Advanced Democracies PDF

The term applies to countries that have a long history of democracy that has stabilized as the established form of government. We may consider there countries according to two dimensions: political type and level of economic development. Politically, advanced democracies exemplify many fac...

The term applies to countries that have a long history of democracy that has stabilized as the established form of government. We may consider there countries according to two dimensions: political type and level of economic development. Politically, advanced democracies exemplify many facets of democracy, not just the characteristics of holding regular and fair elections. There are other qualities of advanced democracies. Civil liberties, such as freedom of belief, speech, and assembly. Rule of law that provides for equal treatment of citizens and due process. Neutrality of the judiciary and other checks on the abuse of power. Open civil society that allows citizens to lead private lives and mass media to operate independently from government. Civilian control of the military that restricts the likelihood of the military seizing control of the government. As the chart demonstrates, must advanced democracies have a parliamentary systems. Although the United States is the only advanced democracy with A presidential system, other countries — such as Mexico and Nigeria — use it. Australia Austria Belgium Finland Canada France Denmark Portugal Germany Israel Italy The United States Japan Netherlands New Zealand Norway Spain Sweden Modernism is a set of values that comes along Great Britain with industrialization. Values of modernism include secularism (an emphasis on nom-religious aspects of life), rationalism (reasoning), materialism (valuing concrete objects and possessions), technology, bureaucracy, and an emphasis on freedom rather than collective equality. In other words, industrialization encouraged making money and gaining economic success.  SERVICES INDUSTRY AGRICULTURE United States 79.1% 20.3%.7% Canada 76% 19% 2% Japan 70.9% 26.2% 2.9% United Kingdom 83.5% 15.2% 1.3% France 75.7% 21.3% 3% Germany 73.8% 24.6% 1.6% Richard II, a play by William Shakespeare, tells the story of King Richard II's downfall and the rise of his cousin, Henry Bolingbroke, who becomes King Henry IV. Richard, a king known for his extravagance and poor governance, exiles Bolingbroke and seizes his inheritance. This sparks a rebellion, and Bolingbroke returns to England with an army, gaining popular support. Richard, facing overwhelming opposition, is forced to abdicate the throne and is later murdered in prison. "This fortress built by nature for herself, against infection and the hand of war, this happy breed of men, this little world, this precious stones set in the silver sea, which serves it in the office of a wall, or Asa moat defensive to a house, against the envy of less happier lands; this blessed plot, this earth, this realm, this England." "Nobility obliges"; the responsibility of nobility and the wealthy to give of their means and talent for the benefit of those with lesser means. Of or relating to more than two nationalists; a multinational society Political and Economic change in Britain has always been characterized by its gradual nature. Gradualism is the policy of gradual reform rather than sudden change or revolution. Great Reform Act of 1832 Reform Act of 1867 Representation of the People Act of 1884 Women's suffrage in 1918 Muslims have an identity of being a minority distinct from a well- established majority, such as the English in Britain, the French in France, and the Germans in Germany. Many Muslims in the rest of Europe came from Turkey and Africa, but the largest group of British Muslims comes from Pakistan. In the United States, many Muslims tend to be relatively well-off, while many British Muslims are disaffected and unemployed. Decreasing support for labor unions- British labor unions have strong roots in Industrial Revolution, and class solidarity supports union membership. Increased violence regarding Northern Ireland- the issues surrounding British claims to Northern Ireland intensified during the early 1970s after British troops killed thirteen Catholics in a "bloody Sunday" incident in January 1972. Another major change in British demographics is an influx of about one million immigrants from the eight central and eastern European countries that joined the European Union in 2004. Poles, who have made up about two-thirds of the newcomers, are now the largest group of foreign nationals in Britain, up from 13th place in 2004. In the early 1960s political scientists Gabriel Almond and Sidney Verba wrote that the "civic culture" (political culture) in Britain was characterized by trust, deference to authority and competence, pragmatism, and harmony. The economic crisis of the 1970s and the con- tinuing conflicts regarding Northern Ireland challenged this view of citizenship in Britain, as have fears of terrorism in recent years. How- ever, the overall characteristics seem to still be in place today. The Conservative Party controlled British government from 1979 until 1997. Although later modified by Prime Minister John Major, Margaret Thatcher's "revolu- tion" toward a free market economy certainly affected political attitudes. Despite the radical changes of the 1970s and 1980s, Britain has not deserted its traditional political culture. Tony Blair led a Labour Party that loosened its ties to labor unions, and a new "Good Friday" Agreement on Northern Ireland was reached in 1998. Not only did ordinary citizens vocally protest Britain's involvement in the Iraq war, many political leaders openly criticized it as well.in a political system where party loyalty is valued above all, many labour MPs (Members of Parliament) withdrew their support for Blair's policy in Iraq. As in most other European countries, a relatively high percentage of qualified British voters go to the polls. Although there was a notable decline in recent elections (66% voted in 2015) more than 70% of eligible citizens normally vote in parliamentary elections. Until World War II, voting in Britain largely followed class lines. The working class supported the Labour Party, and the middle class voted Conservative. However, today the lines of distinction are blurred, partly because the society and the parties themselves have changed. The Labour Party usually does well in urban and industrial areas and in Scotland Wales. However, in 2015, Labour lost seats to the Scottish National Party, with SNP picking up 56 of the 59 seats in Scotland. Britain's political parties began to form in the 18th century,and their organization and functions have shaped the development of many other party systems (including the United States) through the years. At first they were simply CAUCUSES, or meetings of people from the same area or of like mind. The largest party on the left is the Labour Party. It controlled the British government between 1997, when Tony Blair became prime minister. The party began in 1906 as an alliance of trade unions and socialist groups that were strengthened by the expansion of rights for the working class during the 19th century. After Labour seized control of the government in 1997, the Conservative Party was weakened by deep divisions between two groups: The traditional wing (one-nation Tories) values noblesse oblige and wants the country ruled by an elite that takes everybody's interests into account before making decisions. The Thatcherite wing of strict conservatives wants to roll back government controls and move to a full free market. The largest party on the left is the Labour Party. It controlled the British government between 1997, when Tony Blair became prime minister. The party began in 1906 as an alliance of trade unions and socialist groups that were strengthened by the expansion of rights for the working class during the 19th century. Economy: Labour wants more government control, while Conservatives want less. Social Issues: Labour tends to be more progressive on issues like LGBTQ+ rights and immigration, while Conservatives are more traditional. Taxes: Labour wants higher taxes to fund public services, while Conservatives want lower taxes to encourage economic growth. Both parties believe in a strong and stable Britain. Both parties want to improve the lives of British citizens. Both parties work within the democratic system of government.  British politics feature interest group pluralism with autonomous groups competing for influence in policymaking. Neocorporatism is evident as interest groups, particularly quangos, collaborate with the government to develop public policy. Business interests and labor unions, such as the Trade Unions Congress (TUC), were highly influential, but Margaret Thatcher significantly reduced their power. British media is divided by class, with quality news appealing to the upper classes and tabloids serving the masses. The BBC is a dominant presence but faces strict government regulation, including no political advertisements. A major media scandal occurred in 2011, when The News of the World was closed due to phone hacking, raising concerns about media-government relations. The House of Commons operates under a two-party system, with the majority party forming the government and the opposition acting as a check. Debates are intense, especially during Question Time when the Prime Minister defends policies. Party discipline is critical to avoid a vote of no confidence which can lead to government collapse and new elections. Britain is no exception to the rule in its bicameral legislative structure. However, many of the benefits of bicameralism do not operate because the House of Lords has so little power. The House of Lords is the only hereditary parliamentary house in existence today, and although historically it was the original parliament, today it has minimal influence. Britain has hundreds of thousands of civil servants who administer laws and deliver public services. Most civil servants do clerical work and other routine work of a large bureaucracy. However, a few hundred higher civil servants directly advise ministers and oversee work of the departments. They actually coordinate and implement the policies that cabinet members set. Britain has had a judicial branch for centuries, but the modern judiciary has much more limited powers than those in the United States, France, and Germany. The principle of parliamentary sovereignty has limited the development of judicial review. Many serious issues confront the British political system today. Some of the most important are: 1. The evolving relationship between government and the economy 2. Transparency in government 3. Relationships with the European Union 4. Terrorism and cohesion 5. Relationships with the U.S. 6. Devolution and constitutional reform The British government has long had a reputation for transparency, making the parliamentary scandal of 2009 surprising to many around the globe. Tony Blair's tenure in Britain has seen a significant shift in the nature of terrorism, with the government earmarking extra money for security, a mosque watchdog in operation, and the M15 (British security service) keeping track of suspected terrorists. Gordon Brown, in his first press conference as prime minister, reacted to the 2007 attacks by affirming his government's commitment to nonviolence and introducing a pilot curriculum to teach nonviolence among British Muslims. However, the British government still struggles to isolate the extremist Muslim minority from the moderate majority. The government is now tasked with balancing the task of narrowing the social, economic, and cultural gap between Muslims and the rest of society while fighting terrorism. The government's security services spend 75% of their energy on preventing and preempting attacks by Muslim extremists. Tony Blair, as UK prime minister in 1997, aimed to maintain economic prosperity, increase social equality, and reinforce British national identity and political institutions. He sought to develop a new relationship with Europe while maintaining a special relationship with the US. However, relationship with the US. This led to dissent within the Labour leadership and Blair's resignation in 2007. Since Obama's election, U.S./British relations have been positive, but budget cuts have impacted the country's defense capabilities.the Iraq crisis challenged Blair's vision, damaging Britain's relationship with France and raising questions about the wisdom of the UK's special The process of devolution in the United Kingdom has significantly altered the political landscape, granting Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland regional assemblies with powers over areas such as taxation, education, and economic planning. The Good Friday Agreement in 1998 established a parliament for Northern Ireland, though it was suspended from 2002 to 2007 due to violence. In Scotland, the movement for independence gained momentum, leading to a referendum in 2014, which resulted in a narrow victory for the "No" side, keeping Scotland within the UK. While devolution has provided more regional autonomy, debates about further reforms-such as a written constitution, proportional representation, and a Bill of Rights-continue, with Britain balancing modernization efforts while maintaining its long-standing traditions. During the Cold War era, regional military alliances appeared, and countries joined based on their affiliation either with the United States or Russia. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) formed in the late 1940s with 14 European members, the United States, and Canada. An opposing alliance - the Warsaw Pact - began in 1955 and was composed of the Soviet Union and six eastern European countries. Europe's history is one of diverse national identities. Its wars have encompassed the continent as first its kingdoms, and then its countries, fought over religion, power, land, and trade. The organization began in an effort to revitalize a war-torn Europe after World War Il ended. The most immediate need was to repair the nations' broken economies, so the initial goals were almost complete ly economic in intent. In 1949 the Council of Europe was formed, and although it had little power, it provided an opportunity for national leaders to meet. The EEC (European Economic Community) - The Treaty of Rome established the EEC - informally named the "Common Market" - in 1957. The EC (European Community) - Established in 1965, the EC expanded the organization's functions beyond economics. One major concern other than tariffs and customs was a unified approach to the peaceful use of atomic energy. The EU (European Union) - The 1991 Maastricht Treaty created the modern organization, and gave it authority in new areas, including monetary policy, foreign affairs, national se curity, transportation, the environment, justice, and tourism. Ongoing expansion is a major characteristic of the European Union, with a total membership of 28 countries as of 2015. The European Union began with six members in 1957: Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. Several countries are currently under consideration as candidates for membership, including Macedonia and Turkey. Turkey is controversial for many reasons, including its relatively low Gross Domestic Product per capita of about 12,000 euro, considerably less than the EU average. The European Union is composed of four major bodies: The Commis sion, the Council of Ministers, the European Court of Justice, and the European Parliament. The Commission - This body currently has 28 members, one from each member state of the EU, supported by a bureaucracy of several thousand European civil servants. The Council of Ministers - Whereas the Commission acts cooperatively as the director of EU activities, the Council demonstrates the continuing power of the states. Although the European Union has made only rudimentary policy in many areas - such as defense and social policy. Three areas of active policymaking are: Creating and maintaining a single internal market - By and large, the EU has removed most of the old tariffs and other barriers to trade among its members. Union of monetary policy - The EU has made remarkable strides in its ability to set European monetary policy, the con trol of the money supply Common agricultural policy - Implementation of policy in this area has generally been less successful than others, but the EU has put in place significant new agricultural programs, with almost half of the organization's budget going to this policy. Nearly half of the EU budget dedicated to agriculture. Goal: Modernize inefficient farms to compete in the common market. Introduction of farm subsidies, later shifted toward direct payments and rural development. Defense policy less developed than trade or currency. 1999: Crisis management tasks for humanitarian, rescue, and peacemaking. Goal: Deploy up to 60,000 troops, but no unified European army. 1997 Treaty of Amsterdam: Policies on visas, asylum, immigration. Free movement for EU and non-EU citizens. Cooperation in combating crime, but selective participation by some nations. Post-9/11 focus on border and transport security. Cooperation between the U.S. and EU for shared security interests. 2004: Constitution rejected by French and Dutch referendums. 2007: Lisbon Treaty signed to consolidate treaties and address democratic concerns. New roles for the European Parliament and a permanent EU president. In advanced democracies like the United Kingdom, the balance between tradition and modernization is a constant challenge. The process of devolution, which granted greater autonomy to Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, illustrates the UK's ability to adapt its governance structures while maintaining its core democratic values. The Scottish independence referendum and the ongoing debate over further reforms such as a written constitution, proportional representation, and individual rights demonstrate how advanced democracies must evolve in response to changing public demands and political landscapes. Despite these pressures for reform, Britain remains deeply connected to its historical foundations, showcasing how advanced democracies can serve as role models for democratic development by continuously refining their systems without losing sight of their enduring traditions. This dynamic interplay between reform and continuity is a hallmark of advanced democratic states.