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Great Britain
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Map of Great Britain Map of Great Britain
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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
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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
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Great Britain Britain’s Decline: International Rank in GNP per Capita
US GB
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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)
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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
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