UK COMP GOV

House of Commons

It is the lower house responsible for policymaking, debating/passing legislation, approving the budget, and holding Question Time.

House of Lords

Members are appointed by the Monarch based on the PM's recommendation; they suggest amendments and can delay, but not block, legislation.

PM Elec+Limits

The PM is indirectly elected by the party with a majority in the Commons; there are no term limits, though elections must occur at least every 5 years.

No Party Wins Election

A coalition government is formed between two or more parties to reach a majority.

PM Removal

Losing a general election or seat, resignation, or being removed via a Vote of No Confidence.

Cabinet and Monarch

The Cabinet makes major decisions and supports the PM; the Monarch is a ceremonial Head of State who symbolizes national identity and appoints the PM.

UK Supreme Court--Judicial Review

No, due to Parliamentary Sovereignty, they cannot strike down laws, though they can overturn government actions that violate civil liberties.

UK Electoral System

It uses First-Past-The-Post (SMD), which favors a two-party system and disadvantages minor parties.

Referendum Criticisms UK

They often oversimplify complex issues into binary Yes/No answers.

Social Cleavages UK

Class differences and regional/national divisions between England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Interest Group UK

It is pluralist, with interest groups focusing primarily on lobbying the Executive branch.

UK Demographics-Immigration

Anti-Muslim sentiment, concerns about job competition, and fears regarding the loss of national sovereignty.

Margaret Thatcher

She implemented privatization of state-owned companies and reduced the government's role, shifting the UK toward neoliberalism.

Austerity measures—UK

Policies enacted by the 2010 coalition government to reduce the budget deficit through tax increases and spending cuts.

National Health Service (NHS)

It is the pillar of the UK welfare state providing universal healthcare; it currently faces a funding crisis and an aging population.

Universal Credit

A welfare program that provides income and housing assistance for low-income individuals.

Collective responsibility

The requirement that all 20 Cabinet members support the Prime Minister's major decisions.

UK Supreme Court Devolution

They have the authority to rule on disputes related to devolution.

2 FPTP UK Parties

The Labour Party and the Conservative Party.

UK Referendums

The Brexit referendum and the Scottish Independence referendum.

What does the House of Commons do to investigate the implications of laws?

It creates committees to investigate the implications of proposed legislation.