The United Kingdom Chapter 7, Section 1

A Kingdom with four political regions The United Kingdom (or UK) is a small island in western Europe. Its culture has an enormous impact on the world. The nation’s official name is the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The capital is London.

FOUR DIFFERENT POLITCAL REGIONS England Scotland Northern Ireland Wales

England

Scotland

Northern ireland

wales

National government The government is a constitutional monarchy. The British monarchy has ruled for over 400 years. The monarch is a symbol of power—and not an actual ruler. The power to govern belongs to British Parliament. The House of Lords (nobles) The House of Commons (elected representatives) The House of Commons is more powerful.

National government (Cont’d) British prime minister is David Cameron, and he leads the government. Prime minister is the leader of the political party that wins the most seats in the House of Commons. The other political parties go into “opposition” and question the role of government policies.

House of parliament Used by the British government since 1547. Located in London on the River Thames. Includes the House of Commons, the House of Lords, and Westminster Hall. Westminster Hall is over 900 years old. Union Jack flag flies from Victoria Tower when parliament is in session. “Big Ben” clock tower, which is 316 feet high, is inside the tower.

REGIONAL GOVERNMENT—Wales and Scotland Some self-rule was returned to select regions of Great Britain. In the 1990s: Wales approved plans for its own body of lawmakers—or assembly. Scotland created its own parliament. Both met for the first time in 1999.

Governing northern Ireland Throughout the 20th century, there were numerous conflicts between the Irish Catholic nationalists and the Irish Protestants. (The Protestants supported the government of the United Kingdom.) During the 1960s, many Catholics wanted Northern Ireland to withdraw from the UK and unite with the Republic of Ireland. Protestants, who are the majority, wanted to remain part of the UK.

Governing northern Ireland (Cont’d) In 1969, riots broke out and British troops were sent to stop them. Violence between the Catholics and Protestants continued for almost 30 years. In 1998, both sides signed the Good Friday Accord, which set up the Northern Ireland Assembly to support both Catholic and Protestant voters.

The British economy The UK is an important trading and financial center. Imports about 1/3 of its food supply. Many citizens work in mining and manufacturing. UK has lots of coal, natural gas, and oil for fuel. Imports raw materials used in manufacturing.

Cultural heritage UK has a rich cultural heritage! Includes famous Renaissance playwright William Shakespeare. Because of imperil power, UK has exported culture for hundreds of years. India, Canada, and other former British colonies modeled their governments on British parliament. Set trends in sports, music, and literature.

Music—the British invasion

literature Mary Shelley—Frankenstein Sir Arthur Conan Doyle—Sherlock Holmes Charles Dickens—Oliver Twist and A Christmas Carol George Orwell—Animal Farm and Nineteen Eighty-Four C.S. Lewis—The Chronicles of Narnia J.K. Rowling—Harry Potter

Harry Potter

questions