UK

The United Kingdom's democratic institutions are strong and mature, although terror threats have shifted priorities.

Elections are free and fair. Media attention skews toward the three major parties.

Civil rights protection has shifted toward protection of life, rather than of civil liberties. Discrimination has risen since the 9/11 and 2005 London terror attacks.

Though no written constitution exists, the rule of law is secure.

A light regulatory framework has helped drive unemployment to stable low levels, and has stimulated economic activity.

Incentives to work have recently been increased. Financial and business services were particular beneficiaries of light regulation.

Corporate taxes are low and falling, but have led to a corresponding increase in consumption taxes.

While budgets have been moderately unbalanced, recent deficits have been relatively slight.

Although social welfare payments have raised incomes, the UK has high levels of inequality, with little policy focus on equity.

The universal public health care service is central to British policy. Spending has been increased, but long wait times persist.

The government recently boosted funding for child care and extended maternity leaves, providing more support for working mothers.

Public pension levels are low, with many pensioners living in poverty.

Britain's foreign policy has been shaped in recent years by a close partnership with the United States, and a leading role in European security and defense strategy.

Participation in Iraq proved deeply unpopular. "Home-grown" Islamic terrorism is a growing threat.

The UK is a multiethnic society. Muslim communities, with relatively weak cultural ties to majority society, have challenged integration policy.

The UK has become a leader in market-based environmental policies. Despite progress, CO2 emissions and energy consumption remain concerns.

Although technical research has been relatively low compared to top economies, non-technical innovation, as in the financial services sector, is substantial.

Average test scores are high, but a large share of students attains very low educational levels.

Under Prime Minister Blair, the UK centralized strategic, expert-advised planning capabilities.

The strong prime minister is able to overrule ministers, and drive the policy agenda. The Blair government put a high value on cohesive communication.

RIAs are conducted for all major new legislation.

Interest groups have taken a larger role in policy development, but formal consultation channels are few.

With only 83.17 percent of government-sponsored bills adopted in parliament during the review period, legislative efficiency was not high.

The House of Lords rejects roughly one in five bills, but can be overridden by the House of Commons.

Blair's Labor government was successful in implementing most of its policies.

Euroskepticism is widespread in Britain, but as a key EU member, the country has necessarily adjusted its political structures to some degree.

Under Blair, the UK has taken an active international role, influencing EU debates, and participating in economic development and environmental reform projects.

Britain can be considered an exporter of reforms.

With no standard mechanism in place for governmental self-monitoring, reforms are very much ad hoc.

British citizens' understanding of government policy varies widely. Most adults do not feel they know much about politics.

The parliament has substantial oversight mechanisms, but the majority party's dominance reduces independence.

Party agendas are both coherent and consistent. Interest groups' proposals are usually moderate, though their influence is often slight.