The Countries of Europe: Culture, Politics & History
Learning Targets: You will… Differentiate between England, Great Britain, and the United Kingdom Explain the structure & function of the British Government
Explain the difference between England, Great Britain, & the United Kingdom using this map.
England? Great Britain? The United Kingdom? England—Region within the United Kingdom Great Britain—England along with Scotland and Wales United Kingdom—All of Great Britain plus Northern Ireland
Northern
Magna Carta “Great Charter” Group of nobles used influence of their money to limit the absolute power of King John in 1215 First time a monarch gave power to the people King had to obey laws of the land
Look Familiar? King John of England
Why give up power? Nobility provided king with money and men to defend territory If English kings were militarily successful abroad, relations with nobility were good. John not successful in military campaigns abroad Demands for more money and men anger nobles John introduced high taxes without asking nobles Against feudal law and accepted customs
How can Britain have a constitution and a parliament but still be a monarchy? Monarchy (king/queen) Represents Britain Has limited power Parliament Makes laws (based upon the Constitution) Collects taxes
The United Kingdom Key Terms: Parliament—the lawmaking body of the United Kingdom (like our Congress) Constitution—a set of laws that governs how a government works Constitutional Monarchy—a government in which a monarch is head of the state but has limited power
British Parliament Responsible for making all laws and passing taxes Comprised of three parts: The House of Commons – elected officials The House of Lords – appointed officials (spiritual and hereditary) The Monarchy – limited power, but must sign bills into law Lower House Upper House
House of Commons
House of Lords
(The executor…much like our?) British Government Headed by the British Prime Minister who is the leader of the majority party in the House of Commons S/he selects Government Ministers to head specific governmental departments from the House of Commons/Lords They make sure that all laws are enforced Current PM: David Cameron (The executor…much like our?)
British Parliamentary Debates
The Monarchy Current monarch: Queen Elizabeth II Most of her responsibilities are ceremonial – e.g. bestowing titles (knighthoods, etc.) Her heir: Prince Charles (Prince of Wales) His heir: Prince William (Duke of Cambridge) His heir: (Baby) Prince George of Cambridge !
“The Sun Never Sets on the British Empire”? In 1500s British had extensive trade network of colonies Empire was on six continents Sun literally never set on some part of it! Ended in 1900s after WWI “The Sun Never Sets on the British Empire”? The Empire at its Height:
The English Channel is a body of water between England and France that connects the Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea.
The Channel Tunnel (Chunnel) Links the United Kingdom and France. Opened in 1994. Lies beneath the English Channel Consists of three parallel tubes, two of which carry trains between the United Kingdom and France. Third tube is a service tunnel for maintenance or emergency evacuations.
Review… What is the Legislative body in the UK? What is its function? Name the lower house. How are these representatives placed in office? Name the upper house. Who signs the laws into place? What is the Executive body in the UK? Who is its leader?