Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which party is known for advocating Scottish independence?
Which party is known for advocating Scottish independence?
What was the main mandate of the Brexit Party, now known as Reform UK?
What was the main mandate of the Brexit Party, now known as Reform UK?
Which party is led by Keir Starmer and has made a significant shift towards the right under its previous leadership?
Which party is led by Keir Starmer and has made a significant shift towards the right under its previous leadership?
What is the main policy objective of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP)?
What is the main policy objective of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP)?
Signup and view all the answers
What type of party are the Liberal Democrats characterized as?
What type of party are the Liberal Democrats characterized as?
Signup and view all the answers
What is one of the primary roles of the Prime Minister in relation to the Cabinet?
What is one of the primary roles of the Prime Minister in relation to the Cabinet?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a significant power held by the Prime Minister?
What is a significant power held by the Prime Minister?
Signup and view all the answers
How often does the Cabinet meet to discuss policy objectives and fiscal matters?
How often does the Cabinet meet to discuss policy objectives and fiscal matters?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following accurately describes a function of government departments?
Which of the following accurately describes a function of government departments?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the role of the civil service in the context of the Cabinet?
What is the role of the civil service in the context of the Cabinet?
Signup and view all the answers
What does a Cabinet reshuffle typically involve?
What does a Cabinet reshuffle typically involve?
Signup and view all the answers
Which inquiry was mentioned as a recent example undertaken by the Prime Minister?
Which inquiry was mentioned as a recent example undertaken by the Prime Minister?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following statements about secretaries of state in the Cabinet is correct?
Which of the following statements about secretaries of state in the Cabinet is correct?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the true nature of the King's role in the executive branch of government?
What is the true nature of the King's role in the executive branch of government?
Signup and view all the answers
Which statement accurately reflects the process of royal assent in the legislative branch?
Which statement accurately reflects the process of royal assent in the legislative branch?
Signup and view all the answers
Who primarily selects judges in the current judicial system concerning the monarchy?
Who primarily selects judges in the current judicial system concerning the monarchy?
Signup and view all the answers
What historical process contributed to the reduction of the monarchy's power?
What historical process contributed to the reduction of the monarchy's power?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the King’s role concerning the appointments of the Prime Minister and the Cabinet?
What is the King’s role concerning the appointments of the Prime Minister and the Cabinet?
Signup and view all the answers
Which statement best describes the relationship between the monarchy and legislative actions?
Which statement best describes the relationship between the monarchy and legislative actions?
Signup and view all the answers
During which time period did the monarchy experience the most significant rise in power?
During which time period did the monarchy experience the most significant rise in power?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary role of the King within the current structure of British political institutions?
What is the primary role of the King within the current structure of British political institutions?
Signup and view all the answers
What was a significant outcome of the devolution referendum in 1997 in Wales?
What was a significant outcome of the devolution referendum in 1997 in Wales?
Signup and view all the answers
What event marked a significant escalation in violence during 'The Troubles' in Northern Ireland?
What event marked a significant escalation in violence during 'The Troubles' in Northern Ireland?
Signup and view all the answers
What was one major consequence of the Good Friday Agreement in 1998?
What was one major consequence of the Good Friday Agreement in 1998?
Signup and view all the answers
What significant problem arose from Brexit regarding Northern Ireland?
What significant problem arose from Brexit regarding Northern Ireland?
Signup and view all the answers
Which community in Northern Ireland historically held the majority of political power?
Which community in Northern Ireland historically held the majority of political power?
Signup and view all the answers
In what year did Northern Ireland gain some self-government under the Home Rule Act?
In what year did Northern Ireland gain some self-government under the Home Rule Act?
Signup and view all the answers
What was one of the long-term consequences mentioned regarding Brexit's impact on Northern Ireland?
What was one of the long-term consequences mentioned regarding Brexit's impact on Northern Ireland?
Signup and view all the answers
Who was involved in the notable peace-making efforts in Northern Ireland during 1995?
Who was involved in the notable peace-making efforts in Northern Ireland during 1995?
Signup and view all the answers
What was a significant outcome of the Anglo-Irish Treaty of 1921?
What was a significant outcome of the Anglo-Irish Treaty of 1921?
Signup and view all the answers
What does devolution refer to in the context of the UK?
What does devolution refer to in the context of the UK?
Signup and view all the answers
Which Scottish political party saw increased support during the drive for devolution in the 1970s?
Which Scottish political party saw increased support during the drive for devolution in the 1970s?
Signup and view all the answers
What percentage of Scottish voters supported devolution in the 1997 referendum?
What percentage of Scottish voters supported devolution in the 1997 referendum?
Signup and view all the answers
What powers were granted to the Scottish Parliament established by the Scotland Act of 1998?
What powers were granted to the Scottish Parliament established by the Scotland Act of 1998?
Signup and view all the answers
What was a key factor in the Scottish vote against independence in the 2014 referendum?
What was a key factor in the Scottish vote against independence in the 2014 referendum?
Signup and view all the answers
How did the independence movement in Wales compare to that in Scotland?
How did the independence movement in Wales compare to that in Scotland?
Signup and view all the answers
What change occurred in the naming of the UK after the establishment of the Irish Free State?
What change occurred in the naming of the UK after the establishment of the Irish Free State?
Signup and view all the answers
What was the primary outcome of the Union of the Crowns in 1603?
What was the primary outcome of the Union of the Crowns in 1603?
Signup and view all the answers
What significant change did the Act of Union 1707 bring?
What significant change did the Act of Union 1707 bring?
Signup and view all the answers
What key reason contributed to the financial motivations for the unification with Scotland?
What key reason contributed to the financial motivations for the unification with Scotland?
Signup and view all the answers
What was one main religious conflict affecting the relationship between Great Britain and Ireland in the 17th century?
What was one main religious conflict affecting the relationship between Great Britain and Ireland in the 17th century?
Signup and view all the answers
What was an outcome of the 1916 Easter Rising in Ireland?
What was an outcome of the 1916 Easter Rising in Ireland?
Signup and view all the answers
Which decision was made regarding the governance of Northern Ireland during the Home Rule movement?
Which decision was made regarding the governance of Northern Ireland during the Home Rule movement?
Signup and view all the answers
What was the significance of the Act of Union 1801 for Ireland?
What was the significance of the Act of Union 1801 for Ireland?
Signup and view all the answers
What characteristic did the Union Jack acquire in its final form?
What characteristic did the Union Jack acquire in its final form?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
British Institutions
- British political system is a constitutional monarchy, in which the monarch has power shared with constitutionally-organised government.
- The monarch (King/Queen) plays symbolic role in the three branches of government (executive, legislative, judicial).
- The sovereign appoints the Prime Minister.
- The sovereign has royal prerogative (rights), allowing certain decisions without Parliamentary approval.
- The sovereign is head of armed forces.
- The sovereign needs to approve a bill passed by Parliament before becoming law.
- The sovereign opens and prorogues Parliament.
- The sovereign's speech explains government plans for the coming year.
- Parliament is a key institution.
- The executive branch is led by the government.
History of the Monarchy
- The Norman invasion in 1066 led to the introduction/reorganisation of feudal system with the King at the head.
- Relations between king and nobles was complex, sometimes contentious.
- King John’s reign was marked by oppression, leading to the Magna Carta (1215) limiting royal power.
- This document laid down the principles of law.
- The Tudor dynasty led to a consolidation of royal power.
- With the Stuart dynasty, conflicts between the monarchy and Parliament intensified until the English Civil War (1642-1651)).
- The English Civil War led to the execution of King Charles I and the Commonwealth (1649-1660).
- The Stuart monarchy was restored.
- Parliamentary sovereignty.
- Conflicts between monarchy and Parliament over power distribution/redistribution.
The English Civil War and the Commonwealth
- The English Civil War (1642–1651) was a conflict about control of government and power between Charles I and Parliament.
- After the war, the monarchy was temporarily abolished with Oliver Cromwell’s Commonwealth.
- The monarchy was restored in 1660, with Charles II.
The Glorious Revolution
- The Glorious Revolution (1688) led to the establishment of a constitutional monarchy with significant limitation on royal power.
- The Bill of Rights (1689) asserted the sovereignty of Parliament and limited royal power.
- The monarch became a figurehead with limited political authority.
Devolution
- England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland comprise the United Kingdom.
- Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland each have their own devolved parliaments.
- Northern Ireland has a more complex history and unique issues.
The Executive Branch
- The Prime Minister is the head of government.
- The Prime Minister is appointed by the monarch.
- The Prime Minister leads the government, and selects members for the cabinet.
- The cabinet is important in making and implementing government policy.
- The civil service provide support and expertise for the government.
- The Prime Minister can lose their position due to elections or internal party pressure.
The Legislative Branch / Parliament
- Parliament involves the House of Commons and the House of Lords, composed of members who represent the public.
- Parliament has established sovereignty.
- Parliament has significant power in shaping laws.
- Devolution transfer power from central government to another authority in the state.
The Judicial Branch
- Common law is law established through case decisions rather than legislation.
- The Judicial Branch is important and independent.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Related Documents
Description
Explore the essential aspects of the British political system and the historical evolution of the monarchy. This quiz covers the constitutional monarchy, the role of the sovereign, and the development of Parliament. Test your knowledge of how these institutions shape British governance.
