Britain: Chapter 6: Political life
The public attitude to politics
PM- Prime Minister
MP – Member of Parliament
‘Never Believe Anything until It’s Been Officially Denied’: Duncan and Eric are
only sure that Jim wants to be the Prime Minister when he implies that he doesn’t
Lack of enthusiasm for politicians
general ignorance of who they are: people don’t know their names
comparative lack of generosity with regard to politician’s expenses
Freeloaders: somebody who arranges to get food, drink and other benefits
without having to pay or work for them. (MPs)
Political satire: criticism not about particular policies but about their attitudes,
their alleged dishonesty and disloyalty (e.f. Yes, Prime Minister) politicians are
not worried about this
Sense of public duty: politicians make sure that they do not appear too keen to do
the job, they present themselves as being politicians out of a sense of public
duty.
The style of democracy
Law: lack of regulations: the British are unenthusiastic about making new laws, so
there are few rules and regulations
identity cards: people are not obliged to carry identification with them
Freedom of Information Act: people can demand information held by public
bodies but they have to pay for that. Many requests are refused because it
is ‘not in the public interest’.
The Official Secrets Acts: obliges many government employees not to tell anyone
about the details of their work
MI6 – British Secret Service
Relationship between the individual and the state: they both should leave each
other alone as much as possible. The duties of the individual towards the state
are confined ‘to not breaking the law and paying taxes’.
Meaning of democracy in Britain: if the government wants to make a law, it
doesn’t have to ask the people = they choose who it to govern the country, and
then let them get on with it.
The public attitude to politics
PM- Prime Minister
MP – Member of Parliament
‘Never Believe Anything until It’s Been Officially Denied’: Duncan and Eric are
only sure that Jim wants to be the Prime Minister when he implies that he doesn’t
Lack of enthusiasm for politicians
general ignorance of who they are: people don’t know their names
comparative lack of generosity with regard to politician’s expenses
Freeloaders: somebody who arranges to get food, drink and other benefits
without having to pay or work for them. (MPs)
Political satire: criticism not about particular policies but about their attitudes,
their alleged dishonesty and disloyalty (e.f. Yes, Prime Minister) politicians are
not worried about this
Sense of public duty: politicians make sure that they do not appear too keen to do
the job, they present themselves as being politicians out of a sense of public
duty.
The style of democracy
Law: lack of regulations: the British are unenthusiastic about making new laws, so
there are few rules and regulations
identity cards: people are not obliged to carry identification with them
Freedom of Information Act: people can demand information held by public
bodies but they have to pay for that. Many requests are refused because it
is ‘not in the public interest’.
The Official Secrets Acts: obliges many government employees not to tell anyone
about the details of their work
MI6 – British Secret Service
Relationship between the individual and the state: they both should leave each
other alone as much as possible. The duties of the individual towards the state
are confined ‘to not breaking the law and paying taxes’.
Meaning of democracy in Britain: if the government wants to make a law, it
doesn’t have to ask the people = they choose who it to govern the country, and
then let them get on with it.
