UK Political System Overview
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What is a key characteristic of the Conservative Party in the UK?

  • Preference for regulating businesses
  • Strong alignment with progressive social issues
  • Advocacy for free trade and privatization (correct)
  • Support for an extensive welfare state

    • Which group is typical of the Labor Party's voter base?

  • EU skeptics who oppose immigration
  • Business leaders seeking deregulation
  • Social conservatives against gender identity politics
  • Supporters of a stronger welfare state (correct)

    • How does the Conservative Party's stance on immigration compare to the Labor Party's stance?

  • Both parties support open immigration policies
  • Conservative Party is strict while Labor Party seeks more cooperation (correct)
  • Labor Party is stricter than the Conservative Party
  • Conservative Party does not have a clear stance on immigration

    • What is one of the ideological shifts observed within the Conservative Party's voter base?

    <p>Increased skepticism towards European Union regulations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What position does the Labor Party take regarding social issues?

    <p>It is open to LGBTQI+ rights and social liberalism.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What economic policy was enacted during the global financial crisis of 2007-2009?

    <p>Austerity measures</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which group has a significant historical and political division in Northern Ireland?

    <p>Catholics vs. Protestants</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one major consequence of Brexit on the UK's relationship with the EU?

    <p>Introduction of new regulations and taxes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which act allows police in the UK to impose restrictions on protests?

    <p>Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a prominent demographic concern in the UK related to immigration?

    <p>Pressure on the National Health Service (NHS)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes United Russia's political system?

    <p>Single-dominant party system</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which party is considered the second most popular in Russia and represents traditional leftist ideologies?

    <p>Communist Party of the Russian Federation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one reason why A Just Russia was formed?

    <p>To undermine real threats to United Russia</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect of civil rights does the UK fully protect?

    <p>Criticism of the government without repercussions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a prevalent political sentiment among Liberal Democrats in Russia?

    <p>Anti-Western conservatism</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What form of repression is primarily directed against Tibetans in China?

    <p>Ethnic and cultural erasure</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What human rights issues are faced by the Uyghur population in China?

    <p>Reeducation centers and forced labor</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which demographic policy was introduced by Deng Xiaoping in China?

    <p>One-child policy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What has been the primary consequence of the one-child policy in China?

    <p>An aging population and skewed gender ratios</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Despite economic reforms under Deng, what aspect did China resist?

    <p>Democratization</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which political party primarily advocates for more power and rights for the Scottish people?

    <p>Scottish Nationalist Party</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What has primarily contributed to the 'resource curse' in Russia?

    <p>Dependence on natural resource wealth</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of voter does Sinn Fein mainly represent?

    <p>Irish Nationalists</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary economic stance of the Liberal Democrats?

    <p>Economic liberalism</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which event did NOT contribute to Russia's historical struggles in maintaining an effective government?

    <p>The annexation of Crimea</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements accurately describes the House of Lords?

    <p>It can delay laws for up to a year.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What has characterized the elections under Putin's rule?

    <p>Suppression of potential opponents</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which party desires proportional representation in elections?

    <p>Liberal Democrats</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a significant outcome of the financial crisis in 1998 for Russia's economy?

    <p>Increased economic competition through devalued rubles</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of political culture has persisted in Russia due to historical power dynamics?

    <p>Strongman rule and lack of democratic traditions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the key characteristics of parliamentary sovereignty?

    <p>Parliamentary actions cannot be restricted by other branches of government.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What were independent media outlets in Russia pressured to do under Putin's regime?

    <p>Eliminate all forms of criticism</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following defines devolution?

    <p>Power can be taken back by the national government at any time.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who appoints the justices of the Supreme Court in the government structure?

    <p>The monarch, based on a referral from the Prime Minister.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a major consequence of insider privatization in post-Soviet Russia?

    <p>Reduced returns on privatized state assets</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best explains the relationship between Putin and the oligarchs?

    <p>Putin reined in the oligarchs post-liberalization</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What stance does the UK Independence Party (UKIP) take regarding the European Union?

    <p>Independence from the EU.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does the Prime Minister play in a hung Parliament?

    <p>Is invited by the monarch to form a government if their party holds the most seats.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the general condition of civil society in Russia under Putin's leadership?

    <p>Highly regulated with government oversight</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which party is characterized as more extreme on social and foreign policy compared to the Conservative Party?

    <p>UKIP</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What has been the most immediate effect of the limited political expression in Russia?

    <p>Decreased political unrest and opposition</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary economic concern of Plaid Cymru?

    <p>Wishing to make the Welsh language more prevalent in society.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What governmental feature is not present in the UK system?

    <p>A formal written constitution.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a major characteristic of the Prime Minister's power in the cabinet?

    <p>Must gain majority support to remain in power.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What significant change did Putin implement following the 2004 Beslan terrorist attack?

    <p>Ended popular election for governors</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which aspect was a key feature of the federal system established under Putin?

    <p>Creation of federal districts with appointed super-governors</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was one major consequence of Boris Yeltsin's shock therapy?

    <p>Soaring prices and inflation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did Mikhail Gorbachev's policy of glasnost aim to achieve?

    <p>Allow greater citizen criticism of the state</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of the Federation Council in Russia's legislative system?

    <p>Ratify treaties and delay legislation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant power of the Russian President regarding the legislative Duma?

    <p>Can dissolve the Duma under certain conditions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of judicial system does Russia operate under?

    <p>Code law system</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who holds the position of head of government in Russia?

    <p>Mikhail Mishustin</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the main criticisms of the judiciary in Russia?

    <p>It is susceptible to influence from the executive branch</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What demographic cleavage continues to be a significant issue in Russia post-Soviet Union?

    <p>Ethnic Russians vs. ethnic minorities</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following describes the powers of the Prime Minister in Russia?

    <p>Focuses primarily on economic issues</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement about the Russian federal system is accurate?

    <p>Moscow maintains control over tax revenue distribution</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the electoral system for the Duma?

    <p>Mixed electoral system with a 5% threshold</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was Joseph Stalin known for in relation to collectivism?

    <p>Taking ownership of all land as public property</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a significant consequence of the cuts in social programs after the collapse of the USSR?

    <p>Wage differentials became larger</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which demographic problem does China currently face?

    <p>Aging and shrinking population</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of system does China operate under concerning political parties?

    <p>One-party system</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the National People's Congress primarily function as in reality?

    <p>A rubber stamp body for decisions made by the CCP</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who is the head of state in China?

    <p>Xi Jinping</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What key economic transition did Deng Xiaoping implement?

    <p>Adoption of economic liberalization and market economy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one significant feature of the Chinese judiciary?

    <p>Lack of judicial review and independence</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following describes the policy adopted under the household responsibility system?

    <p>Families manage farms and can profit from production</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was one outcome of the anti-corruption campaign launched by Xi Jinping?

    <p>Investigation of high-ranking party officials</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the Great Firewall of China primarily designed to do?

    <p>Prevent the spread of political dissent online</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which event is known for being brutally suppressed by the army in China?

    <p>Tiananmen Square protests</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the Politburo in China?

    <p>Formulating policies and holding apex power</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do local protests in China typically focus on?

    <p>Addressing immediate material concerns</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was Mao Zedong's view of the populace involved in the Communist Revolution?

    <p>Peasants could lead a revolutionary movement</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    UK Political System

    • System: Constitutional monarchy, parliamentary democracy
    • Party System: Multi-party (Conservative, Labour, Lib Dem, SNP, others)
    • Conservative Party: Right-leaning, economic conservatism (free trade, privatization, deregulation), social conservatism ("anti-woke"), increasingly Eurosceptic, strict on immigration, want UK unity.
      • Typical Voter: Business leaders, social conservatives, nationalists, Brexit supporters
    • Labour Party: Left-leaning, economic liberalism (stronger welfare state, more regulation), social liberalism (LGBTQI+ rights), more pro-EU than Conservative but not clearly defined, want UK unity, seeks EU cooperation on immigration.
      • Typical Voter: Professionals, intellectuals, unionized workers, multicultural urban population
    • Liberal Democrats: Left-leaning, economic liberalism (tax & spend on welfare), environmentalism, social liberalism (human rights), strongly pro-EU, against harsh immigration policies, want proportional representation.
      • Typical Voter: Professionals, intellectuals
    • Scottish National Party (SNP): Advocates for Scottish independence, pro-EU, UK unity.
      • Typical Voter: Scottish Nationalists
    • UK Independence Party (UKIP): Right-wing, Eurosceptic, extreme versions of Conservative social and foreign policy, strict on immigration.
      • Typical Voter: Eurosceptics, working class
    • Sinn Fein: Irish Nationalist Party, advocates for a united Ireland, left-leaning.
      • Typical Voter: Irish Nationalists
    • Plaid Cymru: Welsh Nationalist Party, left-leaning, wants Welsh language promotion and regional rights, pro-EU, UK unity, aspirations for UN & EU membership.
      • Typical Voter: Welsh Nationalists
    • Unitary State: Power centralized in Parliament, some devolved to regional entities (Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland). Differences from federalism highlighted.

    UK Government Structure

    • Executive: Monarch (ceremonial), Prime Minister (head of government), appointed ministers (cabinet), answerable to Parliament. Removal possible via vote of no confidence.
    • Legislature: Parliament (most powerful), parliamentary sovereignty, bicameral (House of Commons, House of Lords). House of Commons is elected; House of Lords (unelected).
    • Judiciary: Common law system, no judicial review, justices appointed by monarch based on PM recommendations.

    UK Economy

    • History: Colonial power, industrialization leader, decline in 20th century, global financial crisis, neoliberal policies (Thatcher), rise as global financial hub.
    • Current State: Major economic player, but challenges due to Brexit, and differing social classes.

    UK Social Cleavages & Key Issues

    • Conservative vs. Socialist traditions
    • Scottish, Welsh, Northern Irish nationalism
    • Pro- vs. anti-EU stances
    • Class differences
    • Racial differences
    • Immigration
    • Brexit
    • Protests (legal limitations exist)

    UK Civil Rights & Liberties

    • Full protection of civil rights and liberties
    • Freedom of speech, press, internet access
    • Workers' rights, religious freedom, due process
    • Issues of mistreatment and discrimination persist.

    Russia Political System

    • System: Semi-presidential system
    • Party System: Single-dominant party (United Russia), other parties exist but have limited influence.

    Russia Government Structure

    • Executive: President (powerful), Prime Minister (less powerful). President is directly elected and can dissolve parliament.
    • Legislature: Bicameral (Federation Council, Duma). Duma is elected.
    • Judiciary: Not fully independent, not seen as a legitimate check on executive branch.

    Russia Economy

    • History: Agriculture, Tsarist industrialization attempts, Soviet influence, post-Soviet reforms (shock therapy), Putin era recovery.
    • Current State: Dependence on natural resources, vulnerable to global market fluctuations. Sanctions imposed due to conflict have caused economic strain.

    Russia Social Issues

    • Ethnic and regional issues (Chechnya).
    • Opposition movements (Navalny).
    • Economic inequality.
    • Cultural clashes: Russia vs. West.

    Russia Civil Rights & Liberties

    • Restrictions on civil society, media, internet, protests.
    • Political opposition suppressed.

    China Political System

    • System: Communist party-state, socialist state under "people's democratic dictatorship."
    • Party System: One-party system (CCP).

    China Government Structure

    • Executive: President (powerful), Premier (head of government). President is also general secretary of the CCP who maintains a significant influence
    • Legislature: National People's Congress (NPC). CCP-dominated.
    • Judiciary: Not fully independent, lacks protection of human rights.

    China Economy

    • History: Centrally planned, economic liberalization (Deng Xiaoping), "Reform and Opening Up."
    • Current State: World's second largest economy, a significant exporter. Mix of state-owned and private enterprise.

    China Social Issues

    • Ethnic tensions (Tibet, Uyghurs).
    • Urban-rural divides.

    China Civil Rights & Liberties

    • Restrictions on civil society, media, protests.
    • Lack of basic human rights protection. Use of surveillance.

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    Description

    Explore the intricacies of the UK political system, which features a constitutional monarchy and a parliamentary democracy. This quiz covers the main political parties, including their ideologies, voter demographics, and positions on key issues. Test your knowledge on the Conservative Party, Labour Party, and Liberal Democrats.

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