BRITISH POLITICAL LIFE Group 11: Nguy n Th Vui Nguy n Th H ng Nguy n Th H ng Minh CONTENTS 1. The public attitude to politics 2. The style of democracy 3. The constitution 4. The style of politics 5. British political parties 6. The party system 7. The modern situation 1. THE PUBLIC ATTITUDE TO POLITICS Politicians do not have a good reputation -Lack of trustworthiness -High degree of suspicion -Frequently dishonest Lack of enthusiasm for politicians THE PUBLIC ATTITUDE TO POLITICS The lack of enthusiasm Complete disenchantment - ¾ adults participate in voting at national election - A general feeling of confidence in the stability and workability of the system Book: Yes, Prime Minister The criticism of the public directs at politicians¶ attitudes The criticism at dishonesty ,disloyalty and at the general style of political life The spitting image puppet of Margaret Thatcher. 2.THE STYLE OF DEMOCRACY British have high respect for its law -there is little systematic law-breaking law- The country has few rules and regulations The 2 unique aspects of British life THE STYLE OF DEMOCRACY - People do not have identity card , driving license with them - The Government do not have to inform what information they have collected about you These are private matters in Britain THE STYLE OF DEMOCRACY There is little involvement between the state and its citizens - Individuals¶ duties are: not breaking law paying taxes - No national service like military - There is no referendum when the Government want to make an important constitution change Q&A Can you tell me the name of the book which give criticism of the public directs at politicians¶ attitudes A: T p c B: Toán Cao C p C: Yes, Prime Minister D: I¶m gifted so are you 3.THE CONSTITUTION Britain Constitutional Monarchy (Monarch: Head of State) Parliamentary Democracy (Prime Minister: Head of Government) THE CONSTITUTION There is no single written constitution but only rules, regulations, principles and procedures for the running of the country Sources of constitution: Statue Law International Treaty & Agreement British Constitution Authoritative Works Conventions Royal Prerogative Common Law 4. THE STYLE OF POLITICS Respect for privacy and love of secrecy THE STYLE OF POLITICS Comparatively informal - Important decisions are made at lunch, or over drinks THE STYLE OF POLITICS A genuine habit of co- operation among copoliticians of different parties 5. BRITISH POLITICAL PARTIES CONSERVATIVE History - Formed in the early 19th century - Developed from the group of MPs known as the Tories - Right of centre - Hierarchical authority - Minimal Government interference in the economy - Give high priority to national defence and internal law and order - Aggressive reform of education, welfare, housing and many public services( since 1979) Iain Duncan Smith LABOUR - Formed at the beginning of 20th century - From an alliance of trade unionists and intellectuals - Left of centre - Equality - More Government involvement in the economy - More concerned to provide full social services - Emphasis on community ethics and looser links with trade unions( since 1979) LIBERAL DEMOCRATS - Formed in the late 1980s - From a union of the Liberals and the Social Democrats Policies - In the centre or slightly left of centre - Strongly in favor of EU - Place more emphasis on the environment - Believe in giving greater power to local government and in reform of the electoral system Leader( May 2002) Voters Tony Blair Charles Kennedy - Richer sections of society - A minority of the working classes Donation from business people - Working classes - A small amount of middle class - All classes - More from middle class Money Mostly from trade union Private donation Q&A 1) Do you think Britain is a constitutional monarchy or a parliamentary democracy? democracy? 2) Name 3 dominant political parties in Britain? 6. THE PARTY SYSTEM 6.1 Characteristics of British party system 6.2 Reasons 6.3 Consequences 6.1 Characteristics of British party system Britain is normally described as having a twosystem´. ³two-party system´. Since 1920s, the two largest political parties: - The Conservative Party -The Labour Party =>Two=>Two-party system ? Two political parties dominate the number of votes and the seats in the House of Commons (90%). 6.2 Reasons The electoral system: ³First Past the Post´ - Duverger's Law states favors a twotwoparty system. 6.2 Reasons The nature of British political parties: parties: - Members of Parliament: + Government benches +Opposition benches - House of Commons: + Cabinet: the party controlling the Government. + Shadow Cabinet: the biggest party which is not in Government. 6.3 Consequences It¶s very difficult of smaller parties to challenge the dominance of the bigger one. The members who are not MPs can have effect on policy through: - the annual party conference. - being candidates for MPs in the local party at the next election. 7.THE MODERN SITUATION The traditional confidence in the British political system has weakened. A survey of British public attitude to politics % agreeing with statement 1992 26 35 1960s The British monarch is something to be proud of The British Parliament is something to be proud of 86 75 THE MODERN SITUATION Some of the distinctive characteristics of British public life will change: - the matter of identity card and the Freedom of Information Act - the matter of constitution. Q&A Britain is a multi- party system multiA. True B. False Thank you for your attention !