Prime Minister John Major Flashcards
(27 cards)
What is a Civil Servant?
A person employed in the public sector by a government department or agency, who delivers public services and supports the government of the day to develop and implement its policies.
Define Bureaucracy.
‘Rule by officials’. Term used to refer to civil servants who implement government policy.
What is a Cabinet Committee?
Small groups of cabinet ministers, established by the Prime Minister, which meets regularly to discuss a particular policy area and make decisions.
What was the Community Charge commonly known as?
The poll tax.
When was the Community Charge introduced in Scotland?
1989.
When was the Community Charge introduced in England and Wales?
1990.
What was the basis of the poll tax system?
A single flat-rate tax on every adult, at a rate set by the local authority.
What significant events occurred as a result of the poll tax?
Mass protests were organised, culminating in riots, notably Trafalgar Square in March 1990.
Who was jailed for refusing to pay the poll tax?
Terry Fields, a Labour MP for Liverpool Broadgreen.
What did Neil Kinnock vow regarding the poll tax?
He vowed to abolish the poll tax if he won the next election.
What did Geoffrey Howe resign as Deputy Prime Minister over?
He criticised Thatcher over Europe.
Who challenged Thatcher for the leadership in November 1990?
Michael Heseltine.
What was John Major’s leadership style described as?
A ‘one nation’ Conservative leader.
Who did Major appoint as Chancellor?
Norman Lamont.
What major international conflict did Major have to deal with early in his premiership?
The Gulf War.
What was the outcome of the Gulf War for Major’s popularity?
It resulted in a boost in the polls.
What economic challenges did Major face in the early 1990s?
Recession, falling house prices, rising inflation and interest rates.
What did Major make clear regarding the UK’s relationship with Europe?
The UK would not join the single currency or the ‘social chapter’.
What significant event happened during the 1992 General Election?
The Conservatives won a 21 seat overall majority.
What was the voter turnout for the 1992 General Election?
78%.
What was Major’s slogan during his ‘Back to Basics’ campaign?
‘Back to Basics’.
What was the ‘Miss Whiplash’ scandal?
A scandal involving Norman Lamont in 1992.
What was the significance of the 1992 Maastricht Treaty for the Conservative Party?
It caused a divide as some saw it as a precursor to a federal EU state.
Who led the pro-EU faction in Major’s government?
Ken Clarke.
