Theoretical response to Great Depression based on the ideas of John Maynard Keynes abandon laissez-faire economics government had

to be involved in the economy deficit spending to pump prime the economy Industrial Revolution in the 19th Century Britain first to industrialize Utilized Britains rich coal and iron ore reserves New methods of production: factory system British products flooded the world market Population growth and urbanization Led to increased imperialismthe New Imperialism The Glorious Revolution 1688 Parliament issued English Bill of Rights(1689) no law could suspended w/o parliamentary consent no taxation w/o parliamentary consent no army maintained w/o parliamentary consent freedom of speech for members of Parliament Industrial Revolution in the 19th Century Britain first to industrialize Utilized Britains rich coal and iron ore reserves New methods of production: factory system British products flooded the world market Population growth and urbanization Led to increased imperialismthe NewImperialism Thatchers philosophy believed Britains economy had been damaged by welfare state and socialist policies believed trade unions had become too powerful

advocated free-market capitalism and privatization Thatchers style: The Iron Lady intelligent & articulate bold & assertive (not afraid to be confrontational) Thatchers combination of philosophy & style often referred to as Thatcherism

The Thatcher Years 1979-90 Decline & Downfall of Thatcher, 1987-90 Poll Tax-new way of raising revenue (a flat tax) to supplement local property taxes idea unpopular (60% opposed it) proposed reforming National Health Service (NHS) wished to privatize some aspects of medical care created rift in Thatchers cabinet deeply unpopular

Constitutional Reform: The Constitutional Reform Act (2005) Created Supreme Court of the United Kingdom Supreme Court to take over judicial functions of the House of Lords Law Lords Will serve as the final court of appeals in England, Wales & Northern Ireland(note: not Scotland) May hear disputes between/among any of the devolved governments(including Scotland) First 12 justices to serve on the Supreme Court will be drawn from the Law Lords of the House of Lords. Constitutional Reform Act goes into effect in 2009