updated ap comp gov

Conservative Party

A major political party in the UK, traditionally supporting free market policies and a strong national defense.

Crown

The symbolic representation of the monarchy in the UK, embodying the state's authority and continuity.

Downing Street

The official residence and executive office of the Prime Minister of the UK.

First-past-the-post

An electoral system where the candidate with the most votes in a constituency wins, used in UK general elections.

Liberal Democrats

A centrist political party in the UK advocating for civil liberties, social justice, and electoral reform.

Magna Carta

A historic document signed in 1215 that limited the powers of the monarchy and established certain legal rights.

Mixed economy

An economic system combining private and public enterprise, prevalent in the UK.

Multiparty system

A political system where multiple parties have the capacity to gain control of government offices, often leading to coalition governments.

SNP

Scottish National Party, a political party in Scotland advocating for Scottish independence and social democracy.

Prime Minister

The head of government in the UK, responsible for running the country and making policy decisions.

Quango

Quasi-autonomous non-governmental organization, a body that operates independently of government but receives public funding.

Unwritten constitution

A constitution not codified in a single document, relying on statutes, conventions, and legal precedents, as seen in the UK.

Vote of confidence

A parliamentary vote to determine whether the government still has the support of the majority of members.

Devolution

The transfer of powers from the central government to regional or local governments in the UK.

United Kingdom

A sovereign country made up of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Collective responsibility

A convention in UK government where all cabinet members must publicly support decisions made by the cabinet.

Collectivist consensus

A post-World War II agreement in the UK among major political parties to support a welfare state and mixed economy.

Corporatism

A political system where interest groups, such as businesses and labor unions, are integrated into the decision-making process.

Euroskeptic

A term describing individuals or groups opposed to the European Union and its policies.

Gradualism

A political approach advocating for gradual reform rather than abrupt change, often seen in UK governance.

Nationalization

The process of transferring private sector assets into public ownership, historically significant in the UK.

Privatization

The transfer of ownership of a business or public service from the government to private individuals or organizations.

Shadow cabinet

A group of senior members of the opposition party in the UK who scrutinize and challenge the work of the government.

Third way

A political approach that seeks to reconcile right-wing and left-wing policies, associated with Tony Blair's government.

Thatcherism

A political ideology based on the policies of Margaret Thatcher, emphasizing free markets, deregulation, and a reduction in state intervention.

Good Friday Agreement

A major political development in 1998 that helped to bring peace to Northern Ireland by establishing a devolved government.

House of Commons

The lower house of Parliament in the UK, consisting of Members of Parliament (MPs) elected by the public.

House of Lords

The upper house of Parliament in the UK, made up of appointed members, including life peers and bishops.

Confederation of British Industry

A national organization representing businesses in the UK, advocating for economic policies.

Trade Unions Council

An organization representing trade unions in the UK, focusing on workers' rights and interests.

Backbenchers

Members of Parliament who do not hold government office or are not part of the cabinet, often representing their constituents' interests.

Supreme Court

The highest court in the UK, responsible for interpreting laws and ensuring justice.

Welfare State

A government system that provides social services and financial support to citizens in need.

Brexit – Hard/Soft

Terms describing the nature of the UK's exit from the EU, with hard Brexit implying a complete break and soft Brexit suggesting a more gradual transition.

Blair, Tony

Former Prime Minister of the UK known for his role in the Labour Party and the implementation of the Third Way.

Brexit Cabinet

A group of ministers in the UK government responsible for managing the Brexit process.

Cameron, David

Former Prime Minister of the UK known for his leadership during the Brexit referendum.

Clegg, Nick

Former Deputy Prime Minister of the UK and leader of the Liberal Democrats during the coalition government.

Vote of No Confidence

A parliamentary vote indicating that the government no longer has the support of the majority, potentially leading to its resignation.

Austerity

Economic policies aimed at reducing government deficits through spending cuts and tax increases, often