Comp Gov - Great Britain Key Terms

King John-“John Lackland”; “Softsword”

• Definition: King of England (1199-1216), nicknamed "Lackland" for territorial losses, and "Softsword" for perceived weakness. 

• Explanation: Known for signing the Magna Carta, limiting royal powers.

Magna Carta

• Definition: A historic document signed in 1215, limiting the powers of the monarch and establishing principles of due process. 

• Explanation: An early step in the development of constitutional governance.

English Bill of Rights

• Definition: Enacted in 1689, it limited the powers of the monarch and affirmed individual rights. 

• Explanation: A key constitutional document shaping the balance of power.

Supreme Court of the United Kingdom

• Definition: Established in 2009, the highest court dealing with constitutional matters.

• Explanation: Provides a final court of appeal and handles significant legal cases.

Judicial Review (limited)

• Definition: Courts review the legality of government actions, but cannot strike down laws passed by Parliament. 

• Explanation: Reflects the principle of parliamentary sovereignty in the UK.

Primary Vs.  Secondary Legislation

• Definition: Primary laws enacted by Parliament; secondary laws delegated under primary legislation. 

• Explanation: Allows for flexibility and detailed regulation under overarching laws.

All Women Shortlists

• Definition: A policy promoting gender diversity, requiring some constituencies to select only female candidates. 

• Explanation: A strategy to address gender imbalances in political representation.

Chancellor of the Exchequer

• Definition: A senior government official overseeing economic and financial matters.

• Explanation: Holds a crucial role in budgetary decisions and economic policy.

Prime Minister

• Definition: The head of the UK government responsible for policy-making.

• Explanation: Leads the executive branch and sets the government's agenda.

House of Lords/House of Commons

• Definition: The two houses of the UK Parliament. 

• Explanation: The House of Lords is the upper house, and the Commons is the lower house, consisting of elected Members of Parliament (MPs).

Fixed Term Parliament Act of 2011/Repeal 2022

• Definition: An act setting fixed parliamentary terms, later repealed in 2022.

• Explanation: Influences the timing of general elections.

Conventions of Parliament

• Definition: Unwritten rules and traditions shaping parliamentary proceedings.

• Explanation: Guides the behavior of members and the functioning of Parliament.

Speaker of the House

• Definition: Presides over the House of Commons, maintaining order. 

• Explanation: Represents the House in relations with the Crown.

Cabinet

• Definition: A group of senior government ministers chosen by the Prime Minister.

• Explanation: Responsible for decision-making and policy formulation.

Shadow Cabinet

• Definition: Opposition members mirroring the government's Cabinet structure.

• Explanation: Prepares to take on ministerial roles if the party comes to power.

Post-War Consensus

• Definition: A period of political agreement and cooperation in the UK after World War II. 

• Explanation: Cross-party consensus on key policies.

Winston Churchill

• Definition: Renowned Prime Minister who led the UK during World War II.

• Explanation: Known for inspirational leadership during a critical period.

Corporatism/NeoCorporatism

• Definition: Corporatism involves cooperation between the state, labor, and business; NeoCorporatism is a modernized form. 

• Explanation: A system of interest representation and cooperation.

Margaret Thatcher-Coal Wars, Tax Cuts, end of Corporatism, Neo-liberal reforms Falklands War;

• Definition: Conservative Prime Minister known for coal wars, tax cuts, and neoliberal reforms. 

• Explanation: Implemented free-market policies and reduced the power of trade unions.

John Major-Treaty of Maastricht 

• Definition: Conservative Prime Minister who signed the Treaty of Maastricht.

• Explanation: Committed to European integration and economic reforms.

Tony Blair-Devolution; Iraq; Kosova; “Third Way”

• Definition: Labour Prime Minister known for devolution, Iraq, and the "Third Way."

• Explanation: Emphasized social justice and a centrist approach.

Devolution in Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland

• Definition: Granting of powers to regional governments within the UK.

• Explanation: Aimed at addressing regional disparities and recognizing local identities.

Gordon Brown

• Definition: Labour Prime Minister succeeding Blair, known for economic management. 

• Explanation: Focused on economic stability during the financial crisis.

David Cameron-Vote on Brexit

• Definition: Conservative Prime Minister who called the Brexit referendum.

• Explanation: Faced challenges related to the UK's relationship with the EU.