FAQsaboutGreatBritain.pptVIP

FAQs about Great Britain http://www.parliament.uk/ Population 59.8 million (predominantly urban and suburban) Independence: from 12th century Head of State: Queen Elizabeth II Head of Government: Prime Minister Tony Blair Religion: Anglican, Roman Catholic, Muslim, Protestant (Presbyterian, Methodist), Sikh, Hindu, Jewish Important Characteristics A very secular state – dates from Henry VIII’s break with the catholic church Westminster style of government Parliamentary sovereignty Unitary state Fusion of powers (eg: cabinet) Industrial revolution Loss of empire Uneasy relationship with Europe International Influence European state with middling influence on regional or world affairs Post-colonial power with cultural and economic ties to old colonies An unequal partner in a special relationship with the USA Culture of Democracy in Britain Tradition of democracy dating prior to 12th century Critical events World war II Devolution Scotland Wales Northern Ireland (peace process) The Environment of Politics Political divisions States: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, a union not a federal system Great Britain: England, Scotland, Wales England has 56% of the population of great Britain Multiracial England The after-effects of colonialism Insularity, Involvement and Isolation Shrinking military and diplomatic commitments Absence of popular support Dependency on world trade World organizations Commonwealth (50 sovereign states) United nations European union Citizen self-identification Non-european +50% The English Channel – symbolic literal separation Insularity and the EU 1957 EU created GB does not join 1973 – Edward Heath, GB joins but in limited manner 1975 referendum 67 – 33 % favor EU Remains controversial Thatcher government opposes Maastricht Treaty – Major government barely ratifies it in 1993 Blair Government discusses possibility of national referendum on adoption of Euro but backs away as popular dissatisfaction becomes clear (currently,