The United Kingdom (The UK) The UK is actually made up of 4 smaller countries or provinces: England, Scotland, Wales, and North Ireland.

Absolute Monarchy in England During the Dark Ages, in the times of feudalism, England became under the control of an absolute monarchy where the king could make laws and rules for the country, raise taxes, and punish citizens for disobeying him.

Limiting the power of the Monarchy in England By 1215, however, the nobles began to limit the power of the king. King John had to give up some of his power to the lords and nobles by signing an agreement called the Magna Carta. King John The Magna Carta “The Great Charter”

Setting up a Constitutional Monarchy Over time, a constitution was written limiting the power of the monarchs (kings and queens) even more and setting up a representative government called Parliament.

The British Parliament Prime Minister -> <-Monarch (King/Queen) House of Lords - helps pass laws, final court of appeals House of Commons - debates and passes laws

Prime Minister of England Gordon Brown

Queen Elizabeth 1953 when she took the throne today

Westminster Palace - The Houses of Parliament

The Westminster Clock Tower - Big Ben

Big Ben

Buckingham Palace, London This is the residence (home) of the Queen when she is in London. Many priceless works of art are hung in her home for the royals and their guests to enjoy.

Buckingham Palace, London

Windsor Castle Windsor castle is the Queen’s childhood and “second” home.

Windsor Castle

Tower of London - Castle The Tower of London was originally a king’s castle meant to protect the city of London, but was later used as a prison for middle and upper class citizens who had disobeyed the king.

The Tower Bridge (over the Thames River)

Stone Henge Historians believe that Stone Henge is an ancient calendar and religious worship site.

Stone Henge

The White Cliffs of Dover

Ireland: One Island, Two Nations

Ireland: Religious Conflict VS. The Pope - head of the Catholic Church King of England - head of the new Anglican (English) Church Catholic vs. Protestant Irish people want their freedom of religion.

Ireland: The Great Potato Famine Between 1845 and 1849 a “blight” or disease that affected potatoes rotted and made much of Ireland’s food supply not suitable for eating. This caused many people to leave their homeland of Ireland and move to America; especially to places like Boston in Massachusetts. I don’t feel so good.