Exam Study Notes

Politics in Britain/United Kingdom

• United Kingdom was created in 1801, merging England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland.
• Britain's democratization was a gradual evolution, not a sudden revolution.
• This contrasts with the alternating democratic and undemocratic regimes in Europe.

Policy Challenges Facing Britain

• The 2010 General Election resulted in no party winning a majority in the House of Commons.
• The seat distribution was as follows:
  • Conservative Party (David Cameron): 307 seats
  • Labour Party (Gordon Brown): 258 seats
  • Liberal Democratic Party (Nick Clegg): 57 seats
• The Conservative and Liberal Democrat parties formed a coalition government.
• David Cameron became Prime Minister, and Nick Clegg became Deputy Prime Minister.
• The British Empire evolved into the Commonwealth, which includes diverse countries (e.g., Antigua, Australia, India, Pakistan, Zambia) with varying levels of wealth, culture, and commitment to democracy.
• Britain maintains a