Politics and Government (UK)

A conflict in Northern Ireland between Catholics (nationalists) who want a united Ireland and Protestants (unionists) who want to remain part of the UK.

A group of countries, mostly former British colonies, working together to achieve common goals.

British India gained independence and was divided into two separate countries: India and Pakistan.

The original inhabitants of Australia were the Aboriginal people.

Australia served as a British penal colony for prisoners during the 19th century.

The main products of Australia are minerals like gold and iron, as well as wool and wheat.

The original inhabitants of New Zealand were the Māori people.

New Zealand's main exports are meat, dairy products, and wool.

The House of Commons makes laws and is elected by the public. The House of Lords reviews laws and is composed of appointed or hereditary members.

An MP represents a particular district in the House of Commons. They are elected in general elections.

The Shadow Cabinet is formed by the opposition party to critically review and challenge the government's policies.

Devolution allows Scotland and Wales to have their own parliaments to manage local issues such as education and healthcare.

The Home Office is responsible for managing internal affairs like immigration and policing in the UK. The Home Secretary is the Minister in charge of this department.

The Tories, also known as the Conservative Party, are a right-wing political party that supports free markets and traditional values.

The Liberal Democrats (Lib Dems) are a centrist party that advocates for civil liberties and environmental policies.

Labour is a left-wing party that focuses on social equality and workers' rights.

The Angles, Saxons, and Jutes, Germanic tribes, invaded and conquered Britain between roughly 400 and 700 AD.

The Vikings, a Scandinavian people known for their seafaring skills, raided and settled parts of Britain from around 700 to 900 AD.

The Battle of Hastings in 1066 saw William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy, defeat the English King Harold II. This victory marked the beginning of Norman rule in England.

The Magna Carta, signed in 1215, was a historic document that limited the power of the English monarch and established the principle that everyone, including the king, must obey the law.

Henry VIII, known for his six wives, broke from the Catholic Church in the 16th century and established the Church of England.

Elizabeth I, known as the 'Virgin Queen,' reigned from 1558 to 1603, a period considered England's Golden Age. William Shakespeare, the famous playwright, lived and wrote during her reign.

The Commonwealth was a period in English history (1653-1658) following the English Civil War. Oliver Cromwell ruled as 'Lord Protector.'

In 1689, William of Orange, a Dutch prince, became king of England after the 'Glorious Revolution.' This event established parliamentary rule and limited the power of the monarchy.

These schools charge fees and are not funded by the government, unlike state schools.

These are exams taken by students in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland at the age of 16. They are a significant part of academic assessments in the UK.

These are a set of national standards that outline the knowledge and skills that all students in England should develop in different subjects. Schools are required to teach the curriculum.

These are the last two years of secondary school in England, where students typically prepare for A-level exams, which are required for university admissions.

These are advanced exams usually taken at age 18 in England and Wales. These exams are often required for university entry and are considered more challenging than GCSEs.

This refers to education at either Oxford or Cambridge University, two of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the United Kingdom.

These are private secondary schools in Britain, known for their prestigious reputation and high academic standards. They often have a strong focus on tradition.

These schools in Britain prepare students for entry into Public Schools (elite private schools). They are often feeder schools for the prestigious institutions.

A system where electors chosen by each state vote for the president, not the people directly. The candidate with the most electoral votes wins.

The two major political parties in the United States: Democrats and Republicans.

The year 1776 marks the year America declared independence from Great Britain, leading to the formation of the United States.

The Constitution lays down the fundamental laws of the US government, while the Bill of Rights guarantees basic freedoms like speech and religion.

The American Civil War was a conflict between the North (Union) and the South (Confederates) from roughly 1860 to 1865.

The North won the Civil War resulting in the abolition of slavery and the reunification of the United States.

The period of 1920-1933 when the production, sale, and consumption of alcoholic beverages were prohibited in the United States.

The Great Depression was a global economic downturn beginning in 1929, characterized by widespread poverty and unemployment.

Martin Luther King Jr. was a leader in the Civil Rights Movement fighting for the equal rights of Black Americans. Tragically, he was assassinated in 1968.

President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas in 1963, a tragic event in American history.

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 granted African Americans the right to vote, a significant step towards racial equality.

The Vietnam War is often seen as a costly and ultimately unsuccessful military intervention for the United States.

President Richard Nixon resigned from office in 1974 amid the Watergate scandal, a major political crisis in US history.

The Gulf War in 1991 was triggered by Iraq's invasion of Kuwait. The U.S. and its allies intervened to liberate Kuwait.

On September 11, 2001, terrorists attacked the World Trade Center in New York City, causing immense destruction and loss of life.

Halloween is a holiday celebrated on October 31st, featuring costumes, trick-or-treating, and spooky themes.