1. Chapter 2 - Britain

2. Cross of St. George of England St. Andrew of Scotland Wales St. Patrick’s Cross of (Northern) Ireland

3. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland*

4. Section One: Making of Modern British State

5. Politics in Action The story of Blair and Brown

6. Geographic Setting Great Britain = England, Wales, Scotland Britain or UK = United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Offshore but adjacent to Europe Creates feeling of separation from but a part of Europe Island nature made it less subject to invasion and conquest

7. Critical Junctures British state formed through unification of kingdoms by conquest & treaty 17 th Century Settlement Glorious Revolution 1788; creates framework for constitutional monarchy Settles religious differences; secular turn Basic form of parliamentary democracy emerges

8. Critical Junctures - Continued Industrial Revolution and the British Empire Rapid expansion of manufacturing and technological innovation Social, economic changes; pressure for democratization Gradual improvement in standard of living Effect felt most by agriculture and artisans World power by end of 17 th century Dependent on overseas trade Became a hegemonic power Economic power shifted from landowners to business Push to expand electorate: Reform Act 1832; Representation of the People Act of 1867; Franchise Act of 1884; Representation of the People Act 1918

9. Critical Junctures Continued World Wars, Industrial Strife, Depression Creates interventionist state Nationalized industries, set prices, restricted capital flow to overseas; limited worker movements Free market vs. interventionist policies continued through WWII Collective Consensus 1945-1979 (Collectivism) The majority agreed to the expansion of state economic responsibility and broad social welfare Fell apart with economic downturn

10. Critical Junctures Continued Margaret Thatcher/Enterprise Culture 1979-1990 Believed collectivism lead to Britain’s decline Cut taxes, reduced social services, used government policy to stimulate competition in the private sector Thatcherism (her distinct leadership style) led to an enterprise culture - individual responsibility, commitment to family, frugality, entrepreneurial spirit New Labour’s Third Way Labour modernized by Blair and Brown Rejected interest-based politics New welfare approach Emphasized British leadership in Europe Devolution of central powers September 11 th – brought close alliance between US and UK but many Britons became disenchantedclose alliance between US and UK Impacted by London Bombings 7/7/05London Bombings

11. Themes and Implications Britain’s past influences its future Its relative world position influences its ability to manage domestic and international challenges Decolonization pushed Britain down to a second tier nation Its economy is dependent on international competitiveness – unknown the impact of globalization Renewed questions about the role of the monarch, constitutional reform Decolonization created multiracial and multiethnic society

12. Implications for Class Why do we study the UK? Britain’s historical firsts Industrialize Parliamentary democracy Dominance of British Empire Westminster model – democracy rests on supreme authority of the legislature Gradual and peaceful evolution of democracy

13. Section Two: Political Economy and Development

14. Political Economy/Development Neoliberalism is basis of New Labour Party British economy has two track character Growth in service sector Weak industrial sector Economic concerns Manufacturing productivity gap Balance of trade deficit Low rates of domestic investment Economy being squeezed by rising costs of fuel, declining house values, credit crunch Radical shifts create political challenges Heavy industry to service Net exporter to net importer Gender gap in voting and work

15. Economic Management Today – intervene by adjusting state revenue/expenditures but seen as relatively ineffectual Consensus Era More interventionist in WWI to 1970s Followed Keynesian economics Unpopular during 1970s with labor unrest on the rise Thatcherite Policy Orientation Rejected Keynesianism for monetarism; state intervention limited to money supply and inflation New Labour’s Approach Brown turned debt into surplus; spent it on NHS Saw globalization as positive; wanted foreign investment Political Implications of their Economic Policy Have never followed a specific economy theory All three doctrines have created vision of society

16. Social Policy Social and political role of the state depends as much on its policy goals as its spending Thatcher – encouraged private and public education, pensions, health care, increased efficiency of social services, reduced dependency, policy changes in expenditures limited by popular support due to some highly charged policy changes and ideal of collective provisions for basic needs by British citizens New Labour – opportunity to balance pragmatism and innovation, focused on training and broad social investment – “caring” approach Efficiency and reduced welfare dependence Efforts to include marginalized groups – “Bridging the Gap” Programs developed to aid different group of people

17. Society and Economy Distributional effects of economic and social policies since 1979 Economic inequality grew in 1980s, stabilized in 1990s Under Thatcher deepened inequalities; Major and economic upturn lessened inequalities Inequality and Ethnic Minorities ethnic minorities are disproportionately affected by poverty and diminished opportunity Face cultural isolation and marginalized education experience Big gap for job opportunities for whites vs. ethnic groups Inequality and Women Most women work part time by choice; gap 40% for part time work pay Government has made family-friendly policies but at minimum EU standards

18. Britain in the Global Economy Foreign Direct Investment – favors national system like that in Britain Britain is competitive but lacks new growth There is a gap of wealth in Britain that many feel must be solved… and the economic crisis is not over!gap of wealth in Britain

19. Section Three: Governance and Policy Making

20. Governance and Policy Making Britain’s constitution Not a formal written document but a combo of statutory law, common law, convention, authoritative interpretations Can be dated back to Bill of Rights of 1689 Organization of the States Parliamentary Sovereignty: make and overturns law; unrestricted by executive, judiciary, or crown (but EU infringes on this sovereignty often) Unitary State – went quasi-federal under Blair Operates within a fusion of powers – legislative and executive with cabinet government Constitutional Monarchy – sovereignty rests with Parliament (Queen-in-Parliament)

21. The Executive Is a cabinet government Majority Party in House of Commons forms government and puts forth a Prime Minister (PM) PM selects and heads cabinet, helps develop policy, a liaison with media, party, interest groups, Parliament Cabinet must be members of Parliament and are a check on PM but easily controlled by strong PM PM can be checked by vote of no-confidence in the House Weakness to exercise checks and balances seen in Cabinet Work of cabinet supported by Cabinet committees (ministers) Official committees (civil service) Treasury (through budget) Whips (legislation passage)

22. The Executive Continued Bureaucracy and Civil Service In practice shares policymaking with the cabinet Conceptualize and refine policy Reforms have streamlined and reshaped civil service Public and Semipublic Institutions Approved by the state but no direct democratic oversight Nationalized Industries – was key to Labour through 1949; unlikely New Labour will return to it Nondepartmental Public Bodies – receive government funding, function, and appointment of staff but don’t operate under control of ministers; called quangos; allow minsters distance from controversial issues Government also expanding in private sector investment in public sector capital projects

23. Other State Institutions Military: focused on NATO; Ranked top 5 in world; Involvement in Iraq unpopular – Blair tried to make the caseBlair tried to make the case Police - traditionally independent but since 1980s increased government control, centralization, and politicization Judiciary Limited by parliamentary sovereignty; no judicial review; only determine violation of common law/act Law Lords moved to new “Supreme Court” – headed by Lord Chief Justice Subnational Government - Scotland, Wales, N. Ireland No constitutional powers Considerable financial/policy discretion Have had devolution of power a mayor of London – which London?which London Scottish Parliament – voting on independence 2014 – West Lothian Question created National Assembly of Wales N. Ireland Assembly (under St. Andrews Agreement)

24. Supreme Court 0 12 justices 0 Final court of appeal in the UK for civil cases. 0 Hears appeals in criminal cases from England, Wales and Northern Ireland 0 Determines devolution issues (have devolved governments acted within their powers?) 0 Ensures laws are consistent with EU laws and the European Convention on Human Rights 0 cannot overturn any primary legislation made by Parliament ( no judicial review) 0 Common law—precedent

25. Policy Making Process Policymaking from executive with little direct participation by Parliament Strongly influenced by policy committees Insider-only process Challenged by European Union authority, process, constraints

26. Section Four: Representation and Participation

27. Representation and Participation Parliamentary sovereignty In tradition: Executive nor judiciary can override and no Parliament bound by actions of previous but in practice is limited Parliament not as sovereign in practice as in tradition 1830s to 1880s – collaborated in policymaking Today –assents, oversight shifted to executive Bills introduced in House of Commons and House of Lords Approval of House of Lords not required Three readings in House of Commons After third reading same pattern in House of Lords where accepted, amended, or rejected Custom has House of Lords passing tax and budget matters without alteration

28. Two Houses House of Commons: lower house of Parliament Three functions: Pass laws, authorize taxes, review public administration and gov’t policy In practice: limited legislative function Visible arena for policy debate Government, Shadow Government (Loyal Opposition), and Backbenchers Speaker: is non-partisan MP who decides who speaks during question time and keeps order (votes only in case of tie) Balance of power has shifted to governing party and executive They are a feisty bunch!feisty bun House of Lords – upper house of Parliament Unelected: hereditary peers, life peers, Church officials Amend or delay legislation Reformed under recent PM’s – House of Lords Act of 1999

29. Constitutional MonarchyMonarchy Reigns but does not rule Head of state (PM = Head of Government) Gives advice to PM (weekly meeting) Speech from the Throne: “My government” (speech written by PM) Apolitical (neutral) Very Ceremonial! Queen Elizabeth II (1952 - Present)

30. Reforms: Behavioral and Structural Behavioral - backbenchers members of governing party with no governmental office and opposition Traditionally deferential Increased backbench dissent against EU, Blair, Brown Structural – parliamentary committees Select committees revived 1979 Examine specific policies of administration Help exert Parliamentary control over executive Hold hearings, take testimony, issue reports Most controversial are watchdog committees

31. Political Parties and Elections Two party system but really two party dominant; since 1980s Liberal Democrats emerged as alternative to two main parties; also has several national parties like SNP or Plaid Cymru Labour Party Founded by trade union reps and socialist societies Major party with victory in 1945 Began moderating ideology and expanding base Significantly changed since 1970s Currently moderate left-of-center Electoral performance more important than ideology Conservative Party (Tories) One of most successful parties in Europe; center-right party Roots of modern welfare state Internal divisions over Britain’s role in European Union Helped lead to Thatcher’s fallThatcher’s fall Cameron assumed party leadership in 2005 Repositioned party as more centrist Today in coalition government with Nick Clegg (Lib Dem)

32. Political Parties and Elections Continued Liberal Democrats Only challenge to Labour and Conservatives through 1970s 1981 Social Democrats formed from split in Labour Party 1987 Liberal and Social Democrats merged After success in 2001 election positioned as center- left critic of New Labour Part of Coalition government todayCoalition government today Elections Legislative posts only Parliament – maximum five years but no fixed term Ability to control timing political asset for prime minister

33. Electoral System Election for Commons is winner takes all Representatives called members of Parliament or MPs Single member plurality system (SMP) (also called first past the post) Single member plurality system Reduces influence of small parties Exaggerates victory of largest party System is: Stable, single party government But contributes to Parliament of white men Trends in Electoral Behavior Deepened geographic and regional divide National parties are challenging two parties Liberal Democrats are increasing representation

34. Political Culture, Citizenship, Identity 1970s- economy, ideological challenges, social changes fragmented politics which shifted to right Key change to political culture is weakening of class bonds – class is still an issue (rich vs poor) National identity complicated by Europeanization and globalization Religious Identity: Anglican 1534 Henry VIII; only 17% attend religious services (Ireland exception) Political community fragmented to smaller communities New Labour more sensitive to women’s issues Political protest increasing Demands for accountability and transparency in international trade and development agencies Environmental activism, high fuel prices, war in Iraq, Union strikes, farm and rural protests

35. Section Five: British Politics in Transition

36. Transition Northern Ireland - “The Troubles” – 1966 - 1999“The Troubles” Unionists wanted union with UK, Republicans wanted independent and unified Ireland Over 3,500 killed 1966 – 1999 1997 Blair met with Gerry Adams – 1 st PM since 1921 to meat head of Sinn Fein 2001 Irish Republican Army began disarming 2002 home rule government suspended 2005 elections strengthened radical parties 2007 power sharing agreement, devolution restored Issues about democratic governance and citizen participation Constitutional Reform Concerns about the role of monarchy, House of Lords, balance of power, accountability of government Changes in House of Lords – April 2012 Supreme Court for UK created Identity Low minority representation in Parliament Issues regarding immigration, refugees, asylum Scrutiny of Muslim community

37. Transition Continued Terrorism and Relationship with US Immediate support after September 11 eroded Bush became liability because of unknown impact of foreign policy Blair refused advice to make support of war conditional on achievement of ends Complicated by fallout of July 7 London bombings