2. Political Parties Flashcards
What is a political party?
A party or organisation which stands for a range of policies as shown through their manifesto in which they can be elected by the public to Parliament.
Seek power = Government
What is ‘right wing’?
Policies often associated with conservatism.
Promotion of individualism with less interference from the state.
What is ‘left wing’?
Socialist Principles.
Associated with the welfare state and redistribution of wealth
Public services and large state intervention
What are the functions of parties?
Making Policies Representation Selecting Candidates Identifying leaders Organising elections Political education Reinforcing consent
What is a mandate?
A mandate is a term referring to the consent granted to a political party at an election given by the electorate
What is a manifesto?
A collection of beliefs, aspirations, commitments and promises presented to the electorate by parties during an election
How are parties funded?
MPs paid from taxation. Collecting membership Holding fundraising events Receiving donations Raising loans Self-financing Grants available from the Electoral Commission
Arguments FOR State Funding
Representative democracy stems from parties
Remove the disparity in resources available
May encourage participation
Curb the possible corruption
Arguments AGAINST State funding
Increased state funding could lead to calls for greater state regulation - reducing party independence
It is hard to decide upon the amount
Could isolate parties from the wishes of voters
Taxpayers would resent compulsory contributions to parties they disapprove of
