ABSTRACT
All political systems reflect the traditions and nature of the society it purports to rule: the political context. Three elements are identified as constituting such context: political culture, the social and economic context and the constitution. Political culture is one of the key factors which mediate demands made upon political systems and often determines outcomes. Economic influences means by which wealth is created in a society is of great importance in determining its political culture. Britain’s role as the first industrialised country meant its social divisions were accentuated. Most would like to earn more money and enjoy an ever-improving standard of living; Britons are substantially accepting of materialistic values. British politics has never been especially polite but the Brexit conflict saw standards of civility sink to new and worrying levels where opponents ceased to listen respectfully and discuss rationally in favour of raised voices and angry denunciation. An important factor facilitating this decline has been the use of social media.
