What was the outcome of the 2014 Scottish independence referendum?

The electorate voted against independence, with 55% voting no and 45% voting yes.

What does the term 'austerity' refer to in UK politics?

Strict government spending policies aimed at reducing budget deficits.

What is the unwritten constitution of the UK?

A constitution formed by various acts of Parliament and legal precedents without a single codified document.

How did the Industrial Revolution influence democracy in the UK?

It spurred the creation of labor unions and led to gradual extensions of voting rights.

What is the role of common law in the UK?

It allows decisions made by public officials and courts to set precedents for future governance.

What is the 'Constitution of the Crown'?

The term used to describe the UK's constitutional framework, which is not codified in a single document.

What was the impact of the National Education Act?

It provided free college education in the UK.

What was the political climate in the UK during Margaret Thatcher's government?

A shift towards neoliberal policies and a reduction in government intervention in the economy.

What was the significance of the Freedom of Information Act passed in 2000?

It enhanced transparency in government by allowing public access to information.

What was the main focus of the Labour Party under Tony Blair?

To move towards the center and establish partnerships with business while distancing from trade unions.

What does 'gradualism' refer to in the context of UK political evolution?

The slow and steady change in political power and rights over time, rather than abrupt reforms.

What is the legislative executive system of the UK?

Parliamentary

What are the two houses of the UK Parliament?

House of Commons (lower house) and House of Lords (upper house)

What is the electoral system for the House of Commons?

Single-member districts with plurality

What is the chief judicial body in the UK?

Supreme Court

What type of democracy does the UK have?

Parliamentary democracy

What is meant by 'Parliamentary Sovereignty'?

Parliament can make or overturn any law.

What is the role of the King in the UK government?

Head of State who gives advice to the PM and provides Royal Assent to bills.

What is the significance of the 'Speech from the Throne'?

It is a speech written by the PM delivered by the King to outline government priorities.

What is the Fixed Parliament Act 2011?

It established five-year terms for Parliament, repealed in 2022.

What happens during a vote of No Confidence?

If a majority of parties dislike the PM, they can vote to remove them.

What is the role of the Prime Minister?

Head of Government, responsible for policy and decisions of the government.

What is 'Collective Responsibility' in the Cabinet?

All cabinet members must publicly support PM's decisions or resign.

What is the significance of 10 Downing Street?

It is the official office and residence of the Prime Minister.

What is the composition of the Cabinet?

PM and 22 ministers, usually party leaders from Parliament.

What is the role of the Speaker of the House?

A non-partisan MP who decides who speaks during debates and keeps order.

What is Prime Minister's Question Time?

A weekly debate where the PM and cabinet answer questions from MPs.

What is the structure of the UK Parliament?

Bicameral legislature with the House of Commons and House of Lords.

What is the role of backbenchers in Parliament?

MPs not in government or shadow government, sometimes do not sit in the chamber.

What does 'Loyal Opposition' refer to?

The second party in Parliament that becomes the shadow government.

What is the significance of the Good Friday Agreement?

It was a major political development in Northern Ireland's governance.

What is the role of local governments in the UK?

They have devolved powers but are considered part of a unitary state.

How did Thatcher's policies affect local power?

She reduced local power.

How did Blair's policies affect regional power?

He increased regional power through devolution.

What is the significance of the distance between the two red lines in the Commons?

It represents two sword lengths, and stepping over it results in removal.

What is the role of top bureaucrats in the UK government?

They provide expertise and have significant input in policy-making.

What is the relationship between MPs and Cabinet members?

Cabinet members are always MPs and leaders of the majority party.

What is the role of the Civil Service in the UK?

They administer laws and deliver public services, often providing policy advice.

What is the House of Lords?

The upper house of the UK Parliament, consisting of hereditary and life peers.

What significant change did the House of Lords Act 1999 bring?

It reduced the number of hereditary peers to 92.

What powers does the House of Lords have?

It can delay legislation and debate technicalities, but the House of Commons can delete amendments by a simple majority.

What is the role of law lords in the House of Lords?

They serve as Britain's highest court of appeals but cannot rule acts of Parliament unconstitutional.

How does the electoral system in the UK differ from that in the US?

In the UK, parties are less powerful, and members often do not live in their districts.

What is the voting turnout in UK elections compared to the US?

About 65% of eligible voters in the UK vote, compared to 30-60% in the US.

What electoral system is primarily used in the UK?

First-past-the-post (FPTP) single-member districts.

What is Proportional Representation (PR)?

An electoral system that allocates seats based on the percentage of votes each party receives.

What are the advantages of PR electoral systems?

They represent minority interests, increase women's representation, and emphasize ideas over personalities.

What are the disadvantages of PR electoral systems?

They can lead to too many small parties with disproportionate importance and facilitate extremist parties.

What is political socialization?

The process by which individuals learn and develop their political beliefs.

What are some key agents of political socialization in the UK?

Family, schools, and media (e.g., BBC).

What is the threshold in PR electoral systems?

The minimum percentage of votes a party must receive to secure a seat, usually around 5%.

What is the difference between coinciding and cross-cutting cleavages?

Coinciding cleavages reinforce divisions, while cross-cutting cleavages allow for cooperation on different issues.

What are some examples of social cleavages in the UK?

Social class, ethnicity, and religion.

What role do interest groups play in the UK?

They link citizens to government and influence policy-making through competition.

What are quangos?

Quasi-autonomous non-governmental organizations that advise the government and implement policies.

What is the significance of the BBC in the UK media landscape?

It is a government-owned entity known for impartiality and reliability in news reporting.

What was the media scandal of 2011 involving the BBC?

Phone hacking practices led to the closure of the News of the World newspaper.

What is the impact of social class on voting behavior in the UK?

Voting behavior is still tied to social class and region.

How does the UK judiciary system differ from others?

It is not unified; England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland each have their own judicial systems.

What is the Rule of Law?

The principle that law should apply equally to all individuals.

What is the role of judges in the UK legal system?

Judges interpret laws based on precedent and consistency.

What is the significance of the term 'arms-length government'?

It refers to a style of governance where quangos operate independently from direct ministerial control.

What is the relationship between political parties and social cleavages?

Political parties address social cleavages by linking citizens' interests to government actions.

What is a runoff in electoral systems?

A second election between the top candidates if no one achieves a majority in the first round.

What is the role of civil society in the UK?

It allows citizens to organize outside the state and participate in policy-making.

What are coinciding cleavages?

Identity divisors that coincide with one another for large numbers of individuals, making conflict more likely.

What are cross-cutting cleavages?

Divisions in society that create multiple potential groups that may conflict on one issue but cooperate on another, keeping conflict to moderate levels.

What is the percentage of the British population that identifies as English?

77%

What percentage of the British population is of non-European origins as of 2011?

13%

By what percentage did the minority ethnic population in the UK grow between 1991 and 2001?

53%

What is the second most spoken language in the UK?

Polish

What issues do ethnic minorities in the UK disproportionately face?

Diminished opportunities, unequal treatment by police, physical harassment, and marginalization in education and housing.

What does 'Fortress Britain' refer to?

The attempt to limit immigration from former colonies through quotas on nonwhite dependents.

What major event in 2011 was fueled by anger over recession and immigration issues in the UK?

Riots in London and other cities.

What is the religious demographic split in Northern Ireland?

48% Protestant and 45% Catholic.

What was the period of conflict known as The Troubles?

A 30-year conflict in Northern Ireland involving the IRA and British army.

What significant agreement was established in Northern Ireland in 1998?

The Good Friday Agreement.

How has devolution impacted social cleavages in the UK?

It has created national parliaments and assemblies that have more control over regional issues.

What historical social class distinctions exist in the UK?

Historically between the working class and middle class.

What is the significance of education in the UK regarding social mobility?

Education is the most important portal to elite classes, particularly through Oxbridge (Oxford and Cambridge).

What was the cause of the 2011 Blackberry Protests in the UK?

The death of Mark Duggan from police brutality, which led to public protests and riots.

What is the unique political structure of Iran?

A theocratic republic with democratic elements.

Who is the Supreme Leader of Iran?

One appointed by God, who has significant power over the government.

What is the role of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in Iranian politics?

He emphasized the intertwining of Islam with politics.

What happened to six Iranians in 2014 for dancing in a music video?

They were arrested and sentenced to prison and lashes, but sentences were suspended.