Johnny Jung

Period 8
Terms
Unit Two: U.K.
noblesse oblige- the principle that have high social/economic status have the responsibility of
supporting the poor.
Magna Carta- the first document limiting the monarchy of England; subjects required King John
to sign and agree, limiting powers and protecting privileges.
Constitution of the Crown- not a real document, but a collection of documents, laws, norms,
and Common Law that outlines the structure and law of the British government.
Devolution/Home Rule- returning some powers back to the individual nations within the British
state. Evident in regional assembles/parliaments.
Quangos- quasi autonomous NGOs; public organizations that are largely state-funded and do
work, similarly to a U.S. agency. Lots of controversy on quango efficiency and cost; an example
of devolution of power outside of the government.
Neoliberalism- a rebirth of the classical liberal values of low government involvement, taxation,
social expenditures. Redirected welfare state in Britain and championed by conservative PM
Margaret Thatcher.
IRA- the Irish Republican Army, the opposition against Britain regarding British occupation in
Ireland. Irish nationalists that went to war with Britain in the Irish War of Independence.
Shadow Cabinet- the leaders of the opposition party, each shadowing a member of the
cabinet; usually form the cabinet if power shifts to a new party.
Question Hour- a weekly debate between the PM and his cabinet against the leaders of the
opposition party; usually rowdy and spirited, the party must defend itself from the attacks of the
opposition.
Euroskepticism- the opposition of being part of the EU. Do not want to give up any sovereignty
to the EU, nor be affected by other member states economies nor the Euro.
The Government- the most important policy makers in the system. The cabinet and PM: the
most powerful MPs make up the front rows of the majority party.
Collectivist Consensus- Putting aside class and party affiliations to achieve the common good.
Yielded positive war efforts and a modern welfare system.
Glorious Revolution- the bloodless overthrow of James II and the start of William and Marys
rule. Created the British Bill of Rights, protecting against an oppressive monarchy.
Public Schools- not the U.S. definition of public school. For the purpose of preparing boys for
public life; expensive and elite.
Backbenchers- less influential MPs of a party, sitting in the back benches.
Thatcherism (Enterprise Culture)- PM Margaret Thatchers move to a free market economy,
rejecting equal wealth distribution, and general government involvement.
New Labours Third Way- a middle path, encouraging compromise. Traditional labour values
with Thatchers conservative values incorporated.
Collective Responsibility- the cabinets job to publicly support all government action, even if
they dont privately agree. A factor of strong party image and control.
MP- member of parliament; elected by districts to make up the House of Commons.
Vote of No Confidence- if vote of no confidence is lost, the PM is assumed to not have power
over his party and is expected to resign as PM, as well as the cabinet.
BBC- British Broadcasting Company; state owned media. Originally monopolized media.
Generally supports the incumbent government and is strictly regulated.
Life Peers- Lords in HoL that have been appointed for their service to the state.
Hereditary Peers- Lords in HoL that have been given the role through the passing down
through family.
Coalition Government- If no one party can achieve a majority in the Parliament, parties must
cooperate to create a coalition govt. U.K. is currently run by Conservatives and Lib Dems.
Referendum- The government devolves power to the people, binding or non-binding to the
result. On the national level, not something common in the U.S. Large, upcoming issues such
as EU membership and Scottish independence.