Britain

European Union (EU)

A quasi-federation of most European states that began in 1957 as the Common Market or European Community (EC).

Brexit

A short term for British exit from the European Union, passed in a 2016 referendum.

Fiefdom

Land granted by a king to nobles in exchange for support.

Magna Carta

An agreement made in 1215 to preserve the rights of English nobles and limit the powers of the monarch.

Exchequer

Britain's treasury minister, a powerful position in the government.

Feudalism

The political system brought by the Normans that included a hierarchy of lords and vassals.

Common Law

A system of law based on judge-made decisions and precedents established in England.

Cabinet

A body of ministers chosen by the prime minister to head government departments.

Welfare State

A political system that uses taxes and state spending to fund basic social benefits.

Dignified vs Efficient

A concept by Sir Walter Bagehot, where dignified offices are symbolic and efficient offices are political and functional.

Meritocracy

A system in which advancement and promotion are based on individual ability or achievement.

Franchise

The right to vote in political elections.

Proportional Representation (PR)

An electoral system where parties gain seats in proportion to the number of votes they receive.

Hung Parliament

A situation in which no political party has an overall majority in the House of Commons.

Class Voting

The tendency of different social classes to vote for political parties that represent their interests.

Deindustrialization

The decline of heavy industry, particularly in Britain, referred to as the 'British Disease'.

The Ulster Ulcer

A term that describes the failure of political legitimacy in Northern Ireland, particularly during the sectarian conflict.

Trotskyists

Marxists who oppose Stalinism and are followers of Leon Trotsky.

Snap Election

An election called earlier than expected, often in reaction to political pressures.

Commonwealth

A political association of countries, most of which are former territories of the British Empire.