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The Countries of Europe: Culture, Politics & History. Learning Targets:. You will… Differentiate between England, Great Britain, and the United Kingdom Explain the structure & function of the British Government.
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The Countries of Europe: Culture, Politics & History
Learning Targets: • You will… • Differentiate between England, Great Britain, and the United Kingdom • Explain the structure & function of the British Government
Explain the difference between England, Great Britain, & the United Kingdom using this map.
England? Great Britain? The United Kingdom? • England—Region within the United Kingdom • Great Britain—England along with Scotland and Wales • United Kingdom—All of Great Britain plus Northern Ireland
Magna Carta • “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? King John of England
Why give up power? • 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
The United Kingdom 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
British Parliament • Responsible for making all laws and passing taxes • Comprised of three parts: • The House of Commons – elected officials • The House of Lords – appointed officials (spiritual and hereditary) • The Monarchy – limited power, but must sign bills into law Lower House Upper House
British Government • 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?)
The Monarchy • 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 !
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 Sun Never Sets on the British Empire”? The Empire at its Height:
The English Channel is a body of water between England and France that connects the Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea.
The Channel Tunnel (Chunnel) • 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.
Review… • 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? • What is the Executive body in the UK? • What is its function? • Who is its leader?