Case 1 - United Kingdom

Key terms from "Essentials of Comparative Politics" textbook

Tony Blair

Former UK Prime Minister and leader of the Labour Party who promoted the "Third Way" between socialism and capitalism.

Brexit

The United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union following a 2016 referendum.

Cabinet

A group of senior ministers chosen by the Prime Minister to lead government departments and advise on policy.

David Cameron

Former UK Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party who called the Brexit referendum.

Celtic Fringe

Regions of the UK, such as Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, with distinct cultural identities from England.

Collective Responsibility

The principle that all cabinet members must publicly support government decisions, even if they privately disagree.

Collectivist Consensus

The post-WWII agreement between UK parties to support welfare state policies and a mixed economy.

Common Law

A legal system based on precedent and judicial rulings rather than written codes.

Commonwealth

An association of former British Empire territories focused on economic, political, and cultural cooperation.

Confederation of British Industry (CBI)

An organization representing UK businesses, advocating for economic policies beneficial to its members.

Conservatives

A major UK political party traditionally supporting free markets, national sovereignty, and limited government intervention.

Jeremey Corbyn

Former leader of the Labour Party known for his socialist policies and grassroots activism.

Crown

A symbolic representation of the UK's monarchy and its authority.

English Civil War

A 17th-century conflict between Parliamentarians and Royalists over governance, leading to temporary abolition of the monarchy.

Nigel Farage

Politician and prominent leader of the UK Independence Party, known for his advocacy of Brexit.

Good Friday Agreement

A 1998 peace accord that ended much of the violence in Northern Ireland and established power-sharing governance.

Hereditary Peers

Members of the House of Lords who inherit their titles, many of whom have had their voting rights restricted.

House of Commons

The lower house of Parliament, consisting of elected Members of Parliament who create and pass legislation.

House of Lords

The upper house of Parliament, composed of appointed, hereditary, and clergy members, which reviews legislation.

Hung Parliament

A situation where no political party wins a majority of seats in the House of Commons.

Labour Party

A major UK political party traditionally representing workers and advocating for social equality and public services.

Liberal Democratic Party

A centrist UK political party advocating for individual freedoms, social justice, and proportional representation.

Liberals

The historical predecessors to the Liberal Democrats, emphasizing free trade, civil liberties, and limited government.

Life Peers

Appointed members of the House of Lords who hold their titles for their lifetime without inheritance.

Magna Carta

A 1215 document establishing the principle that everyone, including the king, is subject to the law.

Majoritarian

A political system where the majority's preferences dominate decision-making, often sidelining minorities.

Theresa May

Former UK Prime Minister who struggled to negotiate and implement Brexit.

Member of Parliament (MP)

An elected representative in the House of Commons.

Neoliberalism

An economic philosophy promoting free markets, deregulation, and reduced government intervention.

Northern Ireland

A UK region with a history of sectarian conflict and distinct cultural identity.

Parliament

The UK’s legislative body, consisting of the House of Commons and the House of Lords.

Prime Minister

The head of government in the UK, typically the leader of the majority party in the House of Commons.

Quangos

Quasi-autonomous non-governmental organizations performing public functions but not directly controlled by government.

Scottish National Party (SNP)

A political party advocating for Scottish independence and progressive policies.

Margaret Thatcher

Former UK Prime Minister and Conservative leader known for neoliberal economic reforms and privatization.

The Troubles

A period of violent conflict in Northern Ireland between unionists and nationalists from the late 1960s to 1998.

Third Way

A centrist political philosophy blending elements of socialism and capitalism, popularized by Tony Blair.

Trades Union Congress (TUC)

A federation of trade unions in the UK, advocating for workers' rights and labor interests.

United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP)

A political party primarily focused on advocating for Brexit and reduced immigration.

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

The full name of the UK, comprising England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Vote of No Confidence

A parliamentary motion declaring the government no longer has majority support, potentially triggering its resignation or new elections.