Connaissance du pays – anglais

Book : how Britain really works ? – Stig Abell

Choose one of the 2 books and then quiz about the book we chose

National daily press : ongoing assessment on that, 2 tests. Based on the press review, meant to test
general knowledge about important names, institutions,… and if we can understand different English
(headlinese)
Written exam : 50%
Quiz on audiobook : 15%
Quiz on headlines (ongoing assessment) : 35% ; from March 7th to April 7th 20h
Preparation for the exam : MCQ and short-answer questions on Wooflash, fill in the blank texts,
questions on How Britain Really Works. Course code : CPUK

1. Meet the Britons : Geography, Identity & Attitudes (Chap 8 : identity)

2. Order, Order! : Government & Political Life (Chap 2 : Politics)
3. Bobbies, Barristers & Burglars : The Criminal Justice System (Chap 6 : Lax and order)
4. The Footsie, The Nanny, John Bull & Friends : Economy, The Welfare State & International Relations
(Chap 3 : Health)5. The Clarendon Nine go to Oxbridge : Education (Chap 4 : Education)
6. Rebel, Rebel : Media & The Arts (Chap 7 : Old and new media)

Press review : The Daily, Telegraph

King’s Charles the 3rd has cancer
Old tapestry that RPZ English and French history. 1066 : year of the battle that opposed King Harold
with Guillaume le Conquérant / le Norman (= William The Conqueror in English). Harold seized the
throne and goes to England to conquer the place and William was killed. Norman invasion / Norman
conquest
“William to take on more commitments” : headlines short bc printed in large letters, language
shortens (no auxiliaries, verbs can be dropped,…), here infinitive to express the future
“UK ‘in soft regency’” : William acting as a regent, here inverted commas (guillemets) bc it’s a quote

Wednesdays are important days bc PMQs : Prime Minister Questions, when members of Parliament
are together, they are devoted to questions to the Prime Minister (Rishi Sunak). 07 feb. someone was
condemning Rishi Sunak bc of his terrible transgender jibe. Rishi Sunak : leader of the Conservative
party. Nicola Sturgeon : first Minister of Scotland, still a member of the House of Commons. Leader of
the opposition : Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour party

The Times : a broadsheet newspaper, quality newspaper, in-depth articles, editorials, authors
investigate questions, more text and more serious topic (politics, economy,…)
The Sun : tabloid / Red Top, less qualitative, try to catch the reader’s intention
Daily Mail : middle-market newspaper, in between the 2, more pictures and shorter text sections

1. Meet the Britons

Geography :
The United Kingdom : The British Isles are surrounded by 2 seas and 1 ocean ; North Sea on East,
Atlantic Ocean, Irish Sea. There is also the English Channel (la Manche). Great Britain : largest of the
British Isles, the other one is Ireland (The Emerald Isle).
In the North, there are the Shetlands, the Orkneys and the Hebrides.
In the middle of the Irish Sea, there is The Isle of Man
The Isle of Wight
Jersey – Guernsey – St Anne

Politics :

States : The Republic of Ireland (Eire)

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

United Kingdom : Kingdom that is united by =/ parts that are called the home nations. They are 4 :
Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland. Crown dependencies, depends on the Monarchy. English
people =/ British people. Scotland : The Scotts, (Jock) England : The English Northern Ireland : The
Irish. Wales : The Welsh

England : Population : +- 56 million. Capital : London, South-East. Symbols of England : the cross of
the Patron Saint of England (St George, April 23), the rose, white. Albion, Britannia : origin. English
moto (devise) is French : Dieu et mon droit. King can give titles or honors, 1 of them is the Order of
the Garter

London : +- 8,9 million people. River : The Thames (la Tamise). Buildings : Westminster, St Paul’s
Cathedral, The ‘Gherkin’ (cornichon). Things to do : visit museums and galleries, go to ‘Wet End’
shows. Festival : Notting Hill Carnival, Lord Mayor’s show (+ traditional, when elected goes through
the streets in London). Lord Mayor =/ Mayor of London. Mayor of London : + important political role ,
he’s Sadiq Khan, elected when general elections.

Symbols : the rose, white, st George’s cross, St George (April 23),

Headlines :
Penny Mordaunt : Member of the Parliament, leader of the House of Common. Main role : take care
of legislated program. Disapproval of Rishi Sunak’s comment and reconsider the fact that he did not
want to apologize
Some members of the Parliament also showed support Rishi Sunak (Michael Gove for example)
Douglas Ross : leader of the Scottish Conservative Party and also supports Rishi Sunak (see other
headlines : 9 feb, 12 feb)

“Labour cuts ties with Rochdale candidate over Israel comments” : Labour = Labour party. Rochdale
candidates : citizens that vote for the representatives of the House of Commons. Normally all
members are elected at the same time, but sometimes not, and if not, by-elections are held to elect
the members of the Parliament. By-elections exposed on the news bc gov let the attack so criticism
vigorous and Labour party decided to cut ties )

“bosses’ gushing tribute to iconic star the axed after 40 years at the beeb” (feb. 14), Host : Steve
Wright : very popular host, died at 69. Gushing : exaggeratedly positive. To axe : to fire
“the ‘explosion of hatred’ against jews in Britain” : feb. 15, discrimination against Jews, report was
concerning. James Cleverly : Home Secretary

Regions and counties :

1. Counties

Wales : population : 3 million, capital city : Cardiff, symbol : dragon of Cadwaller, red flag, daffodils,
leak, St David (March 1), Conwy Castle : Castle in which King of England (Eduard 1) invaded Wales
(1283). Marcher Barons, Marches : powerful length of the territory there, military force that helped
Eduard 1 to invade
Acts of Union : 1536 & 1542
1403 : Owen Glendover led that uprising against the English Kingdom
Welch language is a very important symbol, it has been an official language since 1990, 2 acts signed
in the welch Parliament : Welch is a real language and welch and English should be treated equally.
Also taught in school. Moto of Wales : Cymru am byth
Coduallader : has mythical glow, corresponds to a King in the 17th century, the savior of Wales
Prince of Wales : William (son of Eduard 1)

Cardiff : population 488K people, River : River Taff. Buildings : Cardiff castle, Llandaff Cathedral, The
Millennium, centre and stadium. Things to do : see on Moodle, festivals same

Scotland : population : 5,5 million, capital city : Edinburgh, symbols : unicorns, flag : St Andrew’s
Cross, also referred to as Saltire, thistle (chardon), The Lion Rampant, St Andrew (November 30), Ben
Nevis : highest mountain of the United Kingdom, Roman empire never fully conquest British soils, but
created the Hadrian’s Wall : roman legends built it at the border. Pics (?) keep going down to kill
people and steal as much as they could and Anglo-Saxons found it hard to fight back

Caledonia : other name of Scotland that comes from Latin. 1296 : English never managed to conquer
Scotland, they conquered Wales so until 1328 war and then. William Wallace (executed), Robert the
Bruce : name of important leaders. The 2 kingdoms lived peacefully next to each other until 1603 bc
Queen Elisbeth 1 died without an official heir, so no official person to access the throne so decision
made that the King of Scotland becomes the King of England = Union of the crowns (1603). Union
made official in 1707, Birth of the Union Flag. 1746 : Uprising led by a prince part of the Stewart
family, referred to as Bonnie Prince Charlie. Throughout 18-19 century, British gov had to face a
number of actions from families in the islands, very powerful families known as clans there.
Clearances : one in the 18 one 19 century, expelling members from the islands by saying that the gov
needs more territory to raise sheeps. When Scottish Parliament created there was a discussion about
his souveraineté. 2014 : INDYRCF : discussion but majority answers were no. Moto : In Defense

Edinburgh : population : 525K, river : none in the city (the Firth and Forth in near), buildings :
Edinburgh castle, Scottish Parliament, the Old town. Things to do : see on Moodle, festivals same
(tattoo is a festival of military music

2. Regions

Northern Ireland : population : 1,8 million, capital city : Belfast, St Patrick (March 17), vegetable :
shamrock, symbols : green, Republic of Ireland’s Flag St Patrick, Red Hand of Ulster : law said that the
person who was going to be the king was the first to put his hand on the territory (?), red bc covered
of blood, Giant’s Causeway (chaussée), Leprechaun. Ulster, Eirn, The Emerald Isle, Hibernia
1171 : Henry 2 under guides of Christianization tries to invade and the main missionary who started
to Christianize the Isle was st Patrick, 1st attempt to conquer Isle. 1534 : . 1594 : beginning of the war
Irish-Elisabeth the 1st. 1641 : rebellion. 1798 : 2nd rebellion. 1800-1801 : official act of union between
United Kingdom and Ireland. 1893 / 1896 : Home Rule Bills, Ireland : independence is referred to as
home rule, they issue 2 bills so relationship tense. 1916 : Easter Rising : beginning of the war of
independence. 1921 : Irish Republican Brotherhood, in favor of the republic of Ireland. End of the
War of Independence, 6 protestant counties od Ulster decided to remain in the Union (Loyalists or
Unionists). 1998 : Good Friday Agreement. Moto : Quis separabit ? = who will separate us ?

Belfast : population : 639000, River : the river Lagan, Buildings : City Hall, Grand Opera House, Linen
Hall Library, The Peace Lines. Things to do : see on Moodle, festivals same

Press review :
-“Prince issues Gaza plea for a permanent peace” : Prince : William, Prince of Wales, about ongoing
situation, family normally supposed to remain neutral, no comments abt what is happening, it was
both praised and criticized, call for help (plea) in the center of a very important debate in the House
of Commons, very important vote in the HOC about 2 motions

-“Party tables amendments to SNP motion at Starmer seeks to see off rebellion” : Starmer : leader of
the Rebellion Party, amendments = changes, motion = proposition, start RPZ changes that SNP
(Scottish National Party) has already proposed, SNP issued the motion calling for an immediate
ceasefire in Gaza, vote abt that not fully agreed, British Parliament was to vote yesterday on deciding
to support and opening the demand for supporting Gaza. What change he asked for ? -> an
immediate humanitarian ceasefire / pause so pause in the conflict so that humans can get help. See
off a rebellion = try to stop a rebellion. HOC : when vote necessary the party issues directions, party
can disagree with the directions. Starmer wants to try to convince everyone to vote in favor of
humanitarian ceasefire
2 motions : SNP supported by Conservative Party. Penny Mordant : Leader of the HoC, decides what’s
on the agenda (à l’ordre du j), she says if we vote on the amended motion we won’t vote, we want
the ceasefire not the humanitarian ceasefire, Speaker of the HoC : Sir Lindsay Hoyle : said we vote for
demanded? Motion. They voted already. The Ayes have it = yes is the answer to the question.
Decision not binding

-“Walkout over Gaza motion brings Commons to chaos” :

-“Speaker on brink after walkout” : brink = edge of cliff, means is about to do smthg. Headlines are
not always sentences : here for example no verb so not a sentence
-“Carnage in the chamber and Sir Lindsay suffered the most damage” : even though he apologized
Headlines can play with alliteration (repetition of sounds) to attract attention

Plymouth important city because in the 17th century (1620) the Mayflower left from Plymouth to try
to escape religious discrimination and went to America

Britishness ?
Traditions, stiff upper lip = they do not show their emotions, patriotism with national sport teams,
you feel it, progress, tolerance ; multiculturalism, cosmopolitanism

Gordon Brown : Labour Party, Prime Minister from 2007 to 2010. The Fabian Society : socialist side of
the political specter, started as a society of ppl interested in socialist ideas in the 19th century, not a
political party but socialist views of the creation of the Labour party, Chancelor of the ex chequor so
takes care of the financial aspects. Prosper years for the Labour Party. 2006 : conference of 1 day
focusing on the notion of Britishness, he gave the opening speech, he tried to give the possible
foundation of the possible Britishness and to emphasize the importance of Britishness. British values
important because that’s what unifies them, that RPZ Britain.
Potential crises in the future : Independence of the Home Nations, integration of minorities, dangers
of fundamentalism because attack in London before, which position in Europe and the World.
Unifying identity can help. For him, Britishness is “the distinctive set of British values which influence
British institutions”. Institutions : royal family, Church of England, NHS, BBC, sports teams, charities,
voluntary associations, craft societies, churches and faith groups
Government =/ Parliament : democratic country or nation : 3 =/ powers : legislative, executive,
judicial. Gov : executive power. Parliament : makes the laws, legislative power. Members of gov also
members of the Parliament
3 simple values : belief of liberty, tolerance, sense of fair play. Decency too. Duty and civic duty is
important.

One golden thread : pursuit and defense of liberty. 1215 : fight for a democratic world and gov,
monarch at the time was King John of England and ppl feel like he has too much power so want to
limit it, so Magna Carta. 1689 : the Bill of Rights, rights of the citizens in the UK are listed in it. 1800s :
British abolished slave trade, other countries followed after that. 1940s : WW. Pursuit of liberty has to
be a central value and democracy is important, gov is uncountable to the citizens

Abell’s Britishness :
“To be British if to carry, always, a sense of the past”. Traditions. What is Britishness is a loaded
question = a trick question. 2 reasons : if you ask that, you probably have an opinion and expect
people to think the same as you, and we don’t really have an answer to that question. If we need to
ask then it probably doesn’t exist. Shown by fact that the Home Nations don’t agree on that.
Chippiness = être avare. For him, Britishness is a mess and people try to make sense of that mess

Press review :
By-election : re-election of a member of Parliament
General elections : members of government are elected (in 2025)
“Sunak criticizes Hoyle’s ‘very concerning’ actions over Gaza vote” : Stephen Lynn : member of
Scottish National Party has criticized the speaker, accused him of lying (very serious accusation) and
Rishi Sunak has made a statement about what happened

“Britain rejects Macron’s plan to send NATO troops to Ukraine” : Macron gave a speech during NATO
meeting during which he encouraged, said he wasn’t ruling out possibility of sending troops in
Ukraine, said option worth considering, but others said it would lead to an escalation of conflict

“Rwanda Bill : Asylum laws trapping 55000 people in ‘perma-backlog’, says UK thinkthank” : British
Parliament wants to stop the deport of people in Rwanda. Report of findings of thinkthank (grp of
experts, they were asked to send immigrants in Rwanda). Law would leave 55000 people to be
trapped in permanent backlog (permanent waiting list). Minister in charge of migration question AKA
the Home Secretary : James Cleverly

“Chancellor may end non-dom tax break for budget boost” : Spring Budget, Chancellor of the
Exchequer : Jeremy Hunt : 2x year he presents the budget and now it’s going to be the spring budget.
Red Box : official cases in which legal parliamentary, gov documents are held. Chancellor may decide
to put an end to tax break that is currently offered by non-domiciled. These ppl can benefit from tax
break (= no taxes), make sure the gov gets more money. Part of Labour program. Here Jeremy Hunt
seems to be interested in

Britishness :

3 values /!\ : liberty, tolerance and fair-play

Traditions are central

If we ask what is Britishness it’s bc it’s impossible to answer to that question

Education :

Democracy : Participation and equality

Individual liberty : Freedom for all and supporting the rights for all, self-help and self-responsibility :
Puritan ethics centered on the individual and says that individual responsible for his/her success,
don’t expect someone else to provide, if you want to achieve success it’s down to you, Victorian era

The Rule of Law : the law applies equally to all, equity and solidarity. Equality = everybody on the
same step. Equity = fair-play. Notions that children learn at school

Tolerance : cultures and religions

Mutual respect

Anthropology : study of human beings

Kate Fox wrote 20 years ago a book considered one central source when we want to talk about
English behaviors. It’s at the cross road of scientific and comical. How do English ppl behave and why
do they behave like that ?

Graph organizes major elements of the English. Central notion : social dis-ease, and central element
supported by 3 others : outlooks, values and reflexes
Social dis-ease : being ill at ease. Central element that explains the behavior of the English, tend to be
ill at ease in social situations. Because of the geography, they don’t have physical connections with
others (islands). Being socially challenged -> connection with insularity. The English are reserved, over
polite, obsessed with privacy, individualism. Sometimes social dis-ease is expressed by behaviors such
as extremely loud if not violent in football for example.
Difficulty to behave in social situations, number of facilitators (to deal with social dis-ease) : games,
pubs, clubs, weather-speak, cyberspace, pets,… Specificities of English behaviors are reflected in the
language. Expressions of English language : an Englishman’s home is his castle, let’s not jump the gun,
easy does it (no need to rush)
Knee-jerk responses :
Reflexes : humour : section of humour in the book, author of the book lists a number of features :
irony and sarcasm, teasing, mockery, wordplay, satire, understatement, self-depression, moderation :
avoiding extremes in all possible aspects, try to avoid excessive, can be observed in the conservatism
of British society, long-standing institutions and the establishment and focus on domesticity, praising
the talented amateur and public spiritedness and hypocrisy : over-politeness, instead of hurting a
person’s feelings they will say the contrary of what they think
understatement =/ sous-entendu. Sous-entendu = innuendo
British humour : SPAM !

A set of shared values : outlooks : Empiricism (adj : empirical) : one of the perspective is based on
what they can see, perceive, associates that with being realistic, down-to-earth, common sense, also
expressed in form of anti-intellectualism
Eeyorishness : typical, sighing and ‘tutting’
Class-consciousness : citizens -> social class. In the UK it’s nots based on the money you earn, it
defines the way that you behave, ppl tend to judge each other, social radar and play with the social
ladder, they can judge another person rapidly. They can notably do that with the language, if person
speaks quickly etc

Values : 3 central values : fair-play, courtesy and modesty, values are ideals, unwritten etiquette (way
ppl should behave in social situations), guiding principles

Fair-play : everybody has the same chances of becoming the winner. Queuing, round-buying

Headlines :
“a headache for Starmer – but a general election will be different” : by-election. Labour candidate.
Election on Feb. 29th, person elected : George Galloway : candidate for one of the smaller parties, for
the Workers’ Party, used to be a member of the Labour Party so Starmer’s party, was elected in that
by-election, he openly made a speech saying ‘Starmer, this is for Gaza’. General election : no big party
won it like Green, Liberal Democrat,… To see if victory could save anything about outcome of the
result about feature of general election , at the end of the year, gov will be dissolved so general
election, it hasn’t been announced yet

“Hunt leaves door open to more tax cuts” : Tax cuts = limitation, diminishing of taxes and said there
could be more
“Chancellor takes aim at Labour poll lead but fails to deliver knockout punch” : Announced in the
budget to try to save campaign. Even if he tried, he failed (knockout)

“A last desperate act”

“Starmer condemns budget as reflection of ‘failed’ Tory Party”
Reduction of National Insurance tax (NI) = tax made from salary of citizens and with that money their
healthcare is covered, tax reduced in December from 12 to 10% and Jeremy Hunt wants to reduce it
from 10 to 8%
They should’ve been stronger indication for the budget, even if Hunt is in favor of citizens, probably
won’t be enough. Snap election : election called earlier. General election : January 2025 but general
election was called earlier

A set of shared values :

Unwritten etiquette : rules of behaviors.
*Fair play : convinced that everybody should have the same chance at the beginning, principle of
equity, support of the underdog (ppl that seem to have fewer taxes). Queuing, round-buying : typical
behaviors. Brown’s fairness to all. Victorian ethics responsibility and self-help. Ex : fair enough, giving
a fair chance, etc.
*Courtesy : you do not want to intrude into sb’s life, negative politeness
*Modesty : connection with humor, important to remain modest, humor based on self-deprecation
and self-mockery. Ex : don’t blow your own trumpet

What is common to all citizens ?

Abell’s view : we must be sensitive to what is shifting, what has been changes : ethnicities, =/
between rich and poor, old and young, London and the province,… Changes crucial if you want to
understand British identity
Not only the notion of shared values but rather a feeling of belonging. Which aspects ? National
belonging, ethnic background, religious background, geographical background, social background.
ONE social structure : multiculturalism. Indicators ? Language and accents, symbols and stereotypes.
Multiculturalism : an educational and social theory that encourages the interest in and inclusion of
many cultures. Melting pot vs salad bowl : melting pot : pot in which metals are melted together.
What happens then ? They fuse, alloy (un alliage). British society : many =/ cultures but cultures have
their very specific identity, and fact that all specificities are all together that make the British society.
One common element : citizenship : citizens of the UK. Diversity in the citizens. Legislation around :
interesting and ongoing mvt between acceptance, inclusion and boundaries. 1948 : British Nationality
Act : citizenship status for citizens of the UK and colonies. 1962 : Commonwealth Immigration Act.
1965 : Race Relation Act. 2002 : Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act

Has multiculturalism failed ? Integration and self-segregation are 2 dominant and opposing trends of
the 21st century.
National identity : Britishness >< Englishness. Wales : they learn welch at school.
Scotland : public life, language in Scotland : a lot of dialects, accents (only pronunciation, no different
grammar etc), so variety, Scot considered an official language
Northern Ireland : Chequered history. Political and religious division. The Orange and Green traditions

Ethnic identity : BAME POC : Black, Asians and minority ethnis. Mainly after WWWII. Empire
Windrush. Language very specific : Creole language, bc of colonization. Indian subcontinent :
stereotypes. British Asians

Headlines :
General elections will happen this year (1st corner to reach). Rishi Sunak : Conservative Party, not in
the lead. The end of a years trend of Conservative Party. Party might no longer be the leader and
Sunak will probably be replaced. Last important corner to turn : Flagship registration (central, the
most important one). Rwanda Bill, issue legislation on migrants deported from UK to Rwanda, if Bill
voted : push to the Conservative government.

“Chancellor hints at October election as speculation rises” : Jeremy Hunt = Chancellor of the
Exchequer, was interviewed by polity and said there might be questions abt budget, very last
deadline to discuss the budget is October. General elections will happen on October. Prime Minister
Rishi said general elections in early May bc British citizens will have to go to the poll for local elections
and Rishi Sunak said that wasn’t going to happen

“Defeats deal fresh blow to Rwanda migrant bill” : Fresh blow = bill has faced yet a short coming,
yesterday discussed in the House of Lords, nbr of votes on amendment that the House of Lords would
like to see happen in the bill, 7 votes and all in opposition with the bill, not ready to be signed, it’s
going to be sent back, 1 Mi said first flight to Rwanda
“No 10 urges nation to ‘get behind Kate’ amid probe into ‘medical record beach’” : Kate = Princess of
Wales, medical condition, has been waved from the life bc scandal picture but false, apologized abt
that in front pages, yesterday announced that members of the hospital where she was treated had
tried to have access to medical record, staff members investigated to know what happened. Support
to the princess for this difficult situation, don’t be too harsh on her etc. No 10 (nbr 10) = downing
street small street, nbr of houses and n.10 where Prime Mi resigned. Metonym : figure of speech
where we use part of smthg to refer to a whole. N.10 = Parliament (?)

Chap 2 :

United Kingdom : constitutional monarchy and also constitution but also parliamentary democracy so
indirect democracy (citizens vote for their representatives in charge of the Parliament). 3 branches of
power separated -> typical of the democracy, separation between legislative, executive and judiciary.
Idea of separating refers to ‘Checks and balances’. Checks = enable to check on what the branches are
doing, they can check on the others. Balances = should be a form of balance on the =/ powers, review
law before adopted. Executive : cabinet and Civil Service = ppl pointed by the Monarch and shouldn’t
be partisans to have sort of balance. Judiciary : Appeal courts where justice can be questioned (?).
Separate but one can influence or check one another.
Legislative = Parliament with 2 Houses. King considered power, King in Parliament (even if not always
in the Parliament). Executive = government with Prime Mi. Judiciary = Courts of Laws, Supreme Court
(very top). Before supreme court -> Law Lords that were parts of House of Lords
No constitution as such the one in the UK. Several documents contrary to other countries. Series of
legal docs that together form the constitution.

Separating church and state ?

Making sure that the state secular so church and state separated. Britain not a secular state, in Britain
no official legal constitutional separation between the state and the church of England are linked. Can
observe that bc Monarch is the Supreme Governor of the Church (King Charles III). Started in 1530s.
House of Lords : some members are members of the Church
Church of England : 1534 : 1st Act of Supremacy – Henry VIII. English reformation. In order to have
religious power -> need to become head of my Church. Catholic faith and create church, smthg also
artificial, religious disagreement. Acting Supremacy of King over England. Daughter Queen Mary 1 st
had power, very catholic Queen. When she acceded the throne she decided to change her father’s
Act. Also part of the population executed bc protestants : Bloody Mary. When she died, her sister
accesses the throne : Elisabeth the 1st. 1558 : Second Act of Supremacy with Elisabeth 1st. Oath of
Supremacy : more /!\ ppl of church would fledge their faithfulness to the monarch. Time when faith,
believes,… change. English book of Common Prayer : 1652. 39 articles and contrary to bloody Mary
Elisabeth was in favor of inclusion, made sure that all of the citizens would have some sort of
freedom. 19 articles of the book are very open to interpretation. Catholics not happy at all with the
book and distressed so decided to leave. Then puritans leave and start colonies. Vicarage can be a
man or a woman. Involves a lot of denomination. Low Church close to Protestant traditions. High
Church : Anglican traditions, Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy

Parliament and Gov :

Whitehall : street that goes from House of Parliament and … . Gov and cabinet.
Downing street : street in between the 2. Parliament is the body representative of the legislative
power. Complete legal sovereignty. Since 2011 Parliament has a fixed term, fixed period of existence
of 5 years. Parliament in the UK is bicameral. Upper House (House of Lords) and Lower (House of
Commons). Ppl sit House of Lords are not elected by ppl but given a peerage (so HOL = House of
Peers) and bc not elected only have a consultative power, can’t block completely a legislation from
happening. House of Commons -> citizens vote for their representatives. Bc elected by citizens,
power. King of Parliament also consultative power on the legislation

Executive power : The Government. The Cabinet (elected) and Civil Service (permanent). But Prime
Mi not elected but King decides. Gov Whip

House of Commons : Elected – Representative. Constituencies. Each member of Parliament rpz a

constituent. 650 Members of Parliament (among whom PM and members of the Cabinet). Ordering :
role of 2 =/ ppl : Leader of the House of Commons (Penny Mordaunt, in charge of setting up the
agenda, deciding what is going to be discussed) and Speaker (chosen by the members all together, in
charge of sharing the debate, assigning speaking parts, making sure debate goes well, everything
goes orderly). Speaker says ‘order’ to try to make sure everybody calms down and listens. Speaker
doesn’t vote, only when there is a tight. Sir Lindsay Hoyle
Parties sit on the frontbenches. Also backbenchers.
Roles : Make backbenchers follow the lead -> role of the Whips. Cheap gov whip. Make sure follow
their line of conduct and underline the elements important (underlined 1 : important, 2x : very
important, 3x : crucial)