2.1 The Functions And Features Of Political Parties

Question 1

What is a representative democracy?

Answer 1

A system where citizens elect representatives (like MPs) to make decisions on their behalf. These representatives are held accountable through regular elections.

Question 2

What is the role of political parties in British politics?

Answer 2

Political parties dominate British politics by grouping MPs with shared political ideas. Most MPs belong to political parties, and elections primarily focus on these parties.

Question 3

Political parties dominate British politics by grouping MPs with shared political ideas. Most MPs belong to political parties, and elections primarily focus on these parties.

Answer 3

It categorizes political ideas, with “left-wing” supporting collective well-being and government intervention, and “right-wing” emphasizing individual freedom and limited government.

Question 4

What is a party system?

Answer 4

A party system explains how political power is shared among different political parties in a country. For example, the UK traditionally had a two-party system with the Conservatives and Labour dominating, but it has recently shifted to a two-and-a-half-party system, where smaller parties like the Liberal Democrats or SNP can influence decisions, such as during coalition governments.

Question 5

What is a two-party system?

Answer 5

A system where two major political parties hold most of the power, as traditionally seen in the UK with the Conservative and Labour Parties.

Question 6

What is a two-and-a-half-party system?

Answer 6

A system where two major parties dominate but a smaller party (e.g., Liberal Democrats or SNP) can influence decisions or hold the balance of power.

Question 7

How has the UK’s party system evolved recently?

Answer 7

It has shifted towards a two-and-a-half-party system, with smaller parties sometimes playing a key role, such as in coalition governments.

Question 8

What is the left-wing perspective on the role of the state?

Answer 8

The left supports a strong state to reduce inequality and promote social cohesion through welfare services like healthcare and education.

Question 9

What is retributive taxation?

Answer 9

A system where wealthier individuals pay higher taxes to support public services.

Question 10

What is nationalization?

Answer 10

Government control of key industries (e.g., energy or healthcare) to ensure equal access for everyone.

Question 11

What is the left-wing stance on multiculturalism?

Answer 11

It supports multiculturalism and equal respect for different lifestyles, advocating for personal freedom in how people live.

Question 12

What is the relationship between the left wing and trade unions?

Answer 12

The left has a close relationship with trade unions, which represent workers’ rights and the economic interests of the working class.

Question 13

What is the right-wing perspective on individual freedom?

Answer 13

The right emphasizes individual control over their lives with minimal government intervention.

Question 14

Why does the right wing favor low taxation?

Answer 14

To encourage economic freedom and the efficient functioning of the market.

Question 15

What is privatization?

Answer 15

Selling government-owned businesses to private companies to promote competition and improve efficiency

Question 16

What is the right-wing stance on social conservatism?

Answer 16

It values traditional lifestyles, strong national identity, and limited changes to societal norms.

Question 17

What are the key beliefs of the left wing?

Answer 17

• Focus on fairness and equality.
• Higher taxes for the wealthy to fund public services.
• Nationalization of key industries.
• Support for multiculturalism and social progress.

Question 18

What are the key beliefs of the right wing?

Answer 18

• Emphasis on individual freedom and low taxation.
• Privatization to promote competition.
• Social conservatism and traditional values.
• Support for law, order, and a strong national identity.

Question 19

What are factions within a political party?

Answer 19

Factions are groups within a party that focus on specific aspects of the party’s ideology. For instance, right-wing Conservatives favor minimal taxation, while Labour’s left-wing factions supports nationalization.

Question 20

How do Boris Johnson’s and Sir Keir Starmer’s approaches illustrate party factions?

Answer 20

Boris Johnson raised taxes to fund public investment, conflicting with right-wing Conservatives’ preference for low taxes. Sir Keir Starmer takes a moderate Labour stance, accepting the free market, differing from Momentum’s socialist policies.

Question 21

What is fascism?

Answer 21

Fascism is a political system where a powerful leader controls the government and enforces strict obedience, often suppressing freedom of speech and using force. Examples: Nazi Germany under Hitler, Italy under Mussolini.

Question 22

What are the key characteristics of fascism?

Answer 22

Fascism emphasizes nationalism, authoritarian leadership, strict obedience, limited personal freedom, and forceful control over people’s lives.

Question 23

What is communism?

Answer 23

Communism is a system where the government owns all property and businesses, aiming to create equality by eliminating private ownership. Examples: The Soviet Union, China, Cuba, and North Korea.

Question 24

What are the key goals of communism?

Answer 24

Communism seeks equality through shared wealth and resources, though in practice, the government often has significant control over people’s lives.

Question 25

What is adversary politics?

Answer 25

Adversary politics occurs when political parties strongly oppose each other on fundamental issues, focusing on winning elections by emphasizing their differences.

Question 26

What are the key features of adversary politics?

Answer 26

1. Strong competition between parties.
2. Little cooperation or compromise.
3. Focus on distinct, opposing policies.

Question 27

What is consensus politics?

Answer 27

Consensus politics happens when political parties generally agree on broad policy goals and work together, finding common ground despite differences.

Question 28

What are the key features of consensus politics?

Answer 28

1. Willingness to compromise.
2. Focus on shared goals.
3. Cooperation between parties to solve issues.

Question 29

What are the main functions of political parties in the UK?

Answer 29

1. Selecting candidates
   
   2. Providing the personnel of government
   3. Electing a leader
   4. Policy formulation (the manifesto)
   5. Campaigning
   6. Representation
   7. Mobilizing consent for government