1. Citizens, Society, and the State of Great Britain
By Ashley Welch
And Alberta P.

2. Social Class
Great Britain has had a history of having a prominent division between the wealthy and the “working class”. In older times the wealthy were involved in politics and controlled the state. However, most have been stripped of all real power (i.e. the royal family and the House of Lords). The queen is really just a ceremonial head.
However, people can still tell a persons social class by minor details like clothes, accents, and even the sports they follow (wealthy generally follow the rugby union).
Also the wealthy supposedly have a certain confidence that borders on arrogance.
Politicians in the U.K. don’t get paid an extravagant amount either.

3. Race
The U.K is mostly made up of white citizens, at least 90% of its citizens.
Like most countries it had a time where civil rights were being fought but have come to terms with these issues. However, many Britons don’t take fondly of immigration ever since the 9-11 terrorists attacks.
Some say this anti-immigration has lead to more race violence.
But many people come there as “asylum seekers” and the U.K. can’t just kick them out without a media frenzy and a dispute with the U.N.

4. Political Participation
Britons are said to be generally inactive and uninvolved with their political system.
Reports have come out that said U.K. citizens typically trust their politicians and institutions.
They also felt that if they wanted to they could make an influence in the system but honestly few even try.
In the 70s feminists, minorities, unions, and now environmentalists became pretty active but the majority didn’t. They did cause a stir in the government with their many protests (especially unions, until the government used the majority's animosity against them).
When people do get involved they are usually involved in moderate policies.

5. …
Margaret Thatcher changed the game of politics by moving the U.K. in a controversial direction.
The “New Labour Party” has also held power for four consecutive elections which is different because the Conservative Party is the majority in parliament.
The U.K. may have no written constitution but it’s able to be a working democracy because of how the country evolved (gradualism) and the rights the people expect.

6. Globalization
The U.K. has been a shrinking power for a while now and globalization is keeping it that way. The biggest impact is that of the EU which impacts many of the Great Britain's policies.

7. Social Movements
Some examples are the anti-nuclear movement, the free software movement, or environmentalism.