1. Great Britain

2. Map of Great Britain
Map of Great Britain

3. Great Britain Incubator of liberal democracy
Democracy evolved over time- gradualism, which led to the post WWII collectivist consensus
a mixed economy and welfare state
A world power for over 500 years
Other English speaking governments mimic Britain
We study Britain for its historical role in the development of democracy

4. Great Britain Key Themes: Gradualism- Peaceful nation
Its decline as a world power and the political problems associated with that decline
The role of the Conservative party under Thatcher- redefined the economy through privatization
Impact of Blair and the new Labour

5. Great Britain Britain’s Decline: International Rank in GNP per Capita US GB

6. Great Britain: The Basics
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (U.K.)
Wales and Scotland are considered part of Great Britain
Population: 63 million, size of California
79% live in urban areas-1/2 of the land area is rural
2/3 belong to the Church of England/Protestant
Strong Welfare state
Decline in standard of living

7. Great Britain: Political Development
Oldest operating political system in the world
Commonwealth legacy million people
Political change-Strong monarchy and aristocracy to a political democracy
Ideals and values: Strong parliament to control the executive, official loyal opposition, political moderation and tolerance, and change by gradual and peaceful means
1st industrialized country-free trade
Today-mixed economy/social welfare system

8. Britain as a Model of politics
Constitutional and Civilian Government
Indirect Democracy-Republican system based on the majority principle
2 party system (first past the post)
Subordination of the military to political power
No written constitution
GB is constitutional in the sense of adherence to rules and to accepted ways of political behavior
Supreme Court: Judicial Review

9. Great Britain as a Model of Politics
British constitutional framework results from:
Legislative Statutes: Magna Carta 1215
Common Law: comprised of decisions by judges, include personal liberties. Rule of law
Habeas Corpus-prevents false imprisonment
Everyone is subject to the law-Precedence of EU and European Convention of Rights?
3. Authoritative Books

10. Great Britain as a Model of politics
Conventions or political rules and practices- (tradition)
Heads of government are the Prime Minister (PM) and Cabinet
Party that receives majority in an election controls government
Cabinet Ministers chosen from 2 houses-PM from House of Commons
Cabinet will operate on the basis of collective responsibility
No confidence nullifies the government in the House of Commons
Monarch accepts power of the parliament
Budget controlled by the House of Commons
Those affected by a proposed action will be consulted by the government before a final decision is made

11. Key Events and Trends in British History
Year Event
Magna Carta Signed
Reformation-Church of E
Civil war & Restoration
Glorious Revolution
Act of Settlement
1700s Emergence of PM
Reform of the House of Lords
Right to vote for all adults
Early 16th and 17th century King had to share power with parliament which allowed success of the reformation-removed religion as a division
UK able to adapt to democratic principles because of its history

12. Political Stability
How has political stability been maintained in Great Britain?
Political Culture-Balance between the acceptance of a strong political authority and individual rights-learned through the family, peer group, school, workplace and through the political system itself.
Deference of the people-holds that the wealthy or well born, because of the their social position are regarded as the natural or uniquely qualified political leaders by a people that accepts traditional values and authority.
Relative Deprivation-The feeling that people are deprived socially or economically and their consequent political behavior depends on who they compare themselves with, rather than on real social conditions.
Effect of Geography-UK is an island-no invasion, no wars- strong navy- isolationists

13. The Collective Consensus
The Golden Era of British Politics
1942 Beveridge Report- Social insurance program which guarantees subsistence income
Collective Consensus: Cross-party British support for the welfare state.

14. British Political Culture
Education and class: Upper, Upper Middle, Lower Middle, and Lower Class-All have distinct culture- Separate schools for each class.
Parochial schools-”Old Boy” Network (4%) Conservative party and most leaders attend Eton, Oxford, or Cambridge (Oxbridge)

15. The Politics of Protest
1970’s-British have reservations about collectivist consensus
Signs of dissatisfaction:
Northern Ireland
Racism
New militancy of unions question Britain’s ability to govern
High unemployment of the mid 1980’s-high inflation-strikes common
Thatcher undermines control of workers unions
Peace movement
Polarized the left and right