UK Government Structure

Questions and Answers

What kind of system exists in the United Kingdom's parliamentary system?

Constitutional monarchy system

Presidential system

Majoritarian parliamentary system (correct)

Proportional representation system

What is the main function of the party manifesto in the UK's parliamentary system?

To outline the party's policy goals (correct)

To appoint cabinet members

To elect the Prime Minister

To dissolve parliament

What type of party system existed in the UK from the end of World War II to 1970?

Two-party system (correct)

Multiparty system

One-party system

Three-party system

What is the current classification of the UK's party system?

Two-and-a-half-party system Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the party that wins the majority of the votes in a UK election?

It controls government and implements its policy goals Signup and view all the answers

What is unique about the UK's party system regionally?

Different regional parties compete with national parties Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the popular vote did the two large parties (Conservative and Labour) garner together from the end of World War II to 1970?

More than 90 percent Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the vote did the two leading parties win together in the 2005 elections?

About 67 percent Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum term a Member of Parliament (MP) can serve in the House of Commons?

5 years Signup and view all the answers

Which political body has more power in the United Kingdom: the House of Commons or the House of Lords?

House of Commons Signup and view all the answers

How are members of the House of Commons elected?

They are elected by the public Signup and view all the answers

Who presides over the House of Commons?

The Speaker of the House Signup and view all the answers

How are MPs in the UK different from their counterparts in the United States?

They have much smaller staffs and fewer resources Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of a 'whip' in the British political system?

To enforce the party line Signup and view all the answers

How is the Prime Minister chosen in the UK?

Elected by the largest party in the House of Commons Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a feature of the British parliamentary system?

Individual MPs have significant power Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Prime Minister in the event of a legislative vote of no confidence?

The Prime Minister can rally support to avoid resignation. Signup and view all the answers

Which body has the authority to perform a vote of no confidence against the Prime Minister?

House of Commons Signup and view all the answers

What can happen if a government is rejected by a vote of no confidence?

All cabinet members must resign or new elections are called. Signup and view all the answers

What action did Tony Blair take to support the use of force against Iraq in 2003?

He submitted a motion to the House of Commons. Signup and view all the answers

How many times in the past seventy years has a government in the UK been toppled by a legislative vote of no confidence?

Once Signup and view all the answers

Who has the ultimate electoral authority in the United Kingdom's political structure?

The Electorate Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following bodies does not directly elect the Prime Minister?

House of Lords Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant power of the Prime Minister regarding military actions?

The Prime Minister can declare war without legislative approval. Signup and view all the answers

What is one key responsibility of Members of Parliament (MPs)?

Vote on legislation proposed by the government Signup and view all the answers

How do MPs primarily vote in Parliament?

With their parties over 90% of the time Signup and view all the answers

What power does Parliament hold regarding the prime minister?

They can remove the prime minister through a vote of no confidence Signup and view all the answers

What is the current status of the House of Lords in the UK's political structure?

It has become virtually powerless compared to its previous status Signup and view all the answers

Who primarily initiates legislation in the UK?

The government Signup and view all the answers

What best characterizes the voting behavior of MPs in the House of Commons?

They rarely deviate from party directives Signup and view all the answers

What significant change occurred to the House of Lords over the last century?

It lost most of its power and influence Signup and view all the answers

How are individual legislative measures proposed in the UK Parliament?

Occasionally proposed by individual Members of Parliament Signup and view all the answers

What system did the Jenkins Commission recommend for a more proportional electoral system?

Mixed system of FPTP and PR Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following countries uses a mixed electoral system as recommended by the Jenkins Commission?

Japan Signup and view all the answers

How did the Labour government elected in 1997 approach the Jenkins Commission's recommendations?

Slow to act due to benefiting from the current system Signup and view all the answers

What system does Northern Ireland use for elections?

Single-transferable vote Signup and view all the answers

What has traditionally characterized the political structure of the United Kingdom?

A unitary state with centralized control Signup and view all the answers

What has the Labour government taken steps to restore since 1997?

Greater autonomy to municipal councils Signup and view all the answers

Which party has historically benefited from the First Past the Post electoral system?

The Labour Party Signup and view all the answers

What was one effect of the Conservative governments under Margaret Thatcher on local governments?

Significant reduction of autonomy Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Structure of the Government

The UK has a prime minister, House of Lords, and House of Commons, with the monarch having symbolic power.
The prime minister is subject to a legislative vote of no confidence, which can lead to the resignation of the cabinet or new elections.

The Party System

The UK has a majoritarian parliamentary system, where the majority party controls government and implements its policy goals.
From 1945 to 1970, the UK had a two-party system, with the Conservative Party and Labour Party holding over 90% of the popular vote.
After 1974, a multiparty system emerged, with the Liberal Democratic Party and nationalist parties in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland gaining support.
The current system is often called a two-and-a-half-party system, with the Liberal Democratic Party trailing behind the Conservative and Labour parties.

Political Conflict and Competition

The party system varies regionally, with national parties competing in England and regional parties competing in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
In the 2005 elections, the two leading parties won about 67% of the vote, while other parties divided the remaining votes.
The House of Commons has 646 members of Parliament, representing individual districts in the UK, elected for a maximum term of five years.

House of Commons

The House of Commons has real power, while the House of Lords has limited power.
Members of the government and opposition parties face each other in the chamber, with backbenchers sitting behind their leaders.
Individual legislators have limited power, with low salaries, small staffs, and few resources.
Parties designate whips to enforce party cohesion, and individual members rarely undertake individual initiatives.

Local Government

The UK has traditionally been a unitary state, with no formal powers reserved for regional or local government.
The Labour government elected in 1997 took steps to restore political power to regional and local governments.
Local governments have a long tradition of powerful local government, despite limitations.

MPs' Roles

MPs debate issues, participate in legislative committees, vote on legislation, and have the power to remove the prime minister through a vote of no confidence.
Although the government initiates most legislation, individual members propose measures from time to time.
MPs mostly deliberate, ratify, and scrutinize policies proposed by the executive, with the government usually imposing its will on the majority in the House of Commons.

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Description

Test your knowledge of the United Kingdom's government structure, including the roles of the Prime Minister, House of Lords, and regional legislatures.