2.2d The Liberal Democrats Flashcards

1
Q

Founding of the party

A

The Liberal Democrats formed when the Liberal Party and the Social Democratic Party merged in 1988.

The Liberals were a major political force in the 19th and early 20th century but had declined in popularity.

The Social Democratic Party was formed by the ‘Gang of Four’, four Labour Party politicians who left the party in 1981 because they were unhappy with the policies under Michael Foot.

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2
Q

Development of the party

A

Under the first leader Paddy Ashdown, the party tried to be the middle ground between Labour and the Conservatives, but with policies focusing on reform.

At first, the party failed to win seats, but in the 1990s the Lib Dems started winning by-elections and increasing support in local elections.

In 1997 the Lib Dems won 46 seats, and increased this in 2001 and 2005.

There was a decline in popularity after 2006, and Nick Clegg became leader in 2007.

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3
Q

Liberal ideology: classical

A

Classical liberalism argues for limited state intervention, and advocates equality, tolerance and freedom.

Classical liberalism proposes that the best way to improve people’s livelihoods is through self-improvement rather than through the state playing a role.

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4
Q

Liberal ideology: modern

A

Modern liberalism advocates the need for more state intervention by introducing regulation of the market and providing welfare for people.

Scholars such as Thomas Hill Green and Leonard Hobhouse advocated modern or new liberalism.

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5
Q

Nick Clegg

A

The Lib Dems gained more support in the 2010 election campaign, and Nick Clegg was a popular figure.

Nick Clegg became a popular figure after the leadership debates.

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6
Q

The Coalition Government

A

Despite increased popularity, the Lib Dems lost seats in 2010 and joined the Conservatives in a coalition government after the 2010 election.

The coalition meant that the party broke election promises such as not increasing tuition fees.

The Lib Dems were a moderating force in the coalition government and blocked some Conservative policies - such as inheritance tax cuts.

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7
Q

Leaders after 2015

A

Tim Farron was the leader after Nick Clegg, and led the party at the 2017 general election.

Farron lost popularity when he made controversial comments on homosexuality.

After Tim Farron, Vince Cable became leader and then, in 2019, the party elected its first female leader Jo Swinson.

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8
Q

Jo Swinson

A

AHAHAHAHHAH

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