CHAPTER 7: POLITICAL LIFE

PART 1: THE PUBLIC ATTITUDE TO POLITICS

a. Reputation of Politicians
I do this because of teaching
• Politicians do not have a good reputation with the British people.
• Calling someone “a politician” is often a criticism implying dishonesty and lack of
trustworthiness.
• People do not hate politicians but regard them with suspicion.
• They expect politicians to be frequently dishonest, though not necessarily corrupt.
• Stories of politicians cheating on expenses always become headline news.
• The public would be shocked by something illegal, but not by lies.
b. Political Cynicism and Humor
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• The line from Yes, Prime Minister — “Never believe anything until it’s been officially
denied” — reflects British skepticism toward politics.
• The British often assume that official denials confirm the truth of rumors.
c. Public Interest and Awareness
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• Less than half of British adults know the name of their local MP.
• Many people cannot name government ministers or party leaders.
• The public is reluctant to give politicians generous salaries or allowances.
d. Changing Attitudes Over Time
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• In the past, politics and religion were considered dangerous topics for polite society.
• People avoided discussing them to prevent heated arguments or violence.
• Today, politics is seen as boring rather than dangerous.
• There has been no revolution or radical change in government for nearly two
centuries.
• People take political stability for granted.
e. Political Satire and Public Reaction
I do this because of teaching
• Satirical shows such as Yes, Prime Minister mock politicians’ hypocrisy and
dishonesty.
• Political satire is popular but does not lead to public anger or protests.
• Even politicians themselves, such as Margaret Thatcher, enjoyed the humor and
found it accurate.
f. Politics as a “Necessary Evil”
I do this because of teaching
• In Britain, politics is regarded as a necessary evil — something unavoidable but not
admirable.
• Politicians try not to appear too ambitious or eager for power.
• They present themselves as serving out of duty, not personal desire.
• Admitting openly a desire to become Prime Minister would make them appear
dangerously power-hungry.
PART 2: THE STYLE OF DEMOCRACY
I do this because of teaching
a. Respect for Law
• British people deeply respect the principle of law.
• Crime exists, but systematic lawbreaking is rare.
• Tax evasion and corruption are not cultural norms.
b. Reluctance to Make New Laws
• The British prefer fewer laws and regulations.
• There are relatively few restrictions on both individuals and the government.
c. Freedom and Privacy
• Britain is one of few European countries without identity cards.
• Citizens are not required to carry ID or even driving licenses at all times.
• The Freedom of Information Act exists but is limited by fees and restrictions.
• Many requests are refused as “not in the public interest,” and the 30-year rule
remains.
d. Relationship Between Individual and State
• The traditional view is mutual non-interference.
• Citizens’ duties: obey the law and pay taxes.
• No compulsory voting, national service, or address registration.
e. Nature of British Democracy
• Britain is democratic but has low public participation in lawmaking.
• The government can change major systems without referendums.
• Only one nationwide referendum (1975, about staying in the European Community)
has occurred.
• Democracy means choosing who governs, not direct involvement in governing.
PART 3: THE CONSTITUTION
a. Constitutional Monarchy
• Britain is both a constitutional monarchy and a parliamentary democracy.
• The monarch reigns but does not rule; real power lies in Parliament.
b. Lack of a Written Constitution
• Britain has no single written constitution.
• Rules and principles come from multiple sources: laws, court judgments, and
customs.
• There is no single “highest law” document or numbered articles.
c. Flexibility of the System
• Many powers, like those of the Prime Minister, are based on tradition, not written
law.
• Citizens’ rights come from a mix of laws and accepted practices.
• Some rights (e.g., against racial or gender discrimination) are written; others (e.g.,
religion or political belief) are customary.
PART 4: THE STYLE OF POLITICS
a. Informality and Secrecy
• British politics remains informal and private despite modern transparency.
• Many decisions are made casually — at lunch, over drinks, or in corridors.
b. Parliamentary Traditions
• Parliament (the House of Commons) is seen as “the most exclusive club in London.”
• Ancient traditions remind MPs of the historic struggle between Parliament and the
monarchy.
• The confusing layout of the Palace of Westminster reinforces a sense of exclusivity.
c. Cooperation Among Politicians
• Despite arguments, MPs of opposing parties often cooperate behind the scenes.
• Parliamentary business is arranged in advance by party representatives.
• Political parties cannot buy TV advertising; each is given fixed air time.
• The “pairing system” allows MPs from opposing sides to miss votes fairly.
PART 5: THE PARTY SYSTEM
a. The Two-Party System
• Britain is dominated by two major parties controlling over 85% of seats.
• One party governs alone; the other serves as “Her Majesty’s Opposition.”
• The opposition leader receives a salary and forms a “shadow cabinet.”
b. Historical Development
• Political parties originated inside Parliament, not among the public.
• During the 18th–19th centuries, MPs split into groups supporting or opposing the
government.
• The Labour Party, originally for the working class, later adapted to the two-party
model.
c. Impact of Origins
• Parties are not deeply rooted in every part of public life (e.g., universities, unions).
• MPs have strong influence on party policy.
• Party members can vote for leaders, express views at annual conferences, and
choose local candidates.
• However, unity and public image are prioritized over internal debate.
• Party conferences are televised showcases rather than real discussions.
• Rejecting national recommendations or deselecting MPs shows disunity and is
discouraged.
PART 6: THE MODERN SITUATION
a. Decline of Political Confidence
• In recent decades, public confidence in politics has weakened.
• Despite long-term policy stability, trust in politicians has declined.
b. The Rise of “Spin” and Media Control
• Top politicians increasingly rely on PR advisers or “spin doctors.”
• Image and presentation often outweigh substance.
• This style was most evident during Tony Blair’s Labour government (1997–2007).
c. Erosion of Civil Liberties
• Citizens’ freedoms are increasingly restricted by security policies.
• CCTV surveillance and DNA databases have expanded rapidly.
• Police can retain DNA from anyone arrested, even if not charged.
• Authorities have greater power to search homes and detain suspects for up to 42
days.
• These policies are justified by fear of crime, immigration, and terrorism.
d. Resistance to Identity Cards
• ID cards remain controversial and “un-British.”
• Many believe their absence symbolizes personal liberty and privacy.
e. Threats to Free Speech
• Anti-terrorism laws and “political correctness” limit free expression.
• In 2005, Walter Wolfgang was removed from a Labour conference for shouting
“nonsense” and arrested under the Prevention of Terrorism Act.
• Hundreds of others were detained for minor protests or slogans.
• Authorities defended their actions as anti-terror measures, alarming the public.
f. Social Conflicts and Freedom of Expression
• The Salman Rushdie affair revealed conflicts between freedom of speech and
religious respect.
• As Britain becomes more diverse, differing values create legal ambiguities.
• The lack of a written constitution makes it unclear when rights apply.
• Political correctness can sometimes restrict open discussion.
g. Conclusion
• Britain remains politically stable and values its long-held rights.
• However, complacency and fear have allowed erosion of some freedoms.
• The absence of a written constitution makes defining civil rights increasingly
complex.