UNITED KINGDOM

• “The British happened to the rest of the world. Now the world happens to Britain.”

• Andrew Marr – British journalist and political commentator– Editor of The Independent” and Political Editor

for the BBC

UNITED KINGDOM

• Why is the UK included in a course on Comparative Government?

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• What is the formal name for this country?

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• The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

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• What does this country consist of?

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• What is the historical core of the country?

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• What is the historical core of the country?

• England

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• What is “Britain”?

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• What is “Britain”?

• It consists of England and its Celtic neighbors of Wales and Scotland

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• Where do the Irish come in?

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• In 1922, Ireland got its independence but the 6 heavily Protestant counties of Northern Ireland voted to remain with the Crown. Protestants call this area Ulster

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• So where do these regions fall in the big picture? Take out your blank map.

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• What is the capital city of the UK?

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• LONDON – Groovy Baby!

Big Ben – the Parliament Clock Tower

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• LONDON – Groovy Baby!

The Tube

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• LONDON – Groovy Baby!

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• What are the other big cities?

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• England = Birmingham and Manchester

• Wales = Cardiff

• Scotland= Glasgow and Edinburgh

• NI = Belfast

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What is the size of the UK?

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What is the size of the UK?

Approx 250,000 sq. miles – So?

It is 2 islands about the size of California

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What does the size and make up of the UK mean for the country?

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See any potential problems geographically???

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What is the Population of the UK?

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What is the Population of the UK?

Approx 60 million +

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What does the population statistic mean for the UK?

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It is a very congested country with 70% of the people living in urban areas and most between London and Newcastle

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However, ½ of the country is open pastureland with millions of sheep

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Demographic breakdown of the 60 million people:

81.5% English 2.8% other9.6% Scottish2.4% Irish1.9% Welsh1.8% Northern Ireland

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94.2% white

5.8% other – African, Asian, or Caribbean

What issues are involved with the population?

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After 9/11 and Britain’s recent terrorist attacks, some Conservatives pushed for an end to immigration and repatriation

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Scotland Wales are significant minorities in the system and they want more autonomy if not independence.

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Irish Catholic and Protestant Issues are improved but never far from chaos again.

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Religious Differences???

The country is made up predominantly of Anglicans who belong to the Church of England

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Religious Differences???• 9 million Catholics• 1 million Muslims• 1.5 million other Protestants• A Rising Indian population (Sikh,

Hindu• Small population of Jewish

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Religious Differences???

• Potential Problem with the Church of England being the official, established religion so it gets funding and state support with 20 officials in House of Lords

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Is Social Class an issue in British society?

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Yes it is Baby!

Upper and Middle class are self-assured and arrogant due to generations of wealth and prestigious private schools

Different dress, accents, and sports by classes

Commonwealth of Nations

• The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 54 countries (formerly connected to Britain) that support each other and work together towards shared goals in democracy and development.

• http://www.thecommonwealth.org/Internal/191086/191247/the_commonwealth/

Commonwealth of Nations

• Member countries span six continents and oceans from Africa (19) to Asia (8), the Americas (2), the Caribbean (12), Europe (3) and the South Pacific (10).

Commonwealth of Nations

Conclusion

• Back to the Opening Quote – So what does it mean?