This document aims to summarize the material discussed in class during the first semester, breaking them into nine separate topics which are as follows:
1. GEOGRAPHY AND NATIONAL IDENTITIES
2. THE MONARCHY
3. POLITICS – ATTITUDES, POLITICAL PARTIES, THE ELECTIONS
4. POLITICAL INSTITUTIONS
...
Geography:
British Isles = Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Political Geography:
- Republic of Ireland
- The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
The UK has 4 parts: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland
Great Britain is NOT the same as the UK!!!
Great Britain = England, Scotland, and Wales (only 3 parts)
Country England Scotland Wales Northern Ireland
Capital London Edinburgh Cardiff Belfast
Flag
Patron saint Saint George Saint Andrew Saint David Saint Patrick
National animal The lion The unicorn Red dragon No official animal
National plant The rose The thistle The daffodil The shamrock
Britishness: Common things that define their identity (e.g., high literature, pop culture, geography,
various levels of British culture).
, 2. THE MONARCHY
The Monarch:
- Head of State (Number 1 person of Britain)
- Head of the nation (embodies the nation)
- Head of the Realms
- Head of the Commonwealth
Constitutional Monarchy: the Monarch must follow the rules of the constitution (his role is ceremonial).
CONSTITUTIONAL MONARCHY
APPEARANCE REALITY
Choosing Prime Minister Has to choose the leader of the winning party
Minister: give advice; final say: the Monarch PM’s decision
Opening speech: the Monarch decides The Parliament /Government writes it,
what’s important to speak about the Monarch reads it
The royal assent – Monarch decides on the laws Automatic approval
Some famous rulers and what they were famous for
1. Henry VIII (1509-1547)
o Ruthless ways
o Had six wives, two of which he beheaded.
o Established his own church: the Church of England
2. Queen Victoria (1837-1901)
o When she died, she became the longest-reigning monarch in British history (a title now
held by Queen Elizabeth II).
3. George VI. (1936 – 1947)
o Greatest achievements during WWII.
o Stammer – he had a speech therapist.
o Didn’t want to be king, but his brother stepped off.
o Actual name: Albert
o 1st Monarch to fly on a plane.
o Symbol of courage & fortitude for the British people
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