9. challenges to parliament and democracy 1980-2014 Flashcards
What was Margaret Thatcher’s approach to state regulation?
Margaret Thatcher decreased state regulation and clashed with trade unions.
What was Thatcher’s belief regarding businesses?
Thatcher believed that businesses should have more independence to thrive.
What fiscal policy did Thatcher implement for businesses?
She cut taxes on businesses so they could have control over their own money.
What major action did Thatcher take regarding industries?
She privatised some of Britain’s major industries such as British Steel and utilities.
What was Thatcher’s view on the welfare system?
Thatcher thought the welfare system did not inspire people to achieve, leading to cuts in welfare spending.
What was the poll tax introduced by Thatcher in 1990?
The poll tax was a flat tax for everyone, regardless of wealth, which some considered unfair.
How did Tony Blair’s government relate to Thatcher’s policies?
Blair borrowed heavily from Thatcherite ideas, agreeing on the independence of industries.
What did Blair continue from Thatcher’s policies?
Blair continued to privatise some major industries and maintained restrictions on trade unions.
How did Blair’s leadership style compare to Thatcher’s?
Blair acted in a presidential manner, similar to Thatcher’s image-conscious approach.
In what areas did Blair increase the power of central government?
Blair increased the power of central government in areas such as education.
What was one of Blair’s actions regarding trade unions?
Blair continued the power of trade unions.
How did Blair’s government compare to Thatcher’s regarding central government power?
Blair increased the power of central government in some areas, such as education.
What challenge did Parliament face in the 1980s?
Parliament was challenged by pressure groups.
When was the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) established?
The CND emerged in the 1950s.
What was the aim of the CND?
The aim of the CND was to remove nuclear weapons from Britain.
What significant event occurred in October 1983 related to the CND?
Roughly 300,000 people attended a public meeting.
What was one of Greenpeace’s main goals?
Greenpeace aimed to raise awareness of environmental issues.
When was Greenpeace established?
Greenpeace was established in 1971.
What types of campaigns did Greenpeace conduct?
Greenpeace campaigns included those against the use of nuclear power and toxic chemicals.
What was the level of support for the CND?
Roughly 30 percent of the population in Britain supported the CND.
What was a key characteristic of the CND’s political stance?
The CND was not tied to any specific political party.
What was the outcome of the CND’s efforts?
The CND did not achieve its aims but succeeded in raising awareness.
What has been a long-standing dispute in Northern Ireland?
There have been disputes about whether Northern Ireland should be part of the UK.
What was the result of the 1998 settlement in Northern Ireland?
A settlement was reached that set up an Assembly representing all groups in Northern Ireland.
What significant political change occurred in Scotland in 1998?
The Scottish Parliament was created after a vote for devolution of power.
What was the result of the 2014 Scottish independence referendum?
55 percent of people voted not to become independent.
What tension arose from the 2016 EU membership referendum?
Scotland did not vote to leave the EU, causing some Scottish people to support a second independence referendum.
What happened in Wales in 1997?
People in Wales voted for devolution.
What was established in Wales by 2007?
Wales had its own National Assembly with control over education, health, and law and order.
What was the political situation in the UK in 2010?
In 2010, a hung Parliament led to a coalition government.
What does a ‘hung Parliament’ mean?
A ‘hung Parliament’ means that no one party achieved an overall majority.
Which parties formed the coalition government in 2010?
The Conservatives and Liberal Democrats formed the coalition government.
What electoral change did the Liberal Democrats want?
The Liberal Democrats wanted a system of proportional representation.
What was the outcome of the 2011 referendum regarding electoral change?
The public voted against the proposed system of proportional representation in the 2011 referendum.
What is a consequence of a coalition government?
In a coalition, power is shared, which can mean parties have to compromise on some of their key policies.
What example illustrates the compromise in the coalition government?
The Conservatives were able to pass an Act to increase tuition fees, despite the Liberal Democrats having campaigned against this.
This illustrates the compromises made in coalition politics.
What trend has been observed in voter turnout among young people?
There has been a steady decline in the number of 18-24-year-olds voting in general elections.
What scandal contributed to disillusionment with the political system?
The expenses scandal raised concerns about MPs’ expenses and caused disillusionment with the political system.
What has been the trend in voter turnout since 2014?
There has been a steady increase in the number of people voting since 2014.
What factors contributed to the increase in voter turnout since 2014?
Topical referendums, such as on Scottish independence and membership of the EU, contributed to the increase in voter turnout.
What has been the trend regarding support for fringe parties?
There has been growing support for fringe parties, such as UKIP, indicating dissatisfaction with the current political system.
