2/3 topics eof Y basic Flashcards
What are the 5 main functions of political parties in the UK, and give an example of each?
Representation: Representing the views of their members and supporters (e.g., the Green Party representing environmental concerns in the UK). Participation: Encouraging people to get involved in UK politics (e.g., Labour Party’s “members’ day” in the UK). Policy formulation: Developing policies and manifestos (e.g., Conservative Party’s 2019 UK manifesto on Brexit). Recruitment of leaders: Finding and training future UK political leaders (e.g., UK party leadership elections). Organizing elections: Running campaigns and getting candidates elected in the UK (e.g., UK national and local election campaigns).
How are political parties funded in the UK, and what are the main sources of income?
Membership fees: Varying amounts depending on the party in the UK. Donations from individuals and organizations: Large donations must be declared in the UK. State funding: “Short Money” for opposition parties in the UK Parliament.
What are the arguments for state funding of political parties in the UK, and what UK legislation has addressed this?
Creates a level playing field: Reduces the advantage of wealthy parties in the UK. Reduces the influence of wealthy donors: Limits potential corruption in UK politics. Helps smaller parties: Gives them a chance to compete in the UK. Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (UK).
What are the arguments against state funding of political parties in the UK, and what are some examples of scandals involving party funding in the UK?
Taxpayers shouldn’t fund parties they don’t support: Can lead to public resentment in the UK. Might reduce party independence: Parties may become too reliant on the state in the UK. It’s hard to decide how to distribute funds: Could lead to accusations of bias in the UK. Cash for Honours Scandal (UK).
What are the historical origins of the Conservative Party in the UK, and who were some of its key UK leaders?
Evolved from the Tory Party in the 18th century in the UK. Key UK leaders: Benjamin Disraeli, Margaret Thatcher, David Cameron.
Front
Back
What are the historical origins of the Labour Party in the UK, and what is Clause IV in the context of the UK Labour Party?
Grew out of the trade union movement in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the UK. Clause IV: Original commitment to nationalization (later revised by New Labour in the UK).
What are the historical origins of the Liberal Democrat Party in the UK, and what were the key policies of the Liberal Democrats in the 2010 UK coalition government?
Formed from the merger of the Liberal and Social Democratic parties in 1988 in the UK. Coalition Policies: Tuition fee increase, and austerity measures (UK).
What are the key ideas of “One-Nation Conservatism” in the UK, and which UK Prime Minister is associated with it?
Paternalistic conservatism, social responsibility, and national unity in the UK. Associated with: Benjamin Disraeli and, in modern times, sometimes David Cameron (UK).
What are the key ideas of the “New Right” in the UK, and which UK Prime Minister is most closely associated with it?
Free-market economics, limited government, and traditional social values in the UK. Associated with: Margaret Thatcher (UK).
What is the “Third Way” ideology of New Labour in the UK, and which UK Prime Minister is associated with it?
A centrist approach, combining market economics with social justice in the UK. Associated with: Tony Blair (UK).
Name a key policy associated with Thatcherism in the UK, and what were its effects?
Privatization of state-owned industries (e.g., British Telecom, British Gas) in the UK. Effects: Increased efficiency but also increased inequality in the UK.
Name a key policy associated with New Labour in the UK, and what were its effects?
Introduction of the national minimum wage in the UK. Effects: Reduced low pay but also faced criticism from businesses in the UK.
What is the difference between classical and modern liberalism in the UK, and which key thinkers are associated with each?
Classical liberalism: Individual liberty, limited government. Modern liberalism: Social justice, greater role for the state. NEED AO1: Names of key thinkers.
What was the impact of the 2010 coalition government on the Liberal Democrats in the UK, and what was the result of the 2015 UK general election for the Liberal Democrats?
Damaged their popularity: Seen as betraying their promises on tuition fees in the UK. 2015 Result: Lost 49 seats, leaving them with just 8 MPs.
What is the name of the Liberal Democrat ideology in the UK that leans more towards classical liberalism, and which key UK figure is associated with it?
Orange Book Liberalism. Key figure: Nick Clegg (UK).
Front of Flashcard
Back of Flashcard
What is the Human Rights Act (HRA)?
The HRA is a law passed in 1998 that incorporates the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) into UK law. This means people can defend their rights in UK courts.
What is the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR)?
An international treaty created in 1950 that protects human rights in Europe. The UK was one of the countries that signed it.
Why do some people want to replace the HRA with a British Bill of Rights?
They argue that the HRA undermines parliamentary sovereignty and gives too much power to judges and the European Court of Human Rights. They want a UK-specific bill of rights.
What are “Undeserved Protections”?
This refers to the debate about whether certain people, like terrorists or prisoners, should have the same human rights as others.
Why is there a debate about prisoners’ voting rights?
The ECHR has ruled that a blanket ban on prisoners voting is against their human rights, but many UK politicians disagree.
Why do some people criticize judges for having too much power?
They argue that judges’ interpretations of human rights take power away from the elected Parliament.
What is “Parliamentary Sovereignty”?
The idea that Parliament is the supreme law-maker. Some argue that the HRA conflicts with this principle.
What is the Equality Act 2010?
A law that protects people from discrimination based on certain characteristics (like race, gender, and sexuality).
What is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)?
A global agreement by the UN on fundamental human rights, adopted in 1948.
What is the English Bill of Rights (1689)?
A law that limited the monarch’s power and established things like free elections.
What is the Habeas Corpus Act (1679)?
A law that protects against unlawful imprisonment.
What is the Magna Carta (1215)?
The first document in English history to limit the monarch’s power and protect certain rights.
What are “Civil Rights”?
Rights that belong to a person as a citizen, like equality under the law and the right to vote.
What are “Human Rights”?
Rights that every person is believed to have, like the right to life and freedom from torture.
Front of Flashcard
Back of Flashcard
What is Direct Democracy?
A system where people make decisions directly, often through voting in referendums (e.g., the 2016 EU Referendum).
Give an example of Direct Democracy in the UK.
The 2016 EU Referendum, where people voted directly on whether the UK should leave the European Union.
What is Representative Democracy?
A system where people elect representatives (e.g., MPs) to make decisions on their behalf. This is the most common type of democracy in large countries.
Give an example of Representative Democracy in the UK.
General elections, where people vote for Members of Parliament (MPs) to represent them in the UK Parliament.
What are some similarities between Direct and Representative Democracy?
Both systems are based on the idea of majority rule, and both use polling to understand public opinion.
What are some differences between Direct and Representative Democracy?
Direct democracy involves more frequent public votes, while representative democracy involves elections every few years.
What is the “Democratic Deficit”?
When democratic systems fail to provide effective representation, meaning people feel their voices aren’t heard.
What is the “Participation Crisis”?
When there’s declining voter turnout and a general disengagement from the political process.
Give an example of a reform to improve democracy in the UK.
Having more frequent referendums, giving more power to local governments (devolution), or changing the way we elect MPs.
What is a referendum?
A vote where citizens are asked to decide directly on a policy or proposal.
What is devolution?
The transfer of power from a central government to regional or local governments.
What is an elected House of Lords?
A proposal to change the House of Lords from an appointed body to an elected one, making it more democratic.
Flashcard
Back of Flashcard
What is a Pressure Group?
A group of people who try to influence government decisions without being in the government themselves.
What are the different types of Pressure Groups?
Sectional Groups, Cause Groups, Insider Groups, and Outsider Groups.
What is a Sectional Group?
A pressure group that represents the interests of a specific section of society, like workers (e.g., Trade Unions) or businesses.
What is a Cause Group?
A pressure group that promotes a particular cause or issue, like environmental protection (e.g., Greenpeace).
What is an Insider Group?
A pressure group that works closely with the government and has regular access to officials (e.g., BMA).
What is an Outsider Group?
A pressure group that doesn’t work closely with the government and may use more public-facing tactics (e.g., Extinction Rebellion).
What methods do Pressure Groups use?
Lobbying, public protests, using the courts, and strikes.
What is Lobbying?
Talking to government officials and trying to persuade them to support your cause.
What is a Think Tank?
A group that researches and develops ideas for government policies (e.g., Policy Exchange, Institute of Economic Affairs).
How do Corporations try to influence the government?
By lobbying, donating to political parties, and using their economic power.
What is Pluralism?
The idea that lots of different groups should be able to have their say in a democracy.
What is Elitism?
The idea that a small, powerful group has too much influence in society.
Give an example of a successful Pressure Group campaign.
Answers will vary, but you could mention a campaign that led to a change in government policy.
What is a Trade Union?
An organization of workers that aims to protect their rights and improve their working conditions.
What is Direct Action?
Using tactics like protests, strikes, or civil disobedience to achieve political goals (e.g., used by Just Stop Oil).
Front of Flashcard
Back of Flashcard
What is Judicial Review?
A process where courts check if the government or public bodies have made decisions lawfully. It’s like a legal check-up for government actions.
Why doesn’t the government always like Judicial Review?
Because courts can overturn their decisions, which the government might see as interfering with their ability to do their job.
How has the government tried to limit Judicial Review?
By making it harder to get legal aid (financial help for court cases), raising court fees, and trying to change the rules of how Judicial Review works.
Why is Judicial Review important?
It keeps the government in check, makes sure everyone follows the law (upholds the rule of law), and is important for fairness and justice.
What is the “Rule of Law”?
The idea that everyone, including the government, must follow the law and is equal under it.
What is Legal Aid?
Financial help from the government to pay for a court case.
Give an example of a case where Judicial Review was used.
The article 50 case (about Brexit) or the prorogation of Parliament case (when Parliament was suspended).
What does “Prorogation” mean?
The act of ending a session of Parliament.
What is a public body?
An organisation that is funded by the government through taxes.
What is a decision being unlawful?
This means the decision was made
Front of Flashcard
Back of Flashcard
What was the Great Reform Act of 1832?
The first major reform of the voting system in the UK. It expanded the electorate, but still excluded most working-class men and all women.
What was the Representation of the People Act 1867?
Increased the electorate by giving the vote to some working-class men in urban areas.
What was the Representation of the People Act 1884?
Further expanded the electorate to include working-class men in rural areas.
What was the Representation of the People Act 1918?
Gave the vote to all men over 21 and some women over 30.
What was the Representation of the People Act 1928?
Gave women the right to vote on equal terms as men (over 21).
What was the Representation of the People Act 1969?
Lowered the voting age to 18 for all men and women.
Who were the Suffragists?
Women who campaigned for the right to vote, using peaceful methods (e.g., Millicent Fawcett, NUWSS).
Who were the Suffragettes?
Women who campaigned for the right to vote, using more militant methods like protests and civil disobedience (e.g., Emmeline Pankhurst, WSPU).
What is the ongoing debate about the voting age?
Some people argue it should be lowered to 16, while others argue it should remain at 18.
What are some arguments for lowering the voting age to 16?
That 16 and 17-year-olds can work, pay taxes, and join the army, so they should have a say in how the country is run.
What are some arguments against lowering the voting age to 16?
That 16 and 17-year-olds may not have enough life experience to make informed political decisions.
What is the “Franchise”?
The right to vote in public elections.
What is “Suffrage”?
Another term for the right to vote.
What is the Commonwealth?
A political association of 56 member states, mostly territories of the former British Empire.
Front
Back
What is the main goal of the Scottish National Party (SNP), and how many seats did they win in the 2019 general election?
Scottish independence. 2019: 48 seats.
What was the main goal of UKIP, and what was their impact on the 2016 EU referendum?
Withdrawal of the UK from the European Union. Impact: Significant influence on the referendum result. 2015 General Election: Obtained nearly 12.6% of the national vote, but only secured one seat in Parliament. This clearly highlights the disproportionate impact of the FPTP system.
What are the key ideas of the Green Party, and how many MPs did they have after the 2019 general election?
Environmentalism, social justice, and sustainability. 2019: 1 MP.
Name a key leader of the SNP, and a key leader of UKIP.
SNP: Nicola Sturgeon. UKIP: Nigel Farage.
Explain how FPTP effects the amount of seats that minor parties gain.
FPTP makes it difficult for parties with dispersed support to win seats, even if they have a significant share of the vote.
Explain the importance of minor parties in devolved assemblies.
Proportional representation in devolved assemblies gives minor parties a greater chance of representation. Example: The Scottish National Party (SNP) holds the largest number of seats in the Scottish Parliament. Example: Plaid Cymru holds seats within the Welsh Senedd.
Reform’s increasing professionalism as an example of importance of political parties
Front
Back
What is a two-party system in the UK?
A system where two major parties dominate politics.
What is a multi-party system in the UK?
A system where multiple parties have a realistic chance of gaining power.
What is a dominant-party system in the UK?
A system where one party consistently wins elections.
What are the implications of a multi-party system for government in the UK, and give an example of a recent UK election that resulted in a hung parliament.
More coalition governments, greater diversity of views, and potentially less stable governments. 2010 General Election.
What factors affect the success of political parties in the UK?
Leadership, policies, funding, media coverage, and public opinion. Example: Tony Blair’s leadership in the New Labour era.
How does the media influence political party success in the UK, and how has social media changed the landscape?
By shaping public perception, setting the agenda, and providing platforms for parties. Social media: Increased speed of information and potential for misinformation.
What are some of the effects of the increase of social media on political parties?
Increased speed of communication. The ability to directly target voters. An increase in the spread of misinformation.
How does the electoral system effect the success of minor parties?
First past the post makes it difficult for smaller parties to gain seats.
What is “Old Labour,” and what is its connection to Clause IV?
A form of social democracy emphasizing state intervention and welfare. Clause IV: Commitment to nationalization.
What is “New Labour,” and what were some of its key policies?
Also known as the “Third Way,” a more centrist approach emphasizing market economics and social justice. Key policies: National minimum wage, devolution.
What is “One Nation” conservatism, and which Prime Minister is associated with it?
A paternalistic form of conservatism emphasizing social responsibility and national unity. Benjamin Disraeli.
What is the “New Right,” and what were its key economic policies?
A conservative ideology combining free-market economics with traditional social values. Key policies: Privatization, deregulation.
What are “Classical liberals,” and what is their view on the role of the state?
Advocates for individual liberty, limited government, and free markets. View: Minimal state intervention.
What are “Modern liberals,” and what is their view on social justice?
Support social justice, equality, and a more active role for the state in promoting welfare. View: State intervention to promote equality.
What is a “Party system,” and what are the main types?
The number and relative strength of political parties within a country. Types: Two-party, multi-party, dominant-party.
What is “Left-wing” ideology?
Political views that generally favor social equality and state intervention.
What is “Right-wing” ideology?
Political views that generally favor free markets and limited government.
