Overview of Great Britain in AP Comparative Government

Overview of Great Britain in AP Comparative Government

This document provides a comprehensive overview of Great Britain, touching on its historical context, political structure, economic ideologies, social cleavages, and key terms and concepts that are likely to appear in assessments.

Key Takeaways

  • Three Key Terms:

    • Tradition

    • Thatcherism

    • Brexit

Historical Context

  • 19th Century Dominance:

    • At the dawn of the 19th century, Great Britain was the most powerful nation globally, having fully industrialized and controlling a vast empire where "the sun never sets."

    • It had a modern democracy in many respects.

  • Transition to Modern State:

    • Great Britain has evolved from a medieval kingdom to a parliamentary democracy, highlighted by key historical documents and events:

    • Magna Carta (1215): A significant contract between King John and nobles granting basic rights.

    • Glorious Revolution (1688): Parliament attained power over the monarchy after King Charles II’s execution.

  • Colonial Expansion (1750-1914): Great Britain's significant colonization included territories like North America, Africa, India, and Australia.

  • Welfare State Development:

    • Post World Wars II, Great Britain began to form a welfare state to ensure basic citizen services such as health care and education.

Political Structure and Culture

  • Constitutional Framework:

    • Great Britain does not have a single written constitution like the United States. Its constitution is formed from:

    • Important documents (e.g., Magna Carta)

    • Common law

    • Historical customs

    • Collectively, these are termed the constitution of the crown.

  • Political Culture:

    • Historically class-conscious, exemplified by the term noblesse oblige, which emphasizes the responsibility of the wealthy to care for the lower classes.

    • Transitioned to a government duty to provide social welfare; major aspect today is the National Health Service (NHS).

  • Multinational State:

    • Comprises several regions: England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, each with unique identities and governance challenges.

Gradualism and Political Change

  • Gradualism:

    • Gradual change over time best describes the evolution of the British political system.

    • Example: Expansion of suffrage from 1832 to 1918 allowed more individuals the right to vote, aligning with the establishment of a middle class during the Industrial Revolution.

  • Parliament Structure:

    • Great Britain has a bicameral legislature consisting of:

    • House of Commons: Holds significant power, primarily responsible for legislation.

    • House of Lords: Mainly acts to delay legislation with no authority to create laws independently.

    • The gradual empowerment of the House of Commons has minimized the House of Lords' role.

  • Political Parties:

    • Labor Party: Established in 1906 to advocate for workers’ rights.

    • Conservative Party: Traditionally supported by middle-class merchants; both parties showcase class-based voting dynamics.

Economic Ideologies

  • Collective Consensus (Post-WWII):

    • Characterized by collaboration between Labor and Conservative parties leading to a welfare state.

    • The Beveridge Report (1950s) advocated for state action in education, health care, and employment.

    • Established a mixed economy allowing for government intervention while maintaining capitalist principles.

  • Thatcherism:

    • Margaret Thatcher (1970s-1980s) initiated a shift towards neoliberalism, characterized by:

    • Reduction of social welfare programs.

    • Great emphasis on free-market principles and reduced government intervention.

  • Economic Crisis of the 1970s:

    • High inflation and unemployment prompted a definitive break in the collective consensus leading to ideological splits between Labor and Conservative parties.

Social Cleavages

  • Class-Based Divisions:

    • The most notable cleavage in British politics is between middle-class and working-class citizens.

    • Historical education paths influence class status, with many Conservative officials educated at elite institutions like Oxford and Cambridge.

  • Ethnic Cleavages:

    • Population is approximately 87% white, with growing ethnic minorities facing issues of social integration, particularly among Muslim communities.

Political Campaigning and Voting Systems

  • Election Practices:

    • British voters only elect Members of Parliament (MPs); Prime Ministers are not directly elected.

    • Elections occur every five years, altered by the Fixed-term Parliaments Act of 2011 requiring two-thirds majority for early elections.

  • Voting System:

    • Utilizes a first-past-the-post system, meaning a candidate with the most votes in a district wins, even by a narrow margin.

  • Campaign Dynamics:

    • Campaigns are typically shorter and less costly compared to the U.S.

    • Public finance debates have arisen over the years, affecting how campaigns are funded and operated.

Modern Issues: Brexit and Devolution

  • Brexit:

    • Refers to Great Britain’s exit from the European Union following a 2016 referendum where 51.89% voted to leave.

    • Resulted in David Cameron’s resignation and ongoing debates regarding the terms of exit (hard vs. soft).

    • The broader implications include economic controls, trade with EU, and immigration policies.

  • Devolution:

    • Beginning in the 1970s, there has been a push for greater autonomy for regions, particularly Scotland and Wales.

    • England has traditionally held the majority of political authority, complicating governance structures in regions.

  • Northern Ireland and the Troubles:

    • Sectarian violence between nationalists and unionists persisted for decades, resolved partially by the 1998 Good Friday Agreement.

    • Northern Ireland has its own assembly, further complicating its political relationship with the UK post-Brexit.

Conclusion

  • Understanding Great Britain requires insight into its rich history, gradual political evolution, and the complexities of its socio-economic landscape. Key terms such as Thatcherism and Brexit are not only pivotal in shaping modern British governance but also in understanding broader European political dynamics. Areas like the NHS and devolution reflect ongoing debates about the role of government in welfare and local governance matters.