02-07 UK starters Flashcards
What is the name of the voting system used in the UK?
First Past the Post (FPTP)
Describe what a trade union is?
- An organisation made up of workers from a certain industry or business
- They fight for workers’ rights and pay
Explain the term coalition government?
If no party wins a majority, the biggest party may team up with another party
Explain why it is important for governments to have strong majorities in parliament?
It is difficult to get laws passed without a majority
What three major political parties existed at the start of the 20th century in Britain?
The Conservatives, Labour and the Liberal party.
What three political parties existed at the start of the 20th century in Britain?
The Liberals, Conservatives and Labour
What happened to the Liberal Party in 1916?
The Liberal Party split between supporters of Asquith and David Lloyd George
Describe how Britain was governed from 1916-1922?
A coalition government of Liberals and Conservatives led by David Lloyd George
Who was the leader of the Conservative Party for the majority of the interwar period?
Stanley Baldwin
Why did the 1911 Wages for MP Act help the Labour Party?
It gave them the ability to send working-class MPs to parliament
What kind of government did Labour have in 1924 and 1929-31?
Minority governments: dependent on Liberal support
Why did the Liberal Party decline in the interwar years?
- Splits in 1916 between Asquithites and Georgites
- DLG mistakes: Geddes Axe, Cash For Honours, Chanak Crisis
- RISE OF LABOUR!
Explain why the Conservatives could be seen as ‘competent’ across this period?
- Adapted well to new electorate post-ROPA
- No class war rhetoric vs Labour
- Baldwin’s reputation for economic competence
Explain how the voting system benefitted the Tories?
- Plural voting favoured the Tories
- They won over many new voters in 1918 with ROPA
What struggles prevented Labour from dominating interwar politics?
Minority governments made it difficult to pass legislation/have strong government
Suspicion of communist sympathies: Campbell affair, Zinoviev Letter
World events: Great Depression
What was the legacy of WW1?
Loss of export markets
750,000 deaths
£3.25 billion debt
What two things did people invest their money in after WW1?
Shares in industries
Luxury Goods