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Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role

The UK government, the law and your role

​Within this chapter, you'll discover valuable insights on the following topics:

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  • Britain as a Constitutional Monarchy

  • The Functioning of Parliament

  • Elections, Government, and Opposition

  • Devolved Administrations in the UK

  • The Commonwealth, EU, UN, and NATO

  • British Legal System and Justice

  • The Court System

  • Core Principles and Fundamental Rights

  • Taxation

  • Driving Regulations

  • Community Engagement and Participation

The British constitution

This section explores the historical development of British democracy. At the beginning of the 19th century, Britain did not resemble the democracy it is today. Voting rights were limited to a small group of male property owners over the age of 21. However, throughout the 19th century, the franchise expanded gradually, and political parties started engaging ordinary men and women. The Chartists, active in the 1830s and 1840s, advocated for six reforms, including universal male suffrage and secret ballots. Although their campaign was initially seen as a failure, most of these reforms were eventually adopted by 1918, with voting rights extended to women over 30 and, in 1928, to all men and women over 21. In 1969, the voting age was reduced to 18.

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The British constitution is unique in that it is not contained in a single written document but is rather a collection of principles, institutions, laws, and conventions that have evolved over centuries. 

Key components of the constitutional system include the monarchy, Parliament (comprising the House of Commons and the House of Lords), the Prime Minister, the cabinet, the judiciary, the police, the civil service, and local government. Additionally, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have devolved governments with legislative powers in certain areas. Queen Elizabeth II serves as the head of state in the UK and the Commonwealth, playing a ceremonial role in government affairs, while the elected government makes policy decisions. The British national anthem is "God Save the Queen," and new citizens pledge allegiance to the monarch as part of the citizenship ceremony. The UK operates as a parliamentary democracy, with elections held at least every five years, and MPs are elected using a "first past the post" system. European parliamentary elections also take place every five years, employing proportional representation. Elected representatives, including MPs, Assembly members, MSPs, and MEPs, have a duty to serve and represent their constituents, and contact details are readily available for public access. They may also hold regular local "surgeries" to engage with constituents directly.

The government

This section explores key aspects of the government and political system in the UK. The Prime Minister, who leads the political party in power, appoints cabinet members and controls significant public appointments. The Prime Minister resides at 10 Downing Street in London, with a country house named Chequers. The Prime Minister can change if governing party MPs decide or if they choose to resign, typically following a General Election loss.

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The cabinet comprises around 20 senior MPs responsible for various government departments. Key roles include the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Home Secretary, Foreign Secretary, and other Secretaries of State overseeing education, health, and defense. They form the cabinet, which meets weekly to make important policy decisions. Opposition parties, represented by the leader of the opposition, challenge government actions, with a notable platform being Prime Minister's Questions.

The UK political landscape mainly consists of major parties like the Conservative Party, Labour Party, Liberal Democrats, and regional parties. Independents represent specific local issues. Pressure and lobby groups, such as the CBI or Greenpeace, aim to influence government policies. The civil service supports the government, delivering public services while remaining politically neutral. Local government, overseen by elected councils, provides various services funded by central government and local taxes. Devolved administrations in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland have powers over specific areas, including education and health. Each has its civil service. Lastly, the media, free from government control, plays a crucial role in informing the public about political matters and events. Voting rights are extended to eligible UK citizens, Commonwealth citizens, and EU residents (except for General Elections). The electoral register, maintained by local authorities, is essential for voting. People vote at polling stations, with postal voting as an option. Citizens aged 18 or over, except for specific exceptions, can stand for public office. Visitors can observe parliamentary sessions and visit devolved assemblies in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.

The UK and international institutions

This section explores the UK's involvement with international institutions, including the Commonwealth, European Union (EU), Council of Europe, United Nations (UN), and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

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The Commonwealth, comprised of 54 voluntary member states, fosters cooperation in democracy and development, with the Queen serving as its ceremonial head. Although it lacks authority over its members, it upholds core values like democracy and the rule of law. The EU, initially established as the European Economic Community, now includes 27 member states, with Croatia joining in 2013. EU law is legally binding across its member states. The Council of Europe, separate from the EU, consists of 47 member countries, including the UK, and focuses on safeguarding human rights. The UN, comprising over 190 nations, aims to prevent conflicts and promote global peace, with the UK as one of five permanent Security Council members. Lastly, NATO, a collective defense alliance, includes the UK and other countries committed to mutual assistance and peacekeeping among its members.

Respecting the law

This section explores the significance of respecting the law in the UK. It emphasizes that all residents, regardless of their background, are expected to obey the law, and those who do not may not be allowed to become permanent residents. The section underscores the relevance of the law in various aspects of daily life, including personal and business affairs.

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The UK's legal system is briefly explained, highlighting the equality of treatment under the law for everyone. It distinguishes between criminal law, which deals with crimes and is investigated by authorities such as the police, and civil law, used for resolving disputes between individuals or groups. Examples of criminal and civil laws are provided to illustrate their scope.

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Additionally, the role of the police in the UK is described, emphasizing their responsibilities in protecting life and property, maintaining peace, and preventing and detecting crimes. The section also briefly addresses the potential threats of terrorism and extremism, urging citizens to report any attempts to radicalize or recruit individuals for extremist or terrorist causes. Finally, it introduces the role of the judiciary, responsible for interpreting the law and ensuring fair trials, with a focus on the independence of judges and the legal processes in both criminal and civil courts.

Fundamental principles

This section explores fundamental principles deeply ingrained in British society. These principles, rooted in historical documents like the Magna Carta, the Habeas Corpus Act, and the Bill of Rights of 1689, have evolved over time. The UK played a significant role in drafting the European Convention on Human Rights, encompassing rights such as the right to life, prohibition of torture, and freedom of expression. The Human Rights Act 1998 incorporated these principles into UK law, mandating adherence by the government, public bodies, and courts.

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Equal opportunities are enforced through UK laws to prevent discrimination based on age, disability, sex, race, religion, or other factors. Protection against domestic violence is robust in the UK, where any form of violence in the home is a crime, and forced marriage is illegal, with protection orders available to potential victims. The section also covers taxation, including income tax and National Insurance Contributions, with guidance on obtaining a National Insurance number. It concludes with information on driving regulations in the UK, including licensing requirements, vehicle registration, road tax, insurance, and MOT tests.

Your role in the community

This section explores your role in the community and how you can contribute to making your community a better place as a British citizen or resident. Shared values and responsibilities, including obeying the law, respecting the rights of others, treating everyone fairly, behaving responsibly, and preserving the environment, are fundamental to being a good citizen. Becoming actively involved in your community, such as getting to know your neighbors and participating in local activities, can help you integrate and contribute positively.

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You can support your community in various ways, including jury service, helping at schools, becoming a school governor, joining parent-teacher associations, supporting political parties, volunteering with local service providers, donating blood or organs, and engaging in various volunteer activities. Volunteering offers opportunities to meet people, improve your English, develop work skills, and help others. Additionally, taking steps to protect the environment, such as recycling and supporting local businesses, is essential for sustainable community development and reducing your carbon footprint.

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