With Donald Trump returning to office as the 47th President of the United States today, attention naturally turns to the historic and strategic “special relationship” between the UK and the US. Popularised by Winston Churchill in 1944, this term highlights the exceptionally close political, security, cultural, historical, and economic ties shared by the two nations.
Yet, despite their many similarities, including a shared language and commitment to democracy, the political systems of the UK and the US differ in profound ways, as I have shown here.
One of the most significant differences lies in the form of government. The UK is a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy, where the monarch serves as a ceremonial head of state. Real political power rests with Parliament, led by the Prime Minister, who acts as head of government.
In contrast, the US is a federal republic and presidential democracy. The President is both head of state and head of government, with power distributed between the federal and state governments.
The two countries also diverge in their approach to constitutional law. The US operates under a written constitution, a single codified document ratified in 1789, which explicitly defines the structure, powers, and limitations of government.
The UK, by contrast, relies on an unwritten constitution, a collection of statutes, conventions, legal judgments, and historical documents, such as the Magna Carta. This flexible framework allows for greater adaptability but lacks the rigidity and clarity of a codified system.
The UK, as a unitary state, centralizes power in Parliament, though some powers are devolved to Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The US, on the other hand, operates under a federal system, sharing authority between the national government and individual states.
This federal system reflects the sheer scale and diversity of the US, with a population of 340 million, five times that of the UK, and a landmass roughly 40 times larger. Centralized governance on this scale would be impractical, making federalism a necessity.
Judicial authority is another key area of distinction. In the UK, the judiciary, including the Supreme Court, is independent but lacks the power to overturn parliamentary legislation, as Parliament is sovereign.
In the US, the judiciary wields significant influence through judicial review, allowing courts to invalidate laws or executive actions deemed unconstitutional.
The electoral processes of the two nations also differ. In the UK, general elections are held at least every five years using a first past-the-post system. The Prime Minister is not directly elected by the public but is the leader of the majority party in Parliament.
In the US, federal elections occur every two years, with presidential elections held every four years. Citizens vote directly for electors in the Electoral College, who then elect the President. Members of Congress are directly chosen by voters, ensuring a clear separation between legislative and executive powers.
Both nations have bicameral legislatures, (which means separated into two separate assemblies), but their compositions and powers vary.
In the UK, Parliament consists of the House of Commons, whose members are elected, and the House of Lords, an unelected chamber comprising life peers, bishops, and hereditary peers who provide legislative oversight.
In the US, Congress includes the House of Representatives, with members elected based on population, and the Senate, where each state elects two senators regardless of size. Unlike the UK Parliament, Congress operates independently of the executive branch.
While the UK and the US share a commitment to democracy and strong bilateral relations, their political systems reflect distinct historical contexts and governance philosophies. The UK’s parliamentary democracy emphasizes centralized authority and party discipline, whereas the USA’s presidential democracy prioritizes a separation of powers and federalism.
The world of media is rapidly evolving, and never before have so many had access to so much; the touch of a button can connect millions of people, places, things and ideas. While access to such a plethora of perspectives can be nourishing, engaging and educational, sometimes it’s simply overwhelming. Mixed messages, fake news and cat-fishing are just some of the drawbacks that come to mind, but a discerning eye and a critical approach can enable us to decipher the media muddle we’re confronted with.
Identifying the true source, author, or voice of the content is imperative. By knowing where content originates, we can understand more about its true intention and whether there is any possible bias. If the author is difficult to identify, this might signal the source is not reliable, whereas tracing names, references and further links (and even cross referencing these yourself) will help to ensure you know where the content comes from. You can then take a more objective view of its credibility.
The style of communication can tell us a lot about the nature of the content. Most media is looking for an audience, and grabbing attention is one key way to ensure views, likes, clicks, shares, or any kind of response. Take a critical perspective of language, imagery, music, or themes, which all will have been crafted to appeal to a particular audience. Clickbait is a classic example of using buzzwords and big headlines, or dramatic (and sometimes heavily edited) imagery, to evoke your interest, curiosity and fascination, even if there’s no substance behind it.
The motivation for particular messaging in particular styles is important. Even if the source is credible, and accurately presented, think carefully about the reason why the content was created and published. The subtext is implied by the content, rather than explicitly stated, and in this often lies the true meaning behind it. By identifying the subtext, we can interpret the message based on our own individual views and expectations, which are different for everybody.
The media outlet can say a lot about the content itself. Taking a view on the publishing platform is important, because it may only present particular viewpoints or perspectives which support an agenda. The most obvious example here is political – we, the public, understand that certain publications may be biased towards a particular political party, which will undoubtedly impact the content it publishes. Therefore, we must maintain a critical perspective when examining content from different sources.
While the media monster is persistently present in our lives, it is possible to prevent some of its more poisonous tentacles from reaching too far into our psyches. A simple checklist can remind us to take a little extra care when reading, watching, listening or scrolling, so that our fundamental truths remains strong.
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The term lobbying was derived from a time when members of the public would come to a Parliament’s lobby area to meet with MPs and advocate for government legislation changes. Today, the practice can be carried out by individuals, businesses and other interest groups to influence parliament and raise awareness of their cause.
Individuals or organisations can employ the services of professional lobbyists to influence politicians on their behalf; this can include proposing new legislation or making changes to existing laws. There are boundaries to this practice and lobbyists are forbidden from making financial contributions to influence a politicians’ vote.
Lobbying can help benefit society by allowing the sharing of ideas and expertise with politicians; this allows government bodies to make better informed legislative decisions. Agricultural lobbyists, for example, can advocate for additional funding to be made towards agricultural technologies needed for enhanced crop production.
The practice of lobbying can give minority groups and those that are marginalised a voice in order to advocate for their constitutional rights and acceptance in society. This helps to create a more balanced legislation that benefits all members of society.
Lobbying can also enhance innovation in government. New technologies such as block chain and AI are causing a large increase in lobbying as companies seek new supportive regulations for a rapidly changing world.
For all the positive aspects of lobbying, there are also downsides. It is also believed to be a cause of inequality. Rich and powerful businesses or groups can use their wealth to hire the strongest lobbyists, and this can lead to an imbalance as government policies become weighted in favour of higher class interests over smaller organisations or minority groups, leading to further economic divide.
Lobbying activities can also be carried out unethically. Care must be taken to ensure former politicians do not breach guidelines by using their connections for lobbying too soon after leaving office or that corruption does not place through bribery or underhand tactics. These practices can lead to legislation that does not serve the public majority and can create distrust in political confidence.
Lobbying is a powerful tool that can help benefit society and general individuals if done correctly. There must be sufficient guidelines in place to ensure that this practice is carried out ethically and transparently. The 2014 Transparency of Lobbying Act introduced by the British government is one such measure put in place to monitor lobbying activities.
Limits can be imposed on lobbyists, such as the amount of finances that can be used. Extra reviews for potential conflicts of interest and thorough investigations of breaches or anomalies can also ensure political parity and a just system.
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As a result of enormous recent technological advances, we are now living in what’s known as the fourth industrial revolution – a period of digital transformation that’s affecting the way we live and radically disrupting the business sector.
Technology such as the Internet of Things (IOT), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cloud computing are becoming the norm across most modern organisations and influencing everything from manufacturing to communications and job roles. One area where these changes are prevalent is the marketing industry.
The field of marketing is highly varied and covers areas such as creativity and design, data analysis and interpretation, content creation and an understanding of human behaviour and psychology. The first areas impacted by AI were based on fundamental or repetitive tasks, such as data reporting. As AI evolved, so did its abilities to tackle complex challenges, especially those within the fields of creativity, predictive analysis and behaviour recognition.
AI has helped to automate many functions within marketing, freeing up valuable time and resources for creativity and strategy. AI’s ability to rapidly process large volumes of data, generate reports and provide insights into future trends and behaviours has enabled marketers to make better informed decisions and personalise content towards customers preferences.
Automated content and image creation are now becoming mainstream in marketing, social media, email and advertising campaigns. Websites and Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) are also benefiting from AI insights to help determine what content and search terms resonate best with potential customers.
The advancement of AI is rapid. Government laws and policies are rapidly changing to keep up to date with this pace of change. While it is clear AI provides enormous benefits to marketers, it is also clear that its higher end capabilities remain quite limited.
AI is based on machine learning and relies on historic data in its decision making. It is highly intelligent at making rapidly informed decisions but cannot take a holistic approach to its work or provide real-time insights. In essence, it cannot currently be truly creative.
Google, which ranks websites in search engines based on their ‘helpfulness’ to users, will eventually catch-up to AI-written content and then demand content be more unique, informative and personable to be ranked highly. Additionally, it is worth considering that sudden changes such as the disruption from COVID-19 could not have been predicted by AI and required the creative and objective decision making of humans to navigate.
AI has streamlined working practices, created new job opportunities and enhanced job capabilities. It is unlikely to replace roles but complement and evolve them. As technology advances, so must the skills and capabilities of marketers to meet this evolving landscape.
You can find out more about marketing, business activity and the changing environment with Oxford Open Learning’s flexible Business IGCSE or A-Level accredited distance learning courses. Get in touch to find out more.
No matter the person or the job, facing an interview can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. However, with the right preparation and mindset, you can excel and leave a lasting impression on the interviewers. In this blog post, we will provide you with valuable tips and strategies to help you ace your interviews. From researching the company to practicing your responses, these insights will empower you to confidently navigate the interview process and effectively communicate your qualifications and potential.
When applying, your cover letter and CV should have been heavily influenced by the research you’ve done on the company. That research is still useful. Before stepping into an interview, it’s crucial to understand the company and its values, mission, and culture. They’ll come up throughout. Consider the following:
• Company background: Familiarise yourself with the organisation’s history, major achievements, and recent news or developments. This knowledge will help you engage in meaningful conversations during the interview.
• Job description: Review the job description carefully to gain a clear understanding of the role’s requirements and responsibilities. Identify the key skills and qualifications the company is seeking in an ideal candidate.
• Company culture: Research the company’s culture and work environment. This will enable you to align your answers and demonstrate your compatibility with their values and ways of working.
Nothing screams ‘don’t employ me’ more than being unprepared. And employers will spot those that aren’t. Preparing for common interview questions and practicing your responses can significantly boost your confidence. Consider the following tips:
• Research common interview questions and think about how you would answer them. Prepare concise and well-structured responses that highlight your strengths, experiences, and achievements.
• Mock interviews: Practice with a friend or family member by conducting mock interviews. This will help you simulate the interview environment, improve your articulation, and receive constructive feedback.
Many interviews include behavioural questions that assess your past experiences and behaviours. A great way to stop yourself from rambling is to have some answers prepared. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and provide specific examples while also keeping your answers concise. It’s a very effective, tried and true method that’s been around for years by many other names.
• Situation: Where were you? Prepare specific examples from your academic, extracurricular, or work experiences that demonstrate your skills and accomplishments. Use these examples to support your answers and showcase your abilities.
• Task: What was the problem or the objective you were given and what was the success criteria?
• Action: What steps did you take to achieve the objective or solve the problem? Emphasise your transferable skills that are relevant to the position. Highlight your ability to adapt, problem-solve, communicate effectively, and work collaboratively.
• Result: What was the outcome? Did it succeed? If so quantify that success with numbers or percentages. This adds credibility and conveys the impact of your contributions. If it didn’t, discuss what you would do differently next time (sometimes a failure can work as an example too).
You don’t need to have an entire story, just answer those questions as clearly as you can and you’ll go some way to impressing your employer.
A positive attitude and genuine enthusiasm can leave a lasting impression on interviewers. And that can come across in the smallest of ways. Understand that it can be daunting and that you may well be nervous, but do your best to do the following and by the end of the interview you’ll be feeling great about your chances:
• Non-verbal cues: Maintain eye contact, use appropriate body language, and demonstrate active listening throughout the interview. These non-verbal cues reflect your engagement and interest.
• Ask thoughtful questions: Often one of the last things you’ll be asked is if you have any questions. It helps to prepare a few beforehand, such as what expectations will be put on you, what kind of progression is there. This demonstrates your interest, critical thinking and commitment about the company and the role.
Acing an interview requires thorough preparation and effective communication. By researching the company, practicing your responses, showcasing your skills and experiences, and demonstrating enthusiasm, you can leave a positive impression on interviewers and increase your chances of success. Remember to be yourself, stay confident, and actively listen during the interview. With all this in mind, you’ll be a top candidate for the job. And bear in mind that while it can be daunting sitting across from strangers, don’t be put off if they’re writing things down while you’re talking. They’re just taking notes!
Happy hunting and good luck!
Perfectionism is not, in and of itself, a negative trait. Perfectionists are often conscientious high achievers; our greatest weakness is also our greatest strength. But those trying to be constantly perfect can find that every task feels like an unconquerable burden and every essay a path to failure, however unlikely our friends and family might find our doom-laden predictions. Here are three thoughts to use to beat the unrealistic idealism that may currently be beating you.
What is perfect, anyway? Maybe you could decide. Perhaps perfection could simply mean sitting down at your messy desk, ignoring the clothes on the floor, and spending 10 minutes planning the first half of your essay. In this deeply imperfect and challenging world, if you were to be reasonable with yourself, your definition of perfect should, and could, be different. Redefine perfection: make it doable and make it your own.
A to-do list is a depressing sight, if, at every item, we are telling ourselves that we ‘have to’ or ‘must’ do this or that. But turn ‘have to’ into ‘get to’ and suddenly life seems more joyful. Perhaps it is an irritating piece of advice, an unwelcome call to simply have more gratitude, but studying is essentially an overwhelmingly positive thing. You are learning and growing, and you have access to great materials and educated teachers; you are lucky. And so, even if it feels at first like you are lying to yourself, tell yourself, next time you inspect your to-do list: “I get to plan my essay today”.
We will do it, but we are waiting for the perfect time when we are in the mood. Because we know we can do it well, and not just well but REALLY well. And so that is the aim. This isn’t laziness, for the fear is real: we cannot bear to submit anything less than our best; we cannot tolerate failure; and we want to be proud of what we have achieved. We have visualised (or we think we have) the perfect essay or assignment. But the truth is that you have a deadline. Perhaps you could achieve perfection if you had eternity to complete it. But you don’t. Most tasks have a timeline, whether it is 6 years to complete a part-time PhD, or one night to finish an essay. And the test is not what you can achieve, but what you can achieve in the time you have to complete it. The definition of perfect might simply be this: finished.
The risk of a global recession in 2023 has risen, according to a recent report by the World Bank. This development could have significant long-term implications for the global economy and society. In this article, we will explore how the possibility of a recession could contribute to the legacy of the current financial crisis around the world.
One of the most immediate effects of a potential recession, as we have seen, is a decline in living standards and a loss of jobs, particularly in countries that are most vulnerable to economic shocks. This exacerbates the high levels of inequality that still exist in many countries and further widens the gap between the rich and the poor. Moreover, a recession can also trigger a rise in populism and nationalism, leading to greater protectionism and inward-looking policies. Again, this is something that has been happening across the world, even before now.
The banking sector is also significantly affected by a potential recession, particularly if it is caused by a financial crisis. The regulatory measures put in place after the 2008 financial crisis may have helped to make the banking sector more resilient, but the current crisis still puts pressure on financial institutions and destabilises the global financial system. It has already led to renewed calls for stronger regulations and greater international coordination, whilst loss of trust in financial institutions is repeated.
Finally, recession has implications for international relations and cooperation. If countries become more inward-looking and protectionist in response to a recession, it can lead to a further erosion of the post-World War II order of cooperation and free trade. It makes it more difficult to address global economic challenges, such as climate change, and undermines efforts to build a more equitable and stable global financial system.
Of course, the COVID-19 pandemic has also had a significant impact on the global economy. The pandemic caused a global economic downturn, which has led to widespread job losses and a decline in economic activity. Governments around the world have implemented various measures to try to mitigate the economic impact of the pandemic, including stimulus packages and support for businesses and workers. However, the pandemic has also highlighted and exacerbated existing inequalities, with low-income and marginalized communities being disproportionately affected. The long-term effects of the pandemic on the global economy are still uncertain, but it is clear that it will have far-reaching implications for years to come.
In conclusion, the possibility of a global recession in 2023 highlights the continued fragility of the global economy, even over a decade after the financial crisis of 2008. While the long-term implications of a potential recession are difficult to predict, it is clear that one will have significant and far-reaching effects on the global economy, society, and international relations. As we move forward, it is important to remain vigilant and to continue working towards building a more stable, equitable, and cooperative global financial system that can withstand future economic shocks.
Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular as a viable alternative to gasoline-powered cars. Their advantages, such as lower running costs and zero emissions, have made them an attractive option for many. But are they truly the future of transportation?
The short answer is yes. Electric vehicles offer many advantages that gasoline-powered cars cannot match. The most obvious is that they are significantly cheaper to run. This is because electricity is a much cheaper source of energy than gasoline. They also require less maintenance than gasoline-powered cars, which can save money in the long run.
Another benefit of is that they produce zero emissions. This means that they do not release any harmful pollutants into the atmosphere. This is obviously beneficial for the environment, as it helps reduce air pollution.
In addition, electric vehicles are much more efficient, being able to can travel further on the same amount of energy. They also tend to be quieter, which can help reduce noise pollution.
Finally, they can simply be much more convenient. They can be charged at home, eliminating the need to visit a petrol station. This makes them ideal for people who have to frequently refuel their cars.
Despite the many advantages of electric vehicles, though, there are still some challenges that need to be addressed before they can become the dominant form of transportation. One of the biggest challenges is their limited range. Some electric vehicles have a range of only a few hundred miles, which is generally far less than that of their petrol-powered counterparts. In addition, they remain more expensive, which can make them a hard sell for some.
Despite these challenges, electric vehicles are clearly the future of transportation. They offer many advantages over gasoline-powered cars, such as lower running costs, zero emissions, greater efficiency, and more convenience, which will only improve as their range of travel is extended. As electric vehicle technology continues to improve, these advantages will become even more pronounced, and they will become an increasingly attractive option.
Christmas, as we all know, is the most expensive time of year. After the COVID-Christmas of 2020, many of us went all out to make that of 2021 more enjoyable, and that meant we spent more money. But exactly how much did we spend over the festive period last year? And what did we spend our money on?
Estimates suggest that the average UK household spent around £1000 on Christmas-related things – that’s over half the average monthly household income after deductions. According to YouGov, gifts account for the largest Christmas expense and it is estimated that adults each spent, on average, £300 to £550 on gifts alone. But gifts are just one part of our seasonal spending. Travel and accommodation make up the second largest bill with Brits spending an average of £350 on visiting family and friends. Then there are all the social events which we attended. Though the bill for that was less than in the years prior to the pandemic, we still forked out an average of £130 each on parties and meals with friends. Christmas decorations also accounted for a large proportion of our expenditure with the average household spending £176 on decorating the home (finder.com). Then there’s the festive lunch itself. According to finder.com the average Christmas day meal cost £291 for a family of four. We supposedly spent £22 on pigs in blankets, £23 on the pudding and over £100 on wine and cheese for four people to consume on Christmas day.
According to the Bank of England, the typical household normally spends around £2500 each month, but during December this figure increases by almost 30% as we spend extra money on gifts, food, and drink. Book sales typically double in number in the run up to Christmas whilst we spend 20% more on food, and 38% more on alcohol, than we normally do.
Evidently, the festivities do not come cheap. And the amount we spend generally rises year upon year. Both as a result of inflation and due to simply buying more than we have done previously, last year we spent around £170 more than we did 10 years ago for the Christmas of 2011. How much more will we spend in 2022?
Whatever subject you are studying or qualification you are studying for, contact with your teacher or tutor – even when remote – is an invaluable part of that process. They are usually the subject experts, have a full understanding of the assessment process and have, more often than not, supported many other students who felt exactly the same as you do now about their learning. Whether you are confident in your subject knowledge and looking for ways to stretch yourself in order to achieve the very best results or are still a little uncertain and unsure how you might secure the grade you need, your tutors can provide you with the support you require. Here are a few simple strategies every student should try in order to boost the benefits of the contact they have.
Put simply, meet their expectations! If they provide a task, complete it. If they set a deadline, meet it. If you have a meeting, be there. Programmes of study and assessment schedules are in place to meet the needs of everyone; ensuring that there is adequate time for covering all of the content, assessing progress and providing feedback. A tutor works with many students and if you don’t adhere to the plan then you are unlikely to get the time you deserve. If there is a problem with the schedule set out for you, talk to your tutor in advance so that they can make any amendment they possibly can in order to make sure that everyone’s needs are met. If a tutor sees you are committed to your learning and doing what is required they are likely to go above and beyond in the ways in which they support you.
As already mentioned, the tutor is the subject expert. They have the knowledge of the subject but also the ways it is assessed and how to ensure you can demonstrate it when required to do so. Listen to their advice. Take notes where required. Follow their suggestions. However, if there is something you are unsure about, don’t be afraid to ask! Questioning is key to developing a deeper understanding and mastery of a subject but is also a great tool in ensuring there have been no miscommunications or misunderstandings. Your tutor will respect your ability to really engage with the content you are covering together and look for ways to address your questions in more detail.
Receiving feedback is one of the most important parts of the learning journey. However, many of us find getting feedback something that is really, really hard! Instead of thinking about what is said by your tutor as being ‘good’ or ‘bad’, try to consider what you can learn from it instead. If you are given praise for a certain aspect of your work, think about what you did that made this so effective. If there are comments relating to something that hasn’t worked out so well then think about what you might do differently next time. Reflection is key to making progress. Also, apply the same thought process when it comes to your attitude to learning. If a tutor comments on this, avoid taking it personally and think of how you might use what they have said to become a more effective learner.
Don’t forget that any contact that you have with your tutor is designed to benefit YOU. If you are in need of something specific from that contact then, again, do not be afraid to ask! In reality, this involves planning and preparing for any contact you have before you have it. Make a note of any questions you have when studying independently. If you need to revisit any material with them, ask in advance. If you have found a subject area particularly easy or hard, let them know. Remember, your tutor will be looking to support you in a way that is personalised to meet your needs too, so the more effectively you’re able to communicate these, the better they will be able to do this.