о чем текст кратко основное Political culture in Britain (Part I)
Pre-reading questions:
1. What makes Britain unique as a democratic state?
2. What do you know about British political culture?
3. How can you characterise the British political life?
Britain has a long history of independent existence as a more or less united
nation. It has a strong commitment to democracy, with its representative institutions
of government, based on regular and free elections, in addition to strong liberal
values about individual rights and responsibilities. It was the first parliamentary
democracy in Europe, so that many of the other countries modelled their institutions,
party system and methods on the British experience. In particular, the Westminster
model was exported to many of the colonies and territories of the old Empire, when
countries became independent.
The British have traditionally preferred to use parliamentary channels rather
than the anti-parliamentary politics of street demonstrations, direct action and
terrorist violence. People generally accept the main institutions of state and the idea
that issues should be resolved through the ballot box and not by the bullet and the
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bomb, even if at various times individuals and groups in parts of Ireland have not
subscribed to that preference. People have been willing to place trust in the political
elite that rules them, so that social deference (respect for or compliance with the
wishes of those in authority) has often been mentioned as a source of British
conformity and acquiescence in the status quo.
Continuity is another key element in British political life. It affects not just the
hereditary monarchy and the House of Lords, which until 1999 had a large hereditary
element, but other institutions that also have a long history. The country has not been
a prey to the internal turmoil, revolutionary dissent or occupation by a foreign power
which many of our continental neighbours have experienced. Relatively free from
upheaval, the British have enjoyed a stable political system, in which the past presses
heavily on the present practice. Evolutionary rather than revolutionary change has
been preferred. The British have a preference for pragmatism over ideology and
doctrine. As the country lacks a written constitution, ideas and institutions relating to
government evolved over the years, being modified as change becomes desirable or
necessary. When politicians do suggest something which is very different to what
voters are used to, such proposals are regarded with suspicion. Constitutional and
parliamentary reformers invariably find that many individuals and groups are
resistant to new thinking.
Britain's island position has affected its attitudes, with important historical,
economic and political consequences. The sea has helped to protect the country from
invasion, but has also strengthened the development of the common language and
national identity. It has made people reluctant to throw in their lot with the European
Community/Union, for Britain is separated from the continent by geography,
language and culture. In many respects it has stronger bonds with the Unites States,
with ties of historical development, defence interests, language and entertainment. To
the island Britain, trade was always important and a spur to colonial expansion – it
developed a British Empire, now the Commonwealth, so that in foreign policy it has
links with Euro