The Countries of Europe: Culture, Politics & History

• You will…–Differentiate between England, Great Britain, and the United Kingdom–Explain the structure & function of the British Government

2

Explain the difference between

England, Great Britain, & the

United Kingdom using

this map.

• England—Region within the United Kingdom

• Great Britain—England along with Scotland and Wales

• United Kingdom—All of Great Britain plus Northern Ireland

Northern

• “Great Charter”• Group of nobles used

influence of their money to limit the absolute power of King John in 1215

• First time a monarch gave power to the people

• King had to obey laws of the land

Look Familiar?

• Nobility provided king with money and men to defend territory

• If English kings were militarily successful abroad, relations with nobility were good. – John not successful in military campaigns

abroad – Demands for more money and men anger

nobles– John introduced high taxes without asking

nobles • Against feudal law and accepted customs

How can Britain have a constitution and a parliament but still be a monarchy?

Monarchy (king/queen)

• Represents Britain• Has limited power

Parliament• Makes laws (based

upon the Constitution)

• Collects taxes

Key Terms:• Parliament—the lawmaking body of

the United Kingdom (like our Congress)

• Constitution—a set of laws that governs how a government works

• Constitutional Monarchy—a government in which a monarch is head of the state but has limited power

• Responsible for making all laws and passing taxes

• Comprised of three parts:1. The House of Commons – elected

officials2. The House of Lords – appointed

officials (spiritual and hereditary)3. The Monarchy – limited power, but

must sign bills into law

Lower House

Upper House

• Headed by the British Prime Minister who is the leader of the majority party in the House of Commons– S/he selects Government Ministers to

head specific governmental departments from the House of Commons/Lords

– They make sure that all laws are enforced

– Current PM: David Cameron

(The executor…much like our?)

• Current monarch: Queen Elizabeth II– Most of her responsibilities

are ceremonial – e.g. bestowing titles (knighthoods, etc.)

• Her heir: Prince Charles (Prince of Wales)

• His heir: Prince William (Duke of Cambridge)

• His heir: (Baby) Prince George of Cambridge !

“The Sun

Never Sets on

the British

Empire”? Th

e Em

pire

at i

ts H

eigh

t:

• In 1500s British had extensive trade network of colonies

• Empire was on six continents• Sun literally never set on some part of it!• Ended in 1900s after WWI

• The English Channel is a body of water between England and France that connects the Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea.

• Links the United Kingdom and France.

• Opened in 1994. • Lies beneath the English Channel• Consists of three parallel tubes, two

of which carry trains between the United Kingdom and France. – Third tube is a service tunnel for

maintenance or emergency evacuations.

1. What is the Legislative body in the UK?– What is its function?– Name the lower house. – How are these representatives placed

in office?– Name the upper house. – How are these representatives placed

in office?– Who signs the laws into place?

2. What is the Executive body in the UK?– What is its function?– Who is its leader?