United Kingdom

By: Kristina Lewis, Thug Steph, Mackenzie Blank

Background Capital: London Official language: English, also Irish and

Scottish are spoken. Population: 63,181,775 The United Kingdom formed in the

1800’s.

Government Constitution monarchy and parliamentary

democracy. Consist of a Queen, and a parliament. Parliament made up of two houses. Length of term is 5 years for parliament. The two houses are, House of Lords and

the House of Commons. House of Lords, 692 members, House of

Commons 651 members.

Constitution There is no written constitution. The

crown is the supreme authority. The constitution is composed of the

Magna Carta. Other features are: Acts of Parliament, EU law, conventions,Works of authority, treaties, Common laws, and Royal prerogative

History of Politics For the past 300+ years, the domestic political

differences have been resolved without coming to revolution or violent civil wars.

There has been many changes over the years with industrialization, imperialism, loss of empire, the creation of a welfare state, the move away from the welfare state under Thatcher, and now the move to devolution under Blair.

These changes have all occurred gradually and peacefully.

Key Leaders

Queen Elizabeth II David Cameron: Prime Min. Strathclyde: Leader of house of the lords. George Young: Leader of house of

commons. Mervyn Allister: Governor. Peter John Westmacott: Ambassador to

the US.

Ethnic Diversity There are many different ethnic groups

and races with white being dominant. The percentages are as followed.

84.1% White, 6.9% South Asian, 5% Black, 6.2% Mixed race, 0.8% Chinese, 0.4% other.

Political Parities Labour Party Conservative Party These two

parties split dominance Liberal Democrats

* Similar to Americas two-party system.

Citizens Role Unknown

Interest Group System There are many different interest groups

in the United Kingdom. They all have individual goals and

purposes Some of the interest groups are: public

transport, automotive user, security, and freight.

These are a few examples of groups formed and used for specific reasons.

Role of Media A way for individuals to share their

opinions through different sources. TV, is the most used form of media in

Britain. People are able to watch the house of commons deliberate live.

During the British election TV played an important role for the people who wanted to witness history.

Economic System Great Britain is one of the world's

leading industrialized nations. Britain imports about 40% of their food

supplies. The largest industries include: machine

tools, ships, cars, aircraft, metals, chemicals, coal, paper and printing.

Role and Participation in the UN

Britain is a member of the UN Security Council.

They hold the power to veto, but rarely use it.

Britain is the 4th largest contributor to the UN budget.

Britain has participated in many UN peacekeeping operations.

Public Policy Britain has a public policy exchange. They hold regular seminars which can

open up for debate, discussion, or even networking.

These special events offer local practitioners, civil servants and other stakeholders not only an insight into current policy thinking.