comparative politics

Question 1

How can cultural theory explain the selection of Supreme Court judges in the US and UK?

Answer 1

1. Cultural norms shape appointment criteria:
   - US: Barrett appointed for conservative, religious values.
   - UK: JAC reflects judicial impartiality.
2. Cultural expectations influence judicial behaviour:
   - US: Clarence Thomas represents conservative culture.
   - UK: Judges seen as neutral (e.g., Miller 2017).
3. Political culture affects confirmation conflict:
   - US: Kavanaugh confirmation shows polarisation.
   - UK: Little conflict due to respect for judicial independence.

Question 2

How can cultural theory explain the role of the judiciary in society?

Answer 2

1. Cultural values define judiciary image:
   - US: Seen as ideological (e.g., Dobbs).
   - UK: Seen as neutral protector.
2. Cultural legacy shapes power:
   - US: Rights-based court (e.g., Obergefell).
   - UK: Historically deferential.
3. Public perception is culturally driven:
   - US: Justices seen as partisan.
   - UK: Respected for neutrality.

Question 3

How can rational theory explain the selection of Supreme Court judges in the US and UK?

Answer 3

1. Leaders appoint to extend influence:
   - US: Trump appointed Barrett to secure conservative rulings.
   - UK: Blair chose reform-friendly judges.
2. Confirmation is used strategically:
   - US: Gorsuch confirmed by GOP Senate in 2017.
   - UK: JAC avoids political bias.
3. Appointments support long-term goals:
   - US: Barrett helped overturn Roe v. Wade.
   - UK: Judges uphold legal stability.

Question 4

How can cultural theory explain pressure group influence in the US and UK?

Answer 4

1. Group identity reflects national culture:
   - US: NRA tied to gun and freedom culture.
   - UK: Trade unions show labour solidarity.
2. Public acceptance shaped by cultural values:
   - US: NAACP matches civil rights narrative.
   - UK: Friends of the Earth fits green values.
3. Strategies match political culture:
   - US: Media/electioneering (e.g., Planned Parenthood).
   - UK: Insider lobbying (e.g., BMA).

Question 5

How can rational theory explain pressure group behaviour in the US and UK?

Answer 5

1. Groups lobby where influence is highest:
   - US: AARP lobbies Congress on elderly rights.
   - UK: CBI targets Treasury.
2. Groups focus on key policymakers:
   - US: EDF targets swing senators.
   - UK: NFU lobbies DEFRA.
3. Alliances formed to boost success:
   - US: Civil rights coalition for Voting Rights Act.
   - UK: Unions coordinate with Labour.

Question 6

How can cultural theory explain how the US Congress and UK Parliament function?

Answer 6

1. Institutional norms shape behaviour:
   - US: Filibuster used to delay (e.g., nominations).
   - UK: Whip system enforces votes.
2. Party culture influences cooperation:
   - US: Gridlock from partisanship.
   - UK: Party unity aids bill passage.
3. Public engagement reflects culture:
   - US: Hearings public and dramatic.
   - UK: Formal, less media-driven.

Question 7

How can rational theory explain legislative strategy in Congress and Parliament?

Answer 7

1. Politicians act to secure re-election:
   - US: Pork-barrel spending for support.
   - UK: MPs back party for promotion.
2. Procedures used for gain:
   - US: Filibuster to block bills.
   - UK: Ping-pong delays votes.
3. Coalitions built for success:
   - US: Bipartisan bills (e.g., infrastructure).
   - UK: 2010–15 Coalition passed legislation.

Question 8

How can cultural theory explain civil rights protection in US and UK?

Answer 8

1. National values shape rights focus:
   - US: Free speech culture (e.g., Citizens United).
   - UK: Social equality focus (e.g., Equality Act).
2. Group identity informs activism:
   - US: Black civil rights from segregation history.
   - UK: Muslims push religious rights.
3. Public acceptance depends on culture:
   - US: Obergefell shows evolving norms.
   - UK: Equality law reflects consensus.

Question 9

How can rational theory explain civil rights development in the US and UK?

Answer 9

1. Politicians seek electoral benefits:
   - US: Democrats gain minority support.
   - UK: Rights laws help coalition building.
2. Judges interpret law strategically:
   - US: Balance rights/security (e.g., Patriot Act).
   - UK: Equality law interpreted with economy.
3. Groups campaign for change:
   - US: NAACP lobbied for reform.
   - UK: Liberty on surveillance laws.

Question 10

How can cultural theory explain constitutional issues in US and UK?

Answer 10

1. Values shape interpretation:
   - US: Originalism (e.g., Scalia).
   - UK: Flexible constitution suits pragmatism.
2. Cultural divides fuel reform:
   - US: Gun rights debate.
   - UK: Scottish independence debate.
3. Culture affects power expectations:
   - US: Scepticism of federal power.
   - UK: Acceptance of Parliamentary sovereignty.

Question 11

How can rational theory explain constitutional behaviour in the US and UK?

Answer 11

1. Actors seek to maximise power:
   - US: GOP shaped Court ideologically.
   - UK: Devolution won Labour votes.
2. Judges shape policy via interpretation:
   - US: Healthcare rulings reflect politics.
   - UK: Miller case shaped Brexit powers.
3. Voters choose reforms rationally:
   - US: Amendments defend valued rights.
   - UK: Devolution backed in referenda.