1. Britain Kinye Watson Katherine Sutton Rebecca McClure Heather Snelling

2. Britain: Historical and Cultural Factors Kinye Watson

3. The British Monarchy Properly defined, Britain is: “the largest of the British Isles, a group of islands off the northwest coast of Europe that encompasses England, Scotland, and Wales.” From time immemorial, even before it was united into one, singular political entity, Britain stood as an isle managed by monarchs. Before united, Britain was a Heptarchy—a nation split into 7 distinct neighboring kingdoms. These kingdoms were: East Anglia, Mercia, Northumbria, Kent, Essex, Wessex, and Sussex. In fact, Britain did not become known as Britain until the English and Scottish governments came to an agreement that led to their united nations being known as the Kingdom of Britain in 1707.

4. The Unification of Britain Brought together by the most unlikely of royals, Britain was unified in 886, by a man who had spent his childhood as a minor prince of Wessex, only to grow into a shrewd and charismatic political tour de force famed for defeating the Vikings that had plagued England for years: King Alfred the Great. True enough, Alfred never held the title King of England, but with the amount of power he wielded and the support that he had amongst the English nobility and lower classes, he was king in all but name, and sired the first unbroken line of kings to rule all of England.

5. British Parliament in relation to the Monarchy As pointed out in Mark Kesselman’s Introduction to Comparative Politics: Sixth Edition, despite the rise and fall of the various dynasties that lost and won the English throne, “Royal control increased after 1066, but the conduct of King John (1199-1216) fuelled opposition from feudal barons.” “In 1215 [the aforementioned barons] forced [King John] to consent to a series of concessions that protected feudal landowners from abuses of royal power.” “These restrictions were embodied in the Magna Carta, a historic statement of the rights of a political community against the monarchial state.” “In 1236, the term Parliament was first used officially for the gathering of feudal barons summoned by the king whenever he required their consent to special taxes. By the fifteenth century, Parliament had gained the right to make laws.”

6. The 17 th Century Settlement As one can ascertain from how the Magna Carta came to be, it should come as no surprise that from the very start, Parliament and the Monarchy maintained a rather tense relationship, where public amiability often hid private animosity. The Renaissance, especially, was a time of great rivalry between England’s sovereigns and its MPs, given the social and economic changes during the era, and how those changes gave Parliament more influence than they had previously enjoyed. The last Renaissance English ruler to get along with Parliament, before the English Civil War, was Elizabeth I. But just two generations after Gloriana presided over the apogee of English culture, the bad decisions and tyranny of King James VI and his son, Charles I, resulted in the civil wars of the 1640s, which then gave way to England becoming a republic under the rule of the Cromwell family, before the monarchy was eventually restored.

7. Class in Old British Culture For as long as there have been royals in Britain, there have been nobles—members of the highest caste in society, who owned land and often possessed titles such as ‘Duke’ or ‘Viscount.’ The power of the nobility derived from them owning all of the land that the lower classes had to work on, in order to grow food and make a living. The nobility also had the responsibility of protecting those on their land, but often abused their power, and had a habit of leveraging their wealth and position to jockey for political power amongst themselves, or influence the reigning sovereign. This tension between the upper and lower classes was indicative of their complex relationship: on one hand, the lower classes resented the endless privileges of their richer counterparts, but on the other hand, the upper classes were seen as embodying all the virtues meant to inspire, and were often looked up to.

8. Class in Modern British Culture Long gone are the days when those born into the right family have unparalleled and unchecked power. The Industrial Revolution saw to that. In fact, “The Industrial Revolution from the mid-eighteenth century onward involved rapid expansion of manufacturing production and technological innovation…[It also] shifted power from landowners to businessmen and industrialists.” And in shifting power, Britain’s government, once dominated by the scions of noble houses, gradually became more and more democratic in nature, with people finally getting a say in how they were ruled over. The monarchy, in turn, also became more democratic in nature, with British sovereigns becoming mere figureheads.

9. The Interplay of British Culture and British Politics After the Industrial Revolution came Word War I, a time in which the British government took control of several lucrative industries: railways, mining, shipping, etc. “It set prices, restricted the flow of capital abroad, and channeled resources into war production.” However, over time and after the first World War, “This government manipulation of the economy openly contradicted the policy of laissez- faire (minimal government.) “The 1970s saw the beginning of economic stagnation and declining competitiveness of key British industries in international markets. This fueled industrial strife.” “Many Britons were ready for a new policy agenda. Margaret Thatcher met the challenge.” And through Margaret Thatcher’s right-wing regime, Britain managed to heal, setting the country on a firm neoliberal path.

10. The Affect British Politics Has Had on British Culture As one can infer from the previous slides, British politics have had immense influence over British culture. A good example of this is how people’s view of the monarchy and nobility has changed: no longer are people content to abide by the whims and wishes of a single person, or persons, but expect (even demand) a government that looks out for them, not for the rich. The role of women has also changed considerably, in no small part to how two of Britain’s most resilient monarchs, Elizabeth I and Victoria, were both women. Overall, as Britain has become more democratic, the nation has also become more liberal and open-minded, allowing for different cultures and people to thrive within it.

11. Challenges ahead for Britain Because of the Britain’s relative isolation from the European continent, “many Britons fell they are both apart from and a part of Europe. This feeling complicates relations with Britain’s EU partners even today.” “Britain faces many other challenges—regaining economic stability and unifying Britain as a multicultural, multiethnic, and multinational country. “And it must come to terms with its role as a European country that enjoys a particularly close alliance with the United States, but has its own distinctive national and regional perspectives and interests.”

12. BRITAIN KATHERINE SUTTON Political Economy and Development

13. The State and the Economy “Sick man of Europe” – Thirty years ago economic growth was low and unemployment high “Two-Track” Pattern of Growth – mid 1990s-2008 recession – Strong service sector offset weaker industrial sector – Low unemployment, low interest rates, low inflation, and sustainedgrowth 2010 Government Transition – From New Labour to Conservative-Liberal – Economic policy driven by neoliberalism so did not change – Two dimensions: Economic Management and Social Policy Macroeconomic Policy focuses on the overall economic system Neoliberal policies aim to promote competition among business andreduce government regulation and spending

14. Economic Management The Consensus Era Thatcherite Policy Orientation Following WWII the need to rebuild brought the country together Keynesianism: “…state economic policies are used to regulate the economy to achieve stable economic growth.” In the 1970s no economic growth led to growing political discontent “The Winter of Discontent” 1978-79 ended the Consensus Era Margaret Thatcher rejected Keynesianism Monetarism: – “Natural rate of unemployment” determined by labor market – State intervention limited to keeping appropriate money supply growth rates & inflation low Active government intervention viewed as unnecessary, undesirable, destabilizing

15. Economic Management New Labour’s Economic Policy Approach The Coalition Government’s Economic Policy Approach The “Iron Chancellor” Gordon Brown – Believed Britain should not focus solely on domestic economy and that capital is international – Government should improve quality of labor in order to attract investment to Britain – Control inflation & limit public spending would improve employment & investment opportunities Used economic growth to increase spending Stabilize economy by reducing debt Felt they inherited “catastrophic” public finances Scheduled key government spending cuts to be effective over 4 years 2015 General Election campaign focused on convincing voters “…the Coalition was correct in its initial identification of reduction of the [UK’s] annual budget deficit and economic recovery as the most urgent issues confronting the country...”

16. Social Policy Welfare state but policy-makers do not view the proper goal is to reduce inequalities among groups Few comprehensive services offered and not very generous policies One exception, National Health Service (NHS) Low cost healthcare to all citizens 2011 government made major change handing responsibility for administering & budgeting health care over to the nation’s general practitioners In 2014 the Commonwealth Fund ranked the NHS as the top “…system in terms of efficiency, effective care, safe care, co- ordinated care, patient-centred care and cost-related problems.”

17. Society and Economy New Labour wanted to break welfare dependency; focused on training & social investment From the 1990s-2008 reduced inequality and narrowed gap between rich & poor 2007 UNICEF report on the well-being of children ranked the UK dead last (the US was just above them) – Market-driven economies do not possess effective governments to target & avoid child poverty: “The government may have the will, but it doesn’t have the way (the policy instruments or the strategic capacity)…”

18. Society and Economy Inequality and Ethnic Minorities Inequality and Women Often referred to as “immigrants” even though ethnic minorities are increasingly native-born Unequal police treatment and physical harassment by citizens Cultural isolation and ostracism in education system, job training, housing, & labor markets Major cities with higher ethnic populations have a rise in racially motivated crime 2008 showed of those of working age a higher percent of men (79%) than women (70%) were employed Between 2009-10 the pay gap for full-time employees narrowed by 2% points Over the past 30 years there has been a significant increase in female employment but about half are only employed part-time Lack of affordable child care likely contributes to this

19. Britain in the Global Economy — Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) “Ownership of or investment in cross-border enterprises in which the investor plays a direct management role.” Europe’s most reputable location for FDI Low costs Business-friendly political climate Government-sponsored financial incentives Reduced trade union power Large pool of potential nonunionized recruits

20. Britain The Examination of it's Governance and Policy Making Process Rebecca McClure

21. British Constitution? Britain does not have a constitution but an unwritten one formed of Acts of Parliament, court judgments and conventions. Some of the consists of: Magna Carta (1215): The first document imposed on a King of England by a group of his subjects, in an attempt to limit his powers by law and protect their rights. Bill of Rights (1689): Key landmark decision which established the supremacy of Parliament over the Crown. Parliament Acts (1911 and 1949): Regulate the respective powers of the two Houses of Parliament. Representation of the People Acts (1918) (as amended) providing for universal voting and other matters of political representation. The European Communities Act (1972): Making the Britian a legal partner in the European Union. Human Rights Act (1998): Establishing a bill of rights and freedoms actionable by individuals through the courts.

22. British Constitution? continued....

23. Who can vote: * 18 or over * be a British citizen * not be subject to any legal incapacity to vote Who can not vote: * members of the House of Lords (although they can vote at elections to local authorities) * convicted persons detained in pursuance of their sentences (though remand prisoners, unconvicted prisoners and civil prisoners can vote if they are on the electoral register) * anyone found guilty within the previous five years of corrupt or illegal practices in connection with an election Elections

24. First Past the Post is the electoral system used to elect the Britain parliament. Under First Past The Post voting takes place in constituencies that elect a single MP each. Voters put a cross on a ballot paper next to their favoured candidate and the candidate with the most votes in the constituency wins. All other votes count for nothing. Electoral System

25. Conservative Party is a political party whose guiding principles include the promotion of private property and enterprise, the maintenance of a strong military, and the preservation of traditional cultural values and institutions. Winston Churchill Margaret Thatcher David Cameron Current Prime Minister Conservative Party

26. Labour Party is a party of democratic socialism. Traditionally, the party is in favor of socialist policies such as public ownership of key industries, government intervention in the economy, redistribution of wealth, increased rights for workers and trade unions, and a belief in the welfare state and publicly funded healthcare and education. Tony Blair Labour Party

27. The Queen has a special relationship with the Prime Minister, the senior political figure in the British Government, regardless of their political party. Although she is a constitutional monarch who remains politically neutral, The Queen retains the ability to give a regular audience to a Prime Minister during his or her term of office. The Queen gives a weekly audience to the Prime Minister at which she has a right and a duty to express her views on Government matters. If either The Queen or the Prime Minister are not available to meet, then they will speak by telephone. These meetings, as with all communications between The Queen and her Government, remain strictly confidential. Having expressed her views, The Queen abides by the advice of her ministers. Prime Minister The British Prime Minister is not directly elected; instead, he is appointed by the Queen after the general election. The leader of the party that secures the most seats in the House of Commons automatically becomes Prime Minister and subsequently forms the government. Before being elected Prime Minister, the individual must secure a seat in the Parliament. To become a Member of Parliament, the candidate must secure more votes than his rival in their locality. If any party secures a majority, the Queen invites its respective leader to become Prime Minister and form government. If the leader agrees to the post, he assumes the role immediately. Queen

28. Members of Parliament (MP's) are expected to :  Support their party  Assess the political reputations of other MPs to be cabinet ministers  Share the problems they see with policy of ministers outside of chambers.  Debate about legislation, but do not write legislation.  Vote on legislation proposed by the government  Have oversight in seeing how policy is carried out  Publicize government policy to the general public.  Can check the PM with a vote-of- no-confidence. House of Commons

29. * Made up of inherited seats and Church of England bishops and law lords * Limited power Amend legislation from Commons. But the MPs in the House of Commons can easily delete amendments with simple majority * Delay legislation (financial bills 30 days and other 2 years) * Debate topics that are to controversial for elected MPs House of Lords

30. What are MP's and how are they elected? In the House of Commons there is an election every five years to elect Members of Parliament. MPs represent a single district called a constituency. MPs are elected in first past the post system. The Prime Minister is chosen from the MP's by the Queen.

31. Parliamentary sovereignty limits the role of the judiciary. Courts have no power to judge legislative acts. They can only determine whether policy directives or administrative acts violate common law or and act of Parliament. Judiciary

32. Examination of Representation and Participation Heather Snelling

33. Political Culture When Margaret Thatcher was PM (1975-1990), the Conservative Party was strong. Social rights were not a priority and the wealth gap was deemed acceptable in favor of individual property rights rather than welfare state rights to the poor. Set the stage for people to want change in favor of social rights Her successor Tony Blair brought new life to the Labour Party rebranding it “New Labour”. Fought to reduce social classes to increase competitiveness Faced the Iraq war during this time facing many protests Lost popularity for his support of the Iraq ware leading to political change Succeeded by Gordon Brown, but couldn’t save the party support Conservative Party won popularity again due to loss of popularity of Labour Party. David Cameron is current Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party.

34. Political Identity Britain has a complex national identity structure contributed by decolonization, growing immigration, and globalization. Almost 8 percent of Britain’s come from African, African-Caribbean, Pakistani, Indian, or Asian heritage. Many intertwined identities such as: Pakistani Yorkshireman Glaswegian Muslim English Jew Minorities still struggle with discrimination especially in the Muslim community. Current culture is dealing with “third culture kids” Parents from two different countries, but child nationally identifies with Britain as home and identity

35. Legislature Parliament is comprised of The House of Commons (elected), The House of Lords (unelected), and the Crown (unelected). The House of Commons Elected by the public to fill 650 seats Three main functions: To consider and pass new laws; To provide finances for the state by authorizing taxation; and To review and scrutinize public administration and government policy

36. The House of Lords Traditionally unelected Comprised of hereditary peers (made up of nobility) and life peers (appointed on the recommendation of the prime minister or the House of Lords Appointment Commission). As of 1999, hereditary peers were limited to 92 of the 740 member positions to sit and vote May debate, refine, and delay, but not block legislation Three main functions: Making laws; In-depth consideration of public policy (may debate, refine, and delay, but not block legislation); and Holding government to accountability

37. The Legislative Process To become an Act of Parliament, a bill is introduced in the Commons and the Lords. Bills in the Commons are brought to the floor 3 times: 1 st occurrence as an introduction to be debated and discussed at a high level, 2 nd occurrence after a period of time to call for a vote, 3 rd occurrence allows for a final vote after a period of time, which allowed amendments to take place. Bills passed in Commons are brought to the Lords to be accepted without change, amended, or rejected. Once passed, a bill receives royal assent, which is a traditional formality to become an Act of Parliament.

38. Political Parties Often referred to as a two party system, but currently other “minor” parties are becoming more popular. The Labour Party Used to be mostly comprised of manual labor worker supporters Current day is considered to be moderate center-left party Tony Blair rebranded the party as “New Labour” The Conservative Party One of the longest standing and most successful parties in Europe Considered center-right party

39. Liberal Democrats More recently formed by the emergence of the Liberal Party and the Social Democrat Party (SDP) in 1987 Now considered a major political party player Party won 52 seats in the 2001 election, most since 1929 Considered a powerful center-left critic of New Labour

40. Elections Elections are held only for seats in House of Commons The Prime Minister (PM) is elected from Parliament, not directly elected Queen invites the leader of the majority party to become PM 2010 major turning point for Britain’s electoral system Hung Parliament occurred when no single party received a majority vote to make up a majority in the Commons Now has 3 major political parties Parliament members (MP’s) have become more diverse since 2005 in the representation of minorities (non-white males) In 2010, Britain’s had their first Muslim, first African, and first Asian MP’s. Britain still ranks 73 rd in the world in female representation in Parliament.

41. Elections (cont’d) Election trends in Wales and Scotland show that the UK doesn’t have a nationalist strong hold In the 2010 election, Labour was the majority party in Scotland, and finished strongly in Wales Conservatives were no longer are pulling the strong votes in those areas 2014 Scottish Referendum proposing the devolution of Scotland from the UK loss by a close vote of 55.3% No to 44.7% Yes Cultural trends have affected the political party affiliations and continue to do so.

42. Bibliography "About the National Health Service (NHS)." National Health Service. July 1, 2015. Accessed March 17, 2016. http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/thenhs/about/Pages/overview.aspx.http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/thenhs/about/Pages/overview.aspx Faye, Ndéla. "Am I Rootless, or Am I Free? 'Third Culture Kids' like Me Make It up as We Go along | Ndéla Faye." The Guardian. 2016. Accessed March 11, 2016. http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/mar/09/third-culture-kid-identity-different- cultures. http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/mar/09/third-culture-kid-identity-different- cultures Kesselman, Mark, Joel Krieger and William A. Joseph. “Britain.” Introduction to Comparative Politics: Political Challenges and Changing Agendas. 6 th ed. 44-89. Florence, KY.:Wadsworth, 2013. Lee, Simon. “How Has the UK’s Coalition Government Performed?” Political Studies Association. Accessed March 17, 2016. https://www.psa.ac.uk/insight-plus/how-has-uks- coalition-government-performed#tophttps://www.psa.ac.uk/insight-plus/how-has-uks- coalition-government-performed#top "Scottish Independence Referendum." - GOV.UK. Accessed March 11, 2016. https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/scottish-independence-referendum/about. https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/scottish-independence-referendum/about “Work of the House of Lords”, accessed February 14, 2016, http://www.parliament.uk/about/mps-and-lords/about-lords/what-the-lords-do/.