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Strangely the UK, which has a no formal constitution and an unimaginable number "gentleman's agreement" parliamentary traditions - with absolutely no recourse f

Strangely the UK, which has a no formal constitution and an unimaginable number "gentleman's agreement" parliamentary traditions - with absolutely no recourse for political malfeasance - has faired remarkably well for hundreds of years. The entire system is built on the notion that "the next leader will probably not undermine the entire system". It's only really faced a couple of real internal systemic threats throughout its history and was (until the last decade) considered a bastion of political stability.

nobodyandproud 3y ago
With the French Revolution, the American Revolution, then Imperialism, then World War 2 and then its loss of influence: The UK faired remarkably simply because of the Enlightenment and later, the consequences of fighting against the people. Then antagonizing ally that shared many common interests. Still, I can totally see the UK’s democracy devolving quickly, if in the decades and generations ahead governments trend towards authoritarianism.
blibble 3y ago
> It's only really faced a couple of real internal systemic threats throughout its history and was (until the last decade) considered a bastion of political stability. the political instability was an unintended consequence of a small change in 2011: the Fixed Term Parliaments Act the Act removed the ancient power of the PM to call an election early (ironically intending to provide stability) it resulted in a situation where parliament couldn't agree on anything with the usual way out (government calling a general election) no longer possible the Fixed Term Parliaments Act has now been repealed, so hopefully this was a one-off