UK Government, Culture, and Traditions: Key Facts
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UK Government and Administration
- Civil Service: The permanent bureaucracy supporting the government.
- Cabinet: Ministers chosen by the Prime Minister.
Local Government
- Counties: Oldest divisions in England and Wales.
- Parishes: Smallest unit of local government in England.
- Boroughs: Local government in London and elsewhere.
- Councillors: Elected representatives of local communities.
Parliamentary System
- Palace of Westminster: Location of the British Parliament.
- MP: Member of Parliament, elected to the House of Commons (650 MPs).
- Frontbenchers: Governing party and leading opposition members.
- Backbenchers: MPs not holding government posts.
- Whips: Ensure MPs vote according to party lines.
- Black Rod: Controls access and maintains order in the House of Lords.
National Symbols and Patron Saints
England
- Flag: St. George's Cross
- Plant: Rose
- Colour: White
- Patron Saint: St. George
- Saint's Day: 23 April
Wales
- Symbol: Dragon of Cadwallader
- Plant: Leek/Daffodil
- Colour: Red
- Patron Saint: St. David
- Saint's Day: 1 March
Scotland
- Flag: St. Andrew's Cross/Lion Rampant
- Plant: Thistle
- Colour: Blue
- Patron Saint: St. Andrew
- Saint's Day: 30 November
Ireland
- Symbol: St. Patrick's Cross/Republic of Ireland
- Plant: Shamrock
- Colour: Green
- Patron Saint: St. Patrick
- Saint's Day: 17 March
Cultural and Social Aspects
Stonehenge
Built on Salisbury Plain, 5000-4300 years ago. A famous and mysterious archaeological site.
Identity
Society no longer endorses public and social role differences based on sex; discrimination is illegal.
Class
Perceived as difficult to form friendships across different backgrounds. Speech and mannerisms are key determinants.
Cockney
A strong London accent associated with working-class origins; traditionally, those born within the sound of Bow bells.
Parliamentary Practices
Pairing System
MPs from opposing parties agree to abstain from voting when they would vote on opposite sides.
Government Ministers
- Foreign Secretary: Minister in charge of Britain's foreign relations.
- Home Secretary: In charge of public safety within the country.
- The Foreign and Commonwealth Office and The Home Office: Government departments.
- Chancellor of the Exchequer: Minister of Finance.