AP Comp Gov: Unit 2 (United Kingdom) Study Guide

Possible FRQs/Multiple Choice Questions

Part 1: The Making of the Modern British State 

• Explain why UK is considered an evolutionary democracy 

The UK is considered an evolutionary democracy because rather than becoming democratic through revolutions and major government upsets, the UK slowly implemented democratic policy into their government, one policy at a time.

• Define collective consensus and explain why UK is considered a welfare state

Collective consensus was a general agreement on politics after WWI that called for more government aid

-UK is considered a welfare state because they provide health care pensions, unemployment benefits, and assistance to the poor.

• Define neoliberalism and identify policies of Margaret Thatcher that embraced neoliberalism

  • Neoliberalism is a political ideology that promotes competition between businesses and reduced government intervention in the economy. Some of Thatcher’s policies that embraced neoliberalism included tax cuts and reducing funds for social services, as she blamed the weakened British economy on the welfare state. 

• Explain Tony Blair’s “Third Way” and identify key reforms 

  • Tony Blair’s “Third Way” involved a rejection of historic ties between Labour governments and unions, instead supporting businesses. His policies included devolution to Scotland and Wales and adding the Convention of Human Rights to British law. 

Part 2: Governance & Policy-Making

• Define devolution and provide examples of how the UK has devolved power

  • Devolution is the delegation of certain powers from the central government to regional governments, and in the UK, examples include the creation of the Scottish Parliament and the Welsh Parliament, allowing them to make decisions on certain policy areas.

• Explain the concept of parliamentary sovereignty- In the U.K. judicial review is limited unlike in the U.S. Can’t declare laws unconstitutional. Parliament’s decision is final. 

• Define constitutional monarchy and describe the role of the monarch in the UK. A constitutional monarchy is a form of government where a monarch serves as the head of state within the parameters of a constitution.

• How is the PM chosen? What are the roles of the PM?

  • The Prime Minister is typically the leader of the majority party in the parliamentary system and is chosen based on their ability to command the support of the legislature; the PM's roles include leading the government, making policy decisions, and representing the country internationally.

• Explain how the role of British Prime Minister reflects a fusion of powers.

  • fusion of power is a system of governance in which all or most of the authority of the gov’t is concentrated in one body

  • Prime minister is also a member of the legislative branch -- fusion of Executive and Legislative branches

  • The same party or coalition of parties controls both the legislature and the executive branches

• Explain collective responsibility as it relates to the cabinet in a parliamentary system

  • Collective responsibility in a parliamentary system means that all cabinet members publicly support and defend the government's decisions, even if they privately disagree.

• Describe two difference between the House of Commons and House of Lords

  • The House of Commons is the elected lower house, representing the people, while the House of Lords is the appointed upper house, consisting of appointed and hereditary members.

  •  The House of Commons has a fixed number of seats, while the House of Lords does not.

  • Unlike the House of Commons, the House of Lords can’t vote to call for the resignation or election of a Prime Minister.

• Explain why a vote of no confidence may be taken and what the results are of losing such a vote

  • A vote of no confidence may be taken if there is dissatisfaction with the government's performance, and losing such a vote typically results in the resignation of the government, leading to the formation of a new one or possibly triggering new elections.

• Which election system does the UK use? What are some consequences of such a system?  

• The UK uses the First Past the Post system. (Majority rules) It also uses Alternative Vote (AV) which is used to elect chairs of most committees in the House of Commons as well as the Lord Speaker. The benefits of this system are that it provides a clear cut choice for voters between two parties. 

• Describe the role of the UK Supreme Court

  • It is the final court of appeals in the UK for civil cases. It determines devolution issues. It cannot overturn any primary legislation made by Parliament.

Part 3: Citizens, Society & the State

• Identify major social cleavages in the UK -Historically the major one has been class. Regional cleavages also exist between Scotland, England, Northern Ireland ,and Wales. Political parties - Labour and Conservative 

• Identify the major political parties and describe their key beliefs

  • Labour Party- Emphasizes business partnerships. Promote an active role for the state in the creation of economic prosperity and in the provision of social services. 

  • Conservative Party- guiding principles include the promotion of private property and enterprise, the maintenance of a strong military, and the preservation of traditional cultural values and institutions.

• What are arguments for and against Brexit?

  • For Brexit: Proponents argue it reclaims national sovereignty, allowing the UK to control its laws, borders, and trade policies independently.

  • Against Brexit: Opponents cite potential economic disruptions, loss of access to the EU market, and concerns about diminished global influence.

• Define supranationalism and explain the benefits and drawbacks of it.

  • Supranationalism involves countries delegating authority to a shared organization, promoting increased cooperation and economic integration but raising concerns about loss of sovereignty and a potential democratic deficit.

REVIEW QUESTIONS: 

Review Questions CG

Unit 2 Part 2 Questions 

1. Which of the following best illustrates the impact of asymmetrical devolution in the U.K.?
   A) The Scottish Parliament can legislate on healthcare, while the Welsh Senedd cannot.
   B) Northern Ireland retains authority over policing under the Good Friday Agreement.
   C) England lacks its own devolved legislature compared to other U.K. nations.
   D) The UK Parliament retains exclusive control over immigration policy post-Brexit.

2. The monarch’s prerogative power to dissolve Parliament was most directly altered by:
   A) The Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011.
   B) The Human Rights Act 1998.
   C) The Constitutional Reform Act 2005.
   D) The repeal of the Fixed-term Parliaments Act in 2022.

3. A backbench MP challenging the Prime Minister’s leadership would most likely trigger:
   A) A vote of no confidence under the Parliament Act.
   B) A leadership review via the 1922 Committee if 15% of Conservative MPs submit letters.
   C) Immediate dissolution of the Cabinet under collective responsibility.
   D) A public inquiry led by the Supreme Court.

4. In a hung parliament, the monarch typically invites which individual to form a government?
   A) The leader of the party with the most seats in the House of Commons.
   B) The incumbent Prime Minister until a coalition is negotiated.
   C) The leader who can command confidence through a coalition or supply agreement.
   D) The Shadow Chancellor to avoid partisan deadlock.

5. Collective responsibility in the U.K. Cabinet implies that:
   A) All ministers must privately dissent before public agreement.
   B) Ministers must resign if they publicly oppose government policy.
   C) The Prime Minister alone is accountable to Parliament.
   D) Cabinet decisions are binding only if unanimous.

6. A government loses a vote of no confidence. What happens next?
   A) An automatic general election within 21 days under the Fixed-term Parliaments Act.
   B) The monarch appoints a caretaker Prime Minister indefinitely.
   C) A 14-day period to form a new government before an election is called.
   D) The House of Lords assumes legislative authority temporarily.

7. Which power was retained by the House of Lords despite the Parliament Act 1949?
   A) Vetoing money bills.
   B) Delaying non-money bills for up to one year.
   C) Blocking bills extending the life of Parliament.
   D) Amending statutory instruments.

8. The Shadow Cabinet primarily influences policy by:
   A) Drafting alternative legislation for immediate implementation.
   B) Critiquing government actions during Prime Minister’s Questions.
   C) Collaborating with the Lords to veto bills.
   D) Advising the monarch on royal prerogatives.

9. The "ping-pong" process refers to:
   A) Royal assent being ceremonially delayed.
   B) The Commons and Lords amending a bill back and forth.
   C) Public referendums on controversial legislation.
   D) Committee stage scrutiny in both houses.

10. The U.K. Supreme Court differs from the U.S. Supreme Court in that it:
    A) Can declare Acts of Parliament unconstitutional.
    B) Issues binding rulings on devolution disputes.
    C) Lacks the power to strike down legislation but can issue declarations of incompatibility.
    D) Operates independently of the European Court of Human Rights.

Unit 2 Part 1 Review Questions 

1. Parliamentary Democracy

In the U.K.’s parliamentary system, the executive is drawn from and remains accountable to the legislature. Which of the following scenarios best illustrates this principle?

A. A President appoints cabinet members who are not required to be members of the legislature.

B. A Prime Minister loses a vote of confidence in the House of Commons, leading to the government’s resignation.

C. The judiciary has the authority to strike down laws passed by Parliament based on constitutional norms.

D. A directly elected executive vetoes legislation passed by an independently elected legislature.

2. Unitary System

Although Britain has devolved legislative bodies in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, it remains a unitary state. Which statement best explains how devolution functions within Britain’s unitary framework?

A. Devolved assemblies possess constitutionally guaranteed authority that cannot be unilaterally altered by the national government.

B. The U.K. Parliament retains ultimate sovereignty and can modify or revoke devolved powers at its discretion.

C. Devolved governments have the power to override national laws in areas of regional concern.

D. The judiciary enforces a strict separation between national and regional legislative powers.

3. Britain’s Political/Historical Evolution

Which historical development is most directly associated with Britain’s transition from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy characterized by parliamentary sovereignty?

A. The signing of the Magna Carta in 1215

B. The Glorious Revolution of 1688

C. The Industrial Revolution of the 18th century

D. The Reform Act of 1832

4. Collective Consensus

During the post–World War II period, Britain experienced a “collective consensus” among its major parties regarding the role of government. Which policy best reflects this consensus?

A. The rapid privatization of formerly state-owned industries

B. The establishment of the National Health Service (NHS) and expansion of the welfare state

C. The reduction of government intervention in economic affairs

D. The complete decentralization of political power to regional governments

5. 1970s Economic Crisis

Britain faced a severe economic crisis during the 1970s. Which of the following factors most contributed to this crisis?

A. Excessive reliance on a deregulated free-market system

B. Oil price shocks combined with high inflation and influential trade unions leading to stagflation

C. Rapid deindustrialization caused by aggressive privatization policies

D. A series of escalating military expenditures that strained public finances

6. Gradual Extension of Voting Rights

Which sequence of legislative reforms best represents the gradual extension of voting rights in Britain during the 19th and early 20th centuries?

A. The Reform Act of 1832, the Representation of the People Act of 1918, and the Representation of the People Act of 1928

B. The Magna Carta, the Bill of Rights 1689, and the Reform Act of 1832

C. The Reform Act of 1867, the extension of property rights in 1884, and the Representation of the People Act of 1928

D. The Representation of the People Act of 1918, the establishment of the National Assembly, and the devolution reforms of the late 20th century

7. Thatcher

Margaret Thatcher’s tenure as Prime Minister is most noted for which of the following policy shifts?

A. Strengthening the bargaining power of trade unions to secure higher wages

B. Expanding the welfare state and increasing public social spending

C. Privatizing state-owned enterprises and reducing the influence of trade unions

D. Implementing extensive devolution reforms to regional governments

8. Neoliberalism

Neoliberal ideas gained prominence in Britain during the late 20th century. Which of the following policy initiatives is most representative of a neoliberal approach?

A. Nationalizing key industries to promote public ownership

B. Instituting strict government regulations to limit market competition

C. Deregulating the economy, privatizing state enterprises, and reducing the scope of the welfare state

D. Expanding comprehensive government-funded public services across all sectors

9. New Labour

New Labour, under Tony Blair, sought to reposition the Labour Party for modern Britain. Which of the following best characterizes the ideological shift associated with New Labour?

A. A return to traditional socialist economic planning and extensive state control

B. A move toward centrist policies that integrate market mechanisms with social justice

C. An uncompromising adherence to classical Marxist principles

D. A complete abandonment of welfare policies in favor of strict neoliberal reforms

10. The Third Way

The “Third Way” approach, as embraced by New Labour, aimed to reconcile free-market principles with social equity. Which statement best captures the essence of the Third Way?

A. It rejects both state intervention and market competition in favor of complete collective ownership

B. It balances fiscal conservatism with social democratic policies, promoting economic efficiency alongside social justice

C. It advocates for a return to traditional welfare state policies without modernization

D. It prioritizes market liberalization even at the expense of public services and social safety nets

Unit 1 Part 2 and 3

1. Which of the following best explains why a unitary system of government is more likely to centralize power compared to a federal system?

A. Unitary systems rely on a written constitution to distribute authority.

B. Unitary systems grant significant autonomy to regional governments.

C. Unitary systems concentrate power at the national level, with limited regional authority.

D. Unitary systems are more common in ethnically diverse countries.

2. In a federal system, which of the following is most likely to cause tension between the central government and regional governments?

A. A lack of a written constitution.

B. Overlapping responsibilities and competition for resources.

C. The absence of a judiciary to resolve disputes.

D. The central government’s inability to collect taxes.

3. Which of the following is an example of devolution in a unitary state?

A. The central government abolishes regional legislatures.

B. The central government grants limited decision-making authority to regional governments.

C. The central government eliminates local elections.

D. The central government nationalizes all industries.

4. Devolution is most likely to occur in response to which of the following?

A. A desire to centralize power in the hands of the national government.

B. Pressure from regional groups seeking greater autonomy.

C. A lack of economic resources to fund local governments.

D. The collapse of a federal system.

5. In a parliamentary system, the fusion of powers is best demonstrated by which of the following?

A. The judiciary’s ability to overturn legislation passed by the legislature.

B. The executive branch’s independence from the legislative branch.

C. The prime minister’s role as both head of government and a member of the legislature.

D. The president’s ability to veto legislation passed by the legislature.

6. Which of the following is a key advantage of a parliamentary system over a presidential system?

A. Greater stability due to fixed terms for the executive.

B. Faster decision-making due to the fusion of powers.

C. Stronger checks and balances between branches of government.

D. Greater independence of the executive from the legislature.

7. In a presidential system, which of the following is most likely to occur if the president’s party does not control the legislature?

A. The president will be removed from office by the legislature.

B. The president will have difficulty passing legislation.

C. The judiciary will take over legislative functions.

D. The president will dissolve the legislature and call for new elections.

8. In which of the following systems is the bureaucracy most likely to be influenced by political patronage?

A. A system with a strong civil service commission.

B. A system where bureaucrats are hired based on competitive exams.

C. A system where political leaders appoint bureaucrats based on loyalty.

D. A system with strict rules against political interference in the bureaucracy.

9. Rational-legal legitimacy is most closely associated with which of the following?

A. A monarchy where the ruler’s authority is based on tradition.

B. A theocracy where the ruler’s authority is derived from religious texts.

C. A democracy where the ruler’s authority is based on laws and procedures.

D. A dictatorship where the ruler’s authority is based on personal charisma.

10. Which of the following best describes the difference between a state and a nation?

A. A state is a political entity, while a nation is a cultural entity.

B. A state is always democratic, while a nation is always authoritarian.

C. A state is defined by its borders, while a nation is defined by its military power.

D. A state is a temporary entity, while a nation is permanent.

11. Which of the following is a key characteristic of an authoritarian regime?

A. Free and fair elections with universal suffrage.

B. A single party or leader with centralized control.

C. Strong protections for civil liberties and political rights.

D. A decentralized system of government with multiple power centers.

Unit 1 Part 1

1. Informal political participation, such as protests and social movements, plays a significant role in many political systems. Which of the following best describes the impact of informal politics on formal institutions?

(A) Informal politics has little to no influence on formal institutions since only legally recognized political actors affect policy decisions.
(B) Informal politics can shape formal institutions by influencing public opinion, pressuring policymakers, and even leading to institutional change.
(C) Informal politics is only relevant in authoritarian regimes, where citizens lack formal political representation.
(D) Informal political activity is primarily driven by elites rather than grassroots movements.

2. Which of the following best describes the difference between the empirical and normative approaches to comparative politics?

(A) The empirical approach focuses on value-based assessments, while the normative approach is strictly data-driven.
(B) The empirical approach examines factual, objective data, while the normative approach focuses on evaluating what should be rather than what is.
(C) The empirical approach is used exclusively in democratic regimes, while the normative approach applies to authoritarian regimes.
(D) Both approaches are interchangeable, as comparative politics is primarily based on subjective analysis.

3. Which of the following is the primary function of political institutions in a state?

(A) To enforce cultural norms and maintain national identity
(B) To create, enforce, and interpret laws that govern a society
(C) To provide economic stability and regulate market activity
(D) To ensure a clear separation between formal and informal politics

4. Which statement best distinguishes politics from government?

(A) Politics refers to the process of decision-making and power struggles, while government consists of the formal institutions that create and enforce laws.
(B) Politics is only relevant in democratic states, while government exists in all states regardless of regime type.
(C) Politics and government are synonymous, as both refer to the institutional structure that governs a nation.
(D) Politics is concerned with public administration, while government is exclusively responsible for military and defense matters.

5. Explain the difference between an independent and dependent variable?