CASE STUDY : JOHN MAJOR 3.3

Question 1

when did John Major show GOOD control over his party during unprecedented events

Answer 1

• replace poll tax with council tax
• handling Gulf War
• reacting to events rather than implementing agenda
• progress with Northern Ireland

Question 2

how was ‘replacing poll tax to council tax’ significantly good for John Major

Answer 2

separated him from ‘uncaring’ thatcher government = help get re-elected

Question 3

how was ‘handling the Gulf War’ significantly good for John Major

Answer 3

• expel Saddam Hussein from Kuwait
• He was good in dealing with British forces and British opinion which made him likeable

Question 4

how was ‘reacting to events rather than implementing agenda’ significantly good for John Major

Answer 4

• Britain’s departure from the Exchange Rate Mechanism gave economically reliable reputation

Question 5

how was ‘easing tensions in northern Ireland’ significant for John Major

Answer 5

December 1993 Downing Street Declaration saying there would be ‘no united ireland’

Question 6

when did John Major show BAD control over his party during unprecedented events

Answer 6

• Black Wednesday
• Conflict over EU
• crises after crises

Question 7

how was ‘Black Wednesday’ significant for John Major

Answer 7

• had to pull out of the ERM ( Exchange rate Mechanism ) during Black Wednesday
• raised interest rates
• reputation tarnished

Question 8

how was ‘Conflict over EU’ significant for John Major

Answer 8

• hardcore ‘eurosceptic’ backbenchers
• divided cabinet
• weak leadership

Question 9

how was’ crises after crises’ significant for John Major

Answer 9

• sleaze scandals
• ‘thatcherism with a human face’ and ‘Citizen’s Charter’ didn’t go to plan
• TWAHF = make public services accountable to their users
  *CC = lay down expectations for public sector