AP Comp Gov- UK & EU

What is the composition of the United Kingdom?

England + Wales + Scotland + Northern Ireland

What is the difference between the United Kingdom and Great Britain?

Great Britain = England + Scotland + Wales

What is the British Commonwealth?

A group of 52 member states with the monarch as a symbolic head.

What does 'Gradualism' refer to in the context of the British state?

Slow, steady political evolution.

What was the significance of the Magna Carta (1215)?

First restriction on monarch; required king to consult nobles, foundation for limited government.

What did the English Civil War and Glorious Revolution (1688) establish?

Parliament as the dominant authority.

What is the 'Collectivist Consensus' in UK political culture?

Bipartisan support for the welfare state, including the Beveridge Report and NHS creation.

What does 'Noblesse Oblige' mean in British political culture?

The duty of upper classes to care for lower classes.

What is a 'Majoritarian System' in the UK?

A system where the majority party has powerful, largely unchecked authority.

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

Head of State and Anglican Church; mostly ceremonial with no political power.

What is the Prime Minister's role in the UK?

Leader of the majority party or coalition, sets policy direction, and selects cabinet members.

What is the significance of Question Time (PMQs) in UK politics?

A weekly session where the PM and Cabinet answer challenges, serving as a check on majority power.

What is the House of Commons known for?

The most powerful institution in UK government.

What is the difference between a 'Hung Parliament' and a 'Coalition Government'?

'Hung Parliament' has no majority; 'Coalition Government' forms when parties combine to create a majority.

What is the function of the House of Lords?

To delay legislation, debate technical details, and suggest amendments.

What is the role of the Judiciary in the UK?

Limited judicial review due to parliamentary sovereignty; can overturn government actions violating common law.

What were the outcomes of the 2011 and 2014 referendums in the UK?

2011 - Alternate Vote (failed); 2014 - Scottish Independence (failed).

What electoral system does the UK use?

First Past the Post (FPTP), which favors large parties and can lead to 'wasted votes'.

What is the significance of devolution in the UK?

Transfer of powers to Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, but powers exist at Parliament's discretion.

What major reforms did Tony Blair implement during his leadership?

Devolution, reduced hereditary Lords, created Mayor of London, continued privatization, and welfare reform.

What is Thatcherism?

A political approach led by Margaret Thatcher emphasizing neo-liberal economics, privatization, and reduced welfare.

What challenges do Liberal Democrats face in UK politics?

Underrepresented due to the FPTP electoral system.

What is the Scottish National Party (SNP) known for?

Scottish nationalism and pushing for independence.

What does 'Euro-skepticism' refer to in UK politics?

Distrust of Europe and a strong island identity.

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

Experts in policy areas providing stability and administering laws and public services.

What is the impact of the 2005 Constitutional Reform Act?

Created the modern UK Supreme Court, active since 2009.

What are some major policy issues currently facing the UK?

Economic stagnation, immigration debates, Brexit consequences, Scottish independence, racism, and terrorism.

What is Plaid Cymru?

A Welsh nationalist party.

What does Sinn Féin represent?

An Irish nationalist party historically linked to the IRA, strong in Northern Ireland.

What is UKIP known for?

A right-wing nationalist party that was a major driver of Brexit.

What type of party is the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP)?

A socially conservative Protestant party in Northern Ireland.

What demographic primarily supports the Conservative Party?

Middle and upper-class voters.

Where are Labour Party voters mainly located?

In urban and industrial areas such as Manchester, Liverpool, and Newcastle.

How did Brexit affect traditional voting patterns?

Working-class voters in northern England shifted toward Conservatives and UKIP.

What is the maximum term length for MPs in the UK?

5 years.

What act established fixed-term parliaments in the UK?

The 2011 Fixed-Term Parliaments Act.

What is a key characteristic of the FPTP electoral system?

It favors large parties and underrepresents smaller ones.

What is devolution in the context of the UK?

The transfer of some political power from the central government to regional governments.

What major reforms did Tony Blair's government implement?

Devolution of powers to Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

What percentage of the UK population is made up of ethnic minorities?

Approximately 13%.

What is the significance of the Good Friday Agreement?

It marked the disarmament of the IRA and established a power-sharing Northern Ireland Assembly.

What is the role of the Trade Union Congress (TUC)?

It represents major unions and has historically aligned with the Labour Party.

What is the main focus of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI)?

It represents business interests and typically supports the Conservative Party.

What is the primary social cleavage in UK society?

Class identity, which aligns with political party support.

How does class influence education in the UK?

Political elites often come from wealthy backgrounds and attend elite public schools like Eton.

What is the significance of the BBC in UK media?

It is publicly funded, legally required to be politically neutral, and respected for challenging politicians.

What historical context shaped the competition between business groups and labor unions in the UK?

From 1945 to 1980, there was intense competition between these groups.

What was the impact of Thatcherism on the UK economy?

It included privatization of state industries, reduction of social welfare programs, and a shift toward a neoliberal economic model.

What is the current composition of the UK labor force by industry?

18% in industry, 1.5% in agriculture, and 80.5% in services.

What is the role of women in UK politics historically?

Women have been historically underrepresented, but their representation is growing.

Who was the first female Prime Minister of the UK?

Margaret Thatcher, who served from 1979 to 1990.

What was the representation of female MPs in the UK Parliament in 2017?

208 female MPs, making up 32% of the Commons.

What are the key social concepts shaping UK society?

Class identity, ethnic/national identity, and political culture.

What is the significance of immigration in UK politics?

Increased immigration has led to a rise in UKIP and anti-immigration sentiment, contributing to Brexit support.

Who benefits the most from neoliberal policies in a post-industrial economy?

Service/finance workers, wealthier regions, and middle/upper classes.

What were the effects of austerity measures under Thatcher, Cameron, and May?

Cuts in social programs, increased inequality, and impacts on public services like the NHS.

What is the principle behind the National Health Service (NHS)?

Healthcare is considered a right.

When was the NHS created?

In 1948 after World War II.

How many people does the NHS cover?

64.6 million people.

What type of healthcare system is the NHS?

Socialized medicine, publicly owned and operated.

What is the global ranking of the NHS according to the Commonwealth Fund?

Rated highly for efficiency, effective care, safe care, patient-centered care, and equity (second place).

What were some current challenges faced by the NHS?

Wait times, underfunding due to austerity, and growing demand from an aging population.

What identity crisis does the UK face in the post-empire era?

Struggles between its legacy as a major world power and the desire for global influence amidst economic limits.

What is Euro-skepticism?

A strong skepticism towards the European Union prevalent in UK society.

What are the key arguments for leaving the EU?

Restore UK sovereignty, protect domestic jobs, negotiate independent trade deals, and avoid bailing out weaker EU economies.

What are the key arguments against leaving the EU?

EU membership increases wealth, provides significant influence inside Europe, offers free movement opportunities, and ensures economic stability.

What was the outcome of the 2016 referendum regarding the EU?

The vote to leave occurred, leading to Brexit.

What is the GDP of the UK?

$2.8 trillion.

What is the estimated cost of a hard Brexit on the UK's GDP?

Estimated at -3.5% GDP (approximately $98 billion over 5 years).

What are the Four Freedoms of the European Single Market?

Free movement of goods, capital, services, and people/labor.

What is the Schengen Agreement?

Removes passport checks and border controls among participating EU countries.

What role does the European Parliament play?

Legislative role representing citizens, sharing lawmaking and budget decisions with the Council of Ministers.

What is the role of the European Commission?

Executive branch that proposes legislation, implements/enforces EU laws, and represents the EU internationally.

What is the function of the Court of Justice of the EU?

Ensures uniform application of EU laws and resolves legal disputes.

What is the Eurozone?

A group of EU countries that share the euro as their currency.

What is the significance of the European Central Bank (ECB)?

Manages the euro and focuses on stability and protecting the currency.

What is meant by the term 'democratic deficit' in the EU?

Criticism that the EU lacks fully democratic accountability, as only the European Parliament is directly elected.

What are the main institutions of the European Union?

European Parliament, Council of the European Union, European Commission, European Council, Court of Justice of the EU, Court of Auditors, European Central Bank, and European Investment Bank.

What is the role of the European Investment Bank (EIB)?

Largest public lending institution that funds infrastructure, environment, and innovation projects.

What is the impact of Brexit on the UK's political economy?

Shifts in class dynamics, regional inequalities, and pressures on public services, especially the NHS.

What is the relationship between the UK and the EU post-Brexit?

The UK is navigating its identity and economic policies outside the EU framework.