European Union

For Monday Feb. 4th be prepared to answer the following:

1. Define “nation” and “state,” and explain how each concept relates to the European Union.
2. When was the EU founded?  Who were the founding members?

UK Test Study Guide

How does the head of state in Mexico differ from the head of state in the United Kingdom?

List the duties / characteristics

            UK                                                                               Mexico

How does a Unitary system differ from a federal system?

Explain why 3^rd parties have relatively low number of seats in parliament compared to their overall support in the electorate. 

            Which parties would advocate for the “Alternative Vote”?

For Great Britain, describe one argument for and one against joining the Euro.

Describe 2 methods by which the UK could make the decision  to adopt the European single currency (euro)

For Mexico, describe one benefit of joining NAFTA and one detrimental effect of joining NAFTA.

Describe the impact of joining an international organization on state sovereignty.

What is the nickname given to the finance minister in Britain?

Which elections system is likely to have the most parties;  SMD or proportional?

What are the institutions of political socialization? (how have your beliefs been shaped?)

What regions within Britain have gained power as a result of devolution?

What has been the greatest social cleavage in Britain over the 20^th century?

            (think about industrialized nations in general)

4 of the following 5 are used as the basis for law in the UK, which are they?

            Magna Carta

            Scholarly treatises

            Common Law

            Judicial Review

            Statutes

What role does the house of lords play in selecting the PM?

A Constitutional Revolution in Britain?

Read the article at the following link:  Revolution

Be prepared to answer questions and discuss on Tuesday

Group 1 - define devolution - Has Labour succeeded in its reforms to share power? How?
Group 2 - Has Labour been successful in providing for an elected mayor in London?  What was the inspiration for this?
Group 3 - How has the House of Lords changed under New Labour?
Group 4 - Has Britain incorporated all of the Human Rights of the European Convention it has sought too?
Group 5 - Is Britain as secretive now as it was in 97' or has a freedom of information Act increased transparency?
Group 6 - What electoral reforms has New Labour brought up?  Have they been successful?

When is New Labour likely to get serious about election reform at the parliamentary level?

For Wednesday Read pages 80-83

Read pages 80-83...what are the coinciding cleavages within the UK?
list (in order of importance)

Political Economy (section2)

Read 2-2
Characterize the 4 modern eras (consensus, Thatchers conservative, New Labours third way, and the coalition as being either keynesian or monetarism in nature.  Support your choice with a specific policy that would make it so.

What changes have been made to the NHS since the coalition government took over?

What are some specific policies aimed at closing the inequality gap faced by minorities and women?

How has/is the UK encouraging foreign investment?