General information:

- Constitutional monarchy
- Prime Minister = head of government
- Head of state reigns but does not rule (Queen)

History:
à Originated in prehistoric times
à Origin of each civilization
à Absolute monarchy (monarch full representative of the state à full power) more common
à High demand for democracy à reduce / abolish monarchs influence
à Human history cannot be understand without understanding the past of monarchies ß values
appreciated, mindset (enlightenment era)

Should the monarchy be abolished?

Pro
- Society never had a chance to decide for or
against
- Principals inherited from an undemocratic
past
- Represents outdated values (positions
inherited instead of really earned)
- Supports idea of social inequality, different
classes
- Expensive (live a rather luxurious life) ß
payed by tax revenues
- Whoever is next in line of succession will be
the next king/queen regardless if qualified
for the position
- Symbol of oppression (Britain colonizing
almost the whole world)
Contra
- Earn the country a lot of money
- Popular (/respected) all around the world
- Connect (younger) people with their
country’s history
- Highly known representatives that are
trained their whole life (emotionally,
physically, mentally)
- Contribute to patriotism of its citizens
- No real political function à purely
symbolic
 - Highly varies between “zones”
- Brits feel like their national identity is threatened
à EU
à Globalization
à (immigrants /refugees)

British National Identity:

- Multiculturalism
- Island identity à independent + passionate about sovereignty, forthright
- Generally seen as progressive + inclusive

Irish: Welsh Nationalism:

- Irish independence - Old fashioned
- Northern Ireland is part of the UK - Generally more welsh then British
- Republic of Ireland is not part of - Welsh as the spoken language
the UK - Mostly Christian
- Patriotic - Welsh nationalism wants independence
- Traditionalism from UK
- Liberal
- Future focussed

Scottish Nationalism: English Nationalism:

- Very distinct from the British - Very conservative country
national identity - Mostly identify as British/English
- Traditionalism - Nostalgic
- Future focussed - Not determined by age

Famous views:
Winston Churchill:
- “United States of Europe” à
United but still individual
states (nations, cultures)
Margret Thatcher:
- Defend national sovereignty
- Pushed financial privileges à 1980
“I want my money back”

Multiculturalism
General information:
- Imperial act (1940): inhabitants of colonies were given British citizenship
- Many Indians, Pakistanis & Bangladeshis: came to work in the textile industry
- 12,4% of the UK’s population was born abroad

Pro
- Enriches Britain (music, food, fashion, etc.)
- Pluralism à cultural & economical vitality
- Linguistic variety à Britain is a preferred
location
- Multinational companies
Contra
- Fear the “britishness” will be lost
- Different cultures fon’t have a common
base of shared values
- Competition / impact on employment &
housing
- Racial discrimination: Britains act superior
- Clash of cultures, overlapping identities
- Ethnic minorities have social disadvantages
: in 2015 the conservative Party called the referendum
Pros
- Independently deciding who is allowed in
the country à immigration
- Control its own borders à not be overruled
by EU judges
- EU can no longer stop the UK from signing
own trades à create new jobs
- Save money (350 mio. P.w)
- Could be regarded as a caesura in British
and European politics à new beginnings
Cons
- Immigration won’t stop
à border control shifts
à possibly makes it harder
- EU helps UK with security (terrorism,
cross-border crime
- Helps business grow (over 3 mio. Linked to
EU relationship with UK)
- Almost half of all exports go to the EU +
most imports come from the EU
- Tony Blaire (former British Prime Minister):
à UK neds collective power of the EU to remain a
world power (politically and economically)